Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Margi Preus's "Heart of a Samurai" is a Newbery Honor Book that tells the story of a young Japanese boy named Kenji who dreams of becoming a samurai. The book follows Kenji's journey as he learns the ways of the samurai and discovers his own strength and courage. Along the way, Kenji faces challenges and obstacles, but ultimately learns the importance of perseverance, honor, and loyalty. With a focus on historical accuracy and cultural detail, Preus brings to life the world of feudal Japan and its samurai warriors. Through Kenji's experiences, readers learn about the values and beliefs that defined this ancient culture and the people who lived by them.

By Margi Preus · First published 1994 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age · 42 chapters · 62,443 words

First lines

I have no parents; I make the heaven and earth my mother and father. / I have no home; I make awareness my dwelling. / I have no life and death; I make the tides of breathing my life and death. / - from the Samurai Creed

January 1841 (12th Year of Temp, Year of the Ox), off the coast of Shikoku, Japan

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

Heart of a Samurai is listed on Textopian as a novel by Margi Preus, dated 1994 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Margi Preus
• Date: 1994 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Young Adult, Literary Fiction
• Length: 62,443 words
• Structure: 42 chapters, 1,756 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

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Genres

• Historical Fiction — The story is set in 19th century Japan and explores the life of a young boy, Manjiro, during a significant historical period, focusing on cultural and societal themes.
• Adventure — The plot follows Manjiro's perilous journey at sea, highlighting themes of survival, exploration, and the unknown.
• Coming-of-Age — The narrative centers on Manjiro's growth and self-discovery as he navigates challenges and contemplates his identity and aspirations.
• Young Adult — The book is targeted towards a young adult audience, featuring relatable themes of adolescence, dreams, and personal growth.

Tags

adventure · historical fiction · coming of age · Japan · samurai · cultural exchange · identity · friendship · loyalty · bravery · self-discovery · immigration

Contents

• THE STORM
• THE SAMURAI OF BIRD ISLAND
• THE JOHN HOWLAND
• THE HUNT
• OIL
• DISAPPOINTMENT
• SHIP LIFE
• THE INVITATION
• SEVEN BREATHS
• DANGER!
• THIEVES AND MURDERERS
• SAILING AWAY
• TREASURE
• THE HOUR OF THE DOG
• NEW BEDFORD AND FAIRHAVEN
• SAMURAI FARM BOY
• FITTING IN
• SCHOOL
• VICTORY WITHOUT FIGHTING
• THE CHALLENGE
• FALL DOWN SEVEN TIMES
• THE RACE
• LOVE
• THE MAY BASKET
• THE COOPER'S
• THE FRANKLIN
• WHISTLING UP A WIND
• A MOMENT
• THE SEA TURTLE
• SAILING CLOSE TO THE WIND
• THE HARPOONER
• THE WHALE
• TORI
• THE DAGUERREOTYPE
• THE GOLD FIELDS
• BETWEEN TWO WORLDS
• SPIES!
• THE DAIMYO
• NAGASAKI
• THE ROAD HOME
• THE SAMURAI
• EPILOGUE

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