SAMURAI RISING

Yoshitsune was a young boy when his father’s life was taken ruthlessly during the war. This was the way of life for a samurai warrior during 12th Century Japan.   As in any war there are two sides: the winning side, Taira, and the losing side, Minamoto.  Both samurai clans fought to the end.

Afterwards Kiyomori, a Taira leader, allowed baby Yoshitsune to live with the monks rather than have him killed. Young Yoshitsune did not grow up to look like a warrior from a long line of samaurai, but was a frail, unskilled man who  yearned to escape the monastery in order to live up to the Minamoto legacy and overthrow the Taira clan.

It is not often that a reader will find a non-fiction children’s book that captures one's attention like a novel.  This particular book is captivating when describing the characters and the battles in careful detail. The author, Pamela Turner, does not hold back nor does she sugarcoat scenes; instead, she has shared the story in such a way that leaves the reader completely immersed in history. Turner does a noteworthy job providing pronunciations of names in Japanese as well as offering notes for her sources.

Samurai Rising is highly recommended. Find out what became of young Yoshitsune. 

For ages 13 and up.

FLAT STANLEY IN JAPAN

Today's Chapter Book Chat selection
We meet at Casa Verdugo at 4pm for the book discussion. 

Stanley and Arthur Lambchop are true fans of The Seventeenth Samurai. They simply idolize the lead actor, Master Oda Nobu.  The brothers want to let Master Oda Nobu know how much they enjoy his movies so Stanley decides to send a message to him by mail.  During the course of their communication, Stanley realizes that things are not always what they seem to be but one decision changes things for Master Oda Nobu and this makes Stanley idolize him even more.  
From the series, Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures, readers will flip with delight after reading The Japanese Ninja Surprise. 

For 3rd grade and up.                                          

A GREAT ACTION ADVENTURE STORY

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi is an action packed Japanese mythological fantasy novel. Someone is trying to asassinate Prince Chagum, the second prince in line to the throne. While passing by a bridge, Balsa, a female bodyguard in a world of only male bodyguards rescues him from drowning. Surrounded by fear and suspicions Prince Chagum's mother begs Balsa to keep her son safe. As Balsa tries to figure out who is trying to kill the prince, she must battle dangerous soldiers from the royal court and old enemies from the spirit world.

A suspenseful story with lots of fighting, and blood. Great for readers 6th and up.

HAUNTED IN JAPAN

Hannah's Winter by Kierin Meehan

Hannah's mom decides to do research on Japanese horticulture ( fancy word for gardening) and is dragging Hannah with her. Staying with old acquaintances may be fun for her mom, but she doesn't know these people. The worst of it is that Hannah thinks the house is haunted! Fantastic! She's living in a foreign country with strangers being haunted by a little boy from hundreds of years ago. Yes, she will certainly never forget this trip.

For readers in grade 6 & up.