Heart of a Samurai

SKU
003159
ISBN
9781419702006
Grade 7-9
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.
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Description

The year is 1841, and Japan has closed its borders to all outside influences, lest foreign devilry and barbarism seep into the country. Manjiro, a fourteen-year-old fisherman, and four of his friends are out on the seas searching for a good dinner when a terrible gale strikes their fishing boat and smashes it onto a rocky island. As the five friends attempt to survive in their desperate situation, Manjiro reveals his secret desire to be a samurai. Everyone laughs at the preposterous idea of a fisherman's son becoming such a high-ranking individual, but Manjiro retains his dream. Soon after the incident, they spot a vessel offshore- an American vessel. Though no one wants to be corrupted by the barbarians, the group cuts their losses as the ship approaches and signal to it for help. After the group is rescued, mistrust and resentment stirs between the Japanese fishermen and some of the American sailors, but Manjiro tries his best to communicate and help out around the ship. As the captain takes a liking to the industrious (though occasionally clumsy) boy, he begins to take Manjiro under his wing, teaching him as much as he can. However, this leaves Manjiro in a troublesome spot- he longs to return to Japan, but if he does, his country will label him as a traitor influenced by foreign troublemakers. But if he continues to travel with the Americans, he has no idea where it will lead him. As Manjiro struggles to make his place among the vessel and its crew, every decision and interaction weighs heavily on his shoulders. Newberry Honor Book. 301 pgs. Paperback.

Publisher's Description of Heart of a Samurai

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.

Heart of a Samurai is a 2011 Newbery Honor Book.

  • Accolades and Praise for Heart of a Samurai
  • 2011 Newbery Honor Book
  • New York Times Bestseller
  • NPR Backseat Book Club pick
  • Details
    More Information
    Product Format:Paperback
    Brand:Harry H. Abrams
    Author:Margi Preus
    Grades:7-9
    ISBN:9781419702006
    Length in Inches:8.25
    Width in Inches:5.5
    Height in Inches:0.875
    Weight in Pounds:0.8
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