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Heart of a Samurai: A Novel Paperback – Illustrated, January 1, 2012

by Margi Preus (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 760 ratings
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A New York Times Bestseller, Margi Preus’s Heart of a Samurai is “a terrific biographical novel” (Wall Street Journal), filled with international adventure, a look at cultural differences, and both American and Japanese history.

A John Newbery Medal Winner

An NPR Backseat Book Club pick

In 1841, a Japanese fishing vessel sinks. Its crew is forced to swim to a small, unknown island, where they are rescued by a passing American ship. Japan’s borders remain closed to all Western nations, so the crew sets off to America, learning English on the way.

Manjiro, a 14-year-old boy, is curious and eager to learn everything he can about this new culture. Eventually the captain adopts Manjiro and takes him to his home in New England. The boy lives there for some time and then heads to San Francisco to pan for gold. After many years, he makes it back to Japan, only to be imprisoned as an outsider.

With his hard-won knowledge of the West, Manjiro is in a unique position to persuade the emperor to ease open the boundaries around Japan; he may even achieve his unlikely dream of becoming a samurai.

This award-winning adventure novel will thrill and enrich every young reader who picks it up.

“Illustrated with Manjiro’s own pencil drawings in addition to other archival material and original art from Tamaki, this is a captivating fictionalized (although notably faithful) retelling of the boy’s adventures. Capturing his wonder, remarkable willingness to learn, the prejudice he encountered and the way he eventually influenced officials in Japan to open the country, this highly entertaining page-turner.” —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    336 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    760L
  6. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Amulet Paperbacks
  8. Publication date
    January 1, 2012
  9. ISBN-10
    1419702009
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1419702006
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Margi Preus is a New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Honor Book Heart of a Samurai and other notable books for young readers, including West of the Moon, Shadow on the Mountain, and Village of Scoundrels. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota, land of snow squalls and cardamom buns.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amulet Paperbacks; Illustrated edition (January 1, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1419702009
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1419702006
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 760L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 760 ratings

About the author

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Margi Preus

Margi Preus

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Margi Preus's books for young readers include the Newbery Honor winning Heart of a Samurai, and its companion The Bamboo Sword, also West of the Moon, Enchantment Lake, and Shadow on the Mountain. Her books have been ALA/ALSC Notables, received multiple awards, landed on many “best of” lists, been featured on NPR, and have been translated into several languages. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, speaking, and visiting schools all over the world.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
760 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Doug
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic inspiring tale
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
This a book that reads very much like a good classic Tarzan Story The author has done a great job in telling a tale of an curious and resourceful man. It is interesting to be reminded how the USA was connected to Japan even before the Meiji Restoration period. The Story flows easily and should be on any teenagers reading list. I really could have used a follow up book to fill in the rest of the story but others have written extensively about Manjiro's life.
In this cancel culture, people should still be able to know what people's lives were like in the whaling days. Every generation has hard working people who did what they could to survive. This book is inspiring to those who want to put in the effort to see their goals realized.
4 people found this helpful
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Joshua D Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Family Read
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
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We are reading this together as a family and we are all loving the story.
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Ann
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for young people
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2020
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The foundation of a historical and unusual protagonist gives this well-written story added significance for me. As an adult, I was a little disappointed that a few made-up incidents and opponents were introduced to make the story more gripping, but the tension is no doubt appreciated by the intended audience. I certainly recommend the book as both informative and enjoyable.
One person found this helpful
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Raul
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for your free time
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2023
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This book is a historical fiction. It is a great read for middle school child and above.
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KP
5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches lifelong lessons that are applicable no matter where you are from
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2020
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Reading this as an adult, it makes me think of grade school and the isolation exchange students must have felt during that time. I regret not being able to understand and empathize more with those friends. Given that I've now had the chance to live abroad twice, I found Manjiro echoing the sad words and feelings in my heart when I would long to belong or when I missed home. Today's world is smaller than ever, and the importance of empathy and kindness everlasting. I found a friend in Manjiro as someone who understands the pain of being isolated and misunderstood. If someone who has suffered yet gotten back up again. I am so grateful to have found and read this book. Thank you, Margi Preus for capturing this story so well.
One person found this helpful
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biogeek
5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written and many topics for discussion.
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
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This book was assigned reading for my daughter this year. We both enjoyed it. I was impressed with the writing (the author has some very nice turns of phrase). If your child is sensitive, then you may want to preview and abridge the section when Manjiro goes on his first whale hunt. It's not really bad, but just be prepared for questions about why they are killing the whale. Apart from discussing why whale oil was in demand in a time before electricity, the book presents opportunities to discuss homesickness, prejudice, bullying, culture shock and isolationist countries. I would definitely recommend this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Joy Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Rare Gem!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013
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I was and am thoroughly delighted to have read this book. It is not often, I find, that an author is so aptly able to bring an extraordinary character to life, fill in the emotions and moods of non-fiction, and tell a great story at the same time. As a teacher, I found this book to be perfect for class reading and discussion. I can already envision my students growing excited by the plot and intoxicated by the beautiful words. I highly recommend anyone of all ages to read this wonderful story.
7 people found this helpful
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chris eikenberry
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok book
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2013
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I liked but it was an ok book I liked the idea that this was a great book hi hi
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Top reviews from other countries

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James
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story
Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2022
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Engaging story
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Leo
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in Australia on October 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Good book
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川端　和子
5.0 out of 5 stars First Japanese 留学生 to アメリカ　
Reviewed in Japan on September 20, 2020
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幕末から明治にかけて大活躍した日本でも最初の国際人、ジョン万次郎の人物像、そしてアメリカでの彼の軌跡を実に詳しくわかりやすく描いた優れた作品である。この作品により、ジョン万次郎の知名度は日本よりもアメリカで断トツに上がり、アメリカの多くの少年少女がジョン万次郎を敬愛している。日本でも彼の果たした功績をもっと知ってほしい。航海技術、初めての英会話辞書、人格者としての幅広い交流など、加えて、ジョン万次郎と彼を助けたホイットフィールド船長のそれぞれの子孫の6代に渡る交流は、それぞれの住む町をも巻き込み姉妹都市交流に発展し、隔年主催のジョン万祭りとして定着している。グローバル世界の今、私達の進むべき方向を促してくれる必読書である。
4 people found this helpful
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Liddie
5.0 out of 5 stars Japanese shipwreck story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2017
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Lovely fascinating true story
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Ron
5.0 out of 5 stars A treat
Reviewed in Germany on July 29, 2015
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Wonderfully written easy to read book that is enjoyable to read for a twelve year old but also for adults.
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