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415 pp.
| Putnam
| June, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5247-3814-3$18.99
(4)
YA
In this conclusion to a duology that began with Flame in the Mist, readers return to the lush forests and palace intrigues of an alternate feudal Japan. Protagonist Mariko and her many supporting characters are more fully developed here, and the complex plot trajectory is ultimately satisfying. Despite overwrought prose, readers will get swept up in the high drama of this exciting romantic fantasy. Glos.
48 pp.
| Simon
| July, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-3059-3$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-3060-9
(2)
K-3
In young ninja Yukio's second holiday-themed adventure (Samurai Santa), doting little sis Kashi annoyingly emulates all of his Halloween trick-or-treating preparations; her copycat costume is the final straw. But then Kashi cleverly invokes Yukio's spooky urban legend about Samurai Scarecrow to get some well-deserved respect. Thoughtful text design enhances the spare, funny narrative. Digital illustrations in a limited orange-and-purple palette capture the siblings' relatable range of emotions.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2018
402 pp.
| Putnam
| May, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-17163-5$17.99
(4)
YA
When the convoy of seventeen-year-old Hattori Mariko, daughter of a prominent samurai, is attacked en route to meet her betrothed, she escapes into the haunted forest nearby. Disguised as a peasant boy, Mariko joins the Black Clan, a ninja-like group, whom she suspects of the attack. Despite melodramatic prose and uneven world-building, this should appeal to fans of romantic YA fantasy. Glos.
(3)
PS
In the follow-up to Little Kunoichi: The Ninja Girl, readers join Little Kunoichi's best friend, Chibi Samurai, on his quest to find a pet. Both Ishida's text and vibrant illustrations contain references to Japanese culture; there's also plenty of humor as the friends encounter many creatures, real and fantastic, and eventually learn not to overlook small "treasures" (like the humble stag beetle). Japan-related facts appended.
(4)
4-6
Checkerboard Library: History's Hotshots series.
Each book takes a broad look at its titular warriors, exploring their historical beginnings, how they lived and fought, and even their place in modern pop culture. While treatments of individual topics are brief, the volumes are decently informative overall. The layouts are bland, but photos, illustrations, and sidebars add extra information to the basic texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: History's Hotshots titles: Ninjas!, Samurai!, and Vikings!.
231 pp.
| Random
| July, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-101-94068-6$13.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-101-94069-3$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-101-94070-9
(4)
4-6
DC Super Hero Girls series.
When tech-savvy Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, is offered a spot at Super Hero High, she's ready to prove herself. And Samurai superhero Katana must protect the hundred ancient Samurai swords mysteriously entrusted to her. These appealing series entries both focus on family and finding your place. While plot twists are predictable, there is a good mix of school problems and superhero adventure. Review covers these DC Super Hero Girls titles: Batgirl at Super Hero High and Katana at Super Hero High.
(4)
4-6
In an alternate twenty-first century, super-powered teens Ghost, Kate, and Cormac are recruited by a ninja organization. They train to take down the massive Samurai Empire--a mission that takes them back in time to the Empire's sixteenth-century beginnings in Japan. Science fiction, fantasy, and action blend for a fast-paced narrative. However, character development is uneven as the plot centers mostly around only Ghost. Glos.
(4)
4-6
How to Live Like... series.
Illustrated by
Amerigo Pinelli.
These volumes are divided into short chapters, each of which discusses one particular aspect of life in the historical occupation, none in great detail. The presentation is colorful, with each page fully illustrated in a cartoony style; the easy-to-read texts are each narrated by a wise-guy youth from the era, which adds levity but grows rather tiresome. Related facts are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How to Live Like... titles: How to Live like a Samurai Warrior, How to Live like an Aztec Priest, and How to Live like an Egyptian Mummy Maker.
(2)
YA
Illustrated by
Gareth Hinds.
This excellent biography of Japan's legendary samurai has great appeal as military history. Turner's action-packed accounts of Yoshitsune's daring and courageous feats in battle and his ensuing meteoric rise through the ranks of the samurai make for compelling reading. Hinds's digitally assisted brush-and-ink illustrations heighten the mood and atmosphere throughout. More than seventy pages of back matter provide further support for readers. Timelines. Bib., glos., ind.
Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2016
(3)
PS
A little ninja girl finds her training (climbing, hiding, star-throwing, nunchucks) not so easy. When she meets a little boy having the same trouble learning to be a samurai, they decide to shugyo together--train like crazy--for the upcoming Island Festival. Humor in both the lively text and colorful art adds lots of appeal to this adept lesson in perseverance.
32 pp.
| Book House
| March, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-909645-39-4$19.95
(4)
4-6
Do You Want to Be a... series.
Illustrated by
John James.
Each volume focuses on how a specific class of people lived in their civilization. Two-page sections regarding one aspect of life contain a brief main text surrounded by illustrations and explanatory captions. While layouts are busy, short blurbs make the volumes browsable. "Interview" questions determine if readers "have what it takes" for each role. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Do You Want to Be a... titles: Do You Want to Be a Medieval Knight?, Do You Want to Be a Samurai Warrior?, Do You Want to Be an Ancient Egyptian Princess?, and Do You Want to Be an Ancient Greek Athlete?.
340 pp.
| Candlewick
| November, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6958-4$16.99
(4)
YA
In this sequel to The Name of the Blade, Mio must fight demons, both inner and outer, if she wants to protect herself, her friends, and the city of London from supernatural havoc. Japanese mythological monsters, other dimensions, demonic possession, and magical swords all find a place in the modern-set fantasy. Exciting action sequences may distract readers from lazy character development.
40 pp.
| Simon
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-3057-9$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-3058-6
(2)
K-3
It's hard to be a ninja when no one will join your snowball fight for fear of landing on Santa's naughty list. There's only one thing for Yukio to do: trick his fellow ninjas into chasing the "bright red intruder" away. Pingk's digital art, with its simple, bold limited palette and seamlessly integrated red or white lettering, can render any scene "EPIC!!!"
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2015
340 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0807-7$16.95
(2)
4-6
A dozen years after the events of Heart of a Samurai, American ships arrive in Japan to force trade. Preus retells this gunboat diplomacy's world-changing effects through two boys: servant Yoshi (who longs to be a samurai) and cabin boy Jack. Bolstered by period illustrations and rich appended material, the book is solidly historical but never forgets to be an adventure story. Bib., glos.
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2015
(4)
1-3
Tao, the Little Samurai series.
Translated by Edward Gauvin.
Illustrated by
Nicolas Ryser.
While attending the International Martial Arts Championship, Tao and his friends discover their school's top two competitors are missing (Championship). Tao tries to dodge a new student's romantic advances while also teaching martial arts to his little brother and cat (Wild). The graphic novels' colorful, zippy comics-style illustrations include visual jokes, but the story lines of these installments are scattered. Review covers these Tao, the Little Samurai titles: The Championship! and Wild Animals!.
(4)
1-3
Tao, the Little Samurai series.
Translated by Edward Gauvin.
Illustrated by
Nicolas Ryser.
While attending the International Martial Arts Championship, Tao and his friends discover their school's top two competitors are missing (Championship). Tao tries to dodge a new student's romantic advances while also teaching martial arts to his little brother and cat (Wild). The graphic novels' colorful, zippy comics-style illustrations include visual jokes, but the story lines of these installments are scattered. Review covers these Tao, the Little Samurai titles: The Championship! and Wild Animals!.
64 pp.
| Lerner/Graphic Universe
| May, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4677-3272-7$29.27
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4677-3273-4$6.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4677-3274-1
(3)
1-3
Tao, the Little Samurai series.
Translated by Edward Gauvin.
Illustrated by
Nicolas Ryser.
At Master Snow's Martial Arts School, Tao is the most disruptive and foolish student, constantly late for class and clumsy once he arrives. Despite his silly antics, the likable little boy shows determination in his lessons. The colorful, zippy cartoons feature Tao and his friends as cute rounded figures, and their playful behavior is engaging. Includes cartooning tips from the graphic novels' creators. Review covers these Tao, the Little Samurai titles: Ninjas and Knock Outs! and Pranks and Attacks!.
64 pp.
| Lerner/Graphic Universe
| May, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4677-2095-3$29.27
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4677-2174-5$6.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4677-2554-5
(3)
1-3
Tao, the Little Samurai series.
Translated by Edward Gauvin.
Illustrated by
Nicolas Ryser.
At Master Snow's Martial Arts School, Tao is the most disruptive and foolish student, constantly late for class and clumsy once he arrives. Despite his silly antics, the likable little boy shows determination in his lessons. The colorful, zippy cartoons feature Tao and his friends as cute rounded figures, and their playful behavior is engaging. Includes cartooning tips from the graphic novels' creators. Review covers these Tao, the Little Samurai titles: Ninjas and Knock Outs! and Pranks and Attacks!.
242 pp.
| Amazon/Skyscape
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 9781477816547$17.99
(4)
YA
Translated by Per Carlsson.
Set at summer camp (in Sweden during the 1960s), twelve-year-old Kenny and his friends chafe under the dictatorial guidance of the abusive Matron. Drawing on his deep knowledge of samurai history and culture, Kenny leads his fellow campers to oppose her. Echoes of Holes permeate the story; the tone keeps readers at a distance, possibly because of the translation.
32 pp.
| Capstone
| August, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4765-3113-7$25.99
(4)
K-3
Blazers: Legendary Warriors series.
Three distinct medieval-era warrior cultures are examined in this set. Individual volumes offer a brief overview of each culture and collectively they offer the opportunity to compare and contrast between the three. The text consists of short, easy-to-read paragraphs supplemented by fact boxes, word definitions, occasional photographs, and illustrations (in a discombobulating mix of cartoony and culturally appropriate styles). Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Blazers: Legendary Warriors titles Aztec Warriors, Samurai, and Vikings.