Set in 1853 in Japan, this novel follows Yoshi, a Japanese boy who dreams of someday becoming a samurai. Unfortunately, as part of the serving class, Yoshi can never become a warrior. He is taken up by Manjiro, the protagonist of Preus's Heart of a Samurai, and becomes his servant and secret watchdog. Meanwhile, Commodore Matthew Perry and his USS Susquehanna squadron of steamships arrive in Edo Bay demanding "diplomatically" that Japan open its ports to foreign trade. Aboard the commodore's flagship is a cabin boy, Jack, who becomes separated from his American companions while on shore. When he and Yoshi cross paths, they set out on a grand adventure to get Jack back to his ship before he is discovered by the shogun's samurai.

About the Author
Margi Preus is the author of the acclaimed novels West of the Moon, Shadow on the Mountain, and Newbery Honor-winner Heart of a Samurai. She also writes and cowrites plays, sketches, and adaptations for theater. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.


Book Information
ISBN 9781419708244
Author Margi Preus
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Amulet Books
Publisher Abrams
Weight(grams) 380g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 186mm * 27mm