The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
ablotial's review
3.0
This was a really interesting book. It would really be more like 3.5 stars if I could do that here. I originally added it to my to-read list due to its status as a Newbery Honor book, which I always enjoy checking out the new winners. This book is based on the true story of "John Mung" (real name: Manjiro), who was shipwrecked off the coast of Japan when he was a young boy and rescued by American whalers. At the time, the country of Japan was closed to foreigners, and also to natives who had strayed too far from home for too long (as the shipwrecked men had). Had they returned home, they were likely to be killed. While the other men were left on an island colony (Hawaii, if I recall correctly), Manjiro adopted a more English sounding name and traveled with the whalers on their journeys, eventually ending up living in the United States for some time.
I think this is a great book for kids in this age group -- it teaches them about diversity and acceptance, as well as a lot about Japan, whaling, and some of the history between our country and theirs. John Mung is very interested in learning, asks a lot of questions, is a hard worker, and does well for himself despite the prejudices that many people had toward him. And there were other good lessons embedded in this entertaining story.
I loved that the author took the time to show us things both from the American and Japanese perspectives. It was often comical how small cultural differences could lead to large misunderstandings. It was funny how both sets of people assumed the other group was "stupid" when at first they were unable to communicate since they spoke different languages. It was also an interesting insight when he was interested in dating an American girl, but they thought he wasn't "good enough" for her... and he imagined what the Japanese back home would have thought -- this "barbarian" woman was clearly not good enough for a Japanese boy like him!
Overall, very interesting and educational. I learned a lot by reading it, and actually ended up looking up a bunch of things about whaling and Japan's history on Wikipedia after reading this book. And the story was fun, too. Good book for middle school aged children (or the young at heart who are just looking for a fun way to learn some of this history!)
I think this is a great book for kids in this age group -- it teaches them about diversity and acceptance, as well as a lot about Japan, whaling, and some of the history between our country and theirs. John Mung is very interested in learning, asks a lot of questions, is a hard worker, and does well for himself despite the prejudices that many people had toward him. And there were other good lessons embedded in this entertaining story.
I loved that the author took the time to show us things both from the American and Japanese perspectives. It was often comical how small cultural differences could lead to large misunderstandings. It was funny how both sets of people assumed the other group was "stupid" when at first they were unable to communicate since they spoke different languages. It was also an interesting insight when he was interested in dating an American girl, but they thought he wasn't "good enough" for her... and he imagined what the Japanese back home would have thought -- this "barbarian" woman was clearly not good enough for a Japanese boy like him!
Overall, very interesting and educational. I learned a lot by reading it, and actually ended up looking up a bunch of things about whaling and Japan's history on Wikipedia after reading this book. And the story was fun, too. Good book for middle school aged children (or the young at heart who are just looking for a fun way to learn some of this history!)
shonaningyo's review
4.0
I don't usually read historical fiction unless it's quick and easy, so this book was fun to read. I have a fondness for historical Japan around the time when Europe was stirring and America was beginning to hustle and bustle...
I liked this book because it presented the reader with a third-person limited narrative (my favorite!) of the differences between Japan and the West--specifically America--at the time, around the 1800s. Two different cultures that are radically different in dress, foods, politics, social structure, and of course language. Despite all this, the main character Manjiro--based on a real person--managed to learn all he could about both his native land of Japan and his newfound home in America and help bring the two countries together. It was a fun read, to say the least, and I'd recommend it.
I liked this book because it presented the reader with a third-person limited narrative (my favorite!) of the differences between Japan and the West--specifically America--at the time, around the 1800s. Two different cultures that are radically different in dress, foods, politics, social structure, and of course language. Despite all this, the main character Manjiro--based on a real person--managed to learn all he could about both his native land of Japan and his newfound home in America and help bring the two countries together. It was a fun read, to say the least, and I'd recommend it.
teegsn's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.75
My son’s favorite book of all time.Â
crystal_reading's review
4.0
This was great historical fiction/adventure with a coming of age theme. I really enjoyed the character and it was amazing that the man actually lived and did so many incredible things. Some people pack so much into life. I am glad that it got an award though or I probably wouldn't have picked it up just because it isn't my typical gnere.
mattaccardo's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
booksojwhi's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
literatehedgehog's review
3.0
Based on a true story, historical adventure. The adventure themes are classic kid-favorites - shipwreck, dreams of being a warrior (samurai specifically), sailing (whaling, which is almost pirate-adjacent), even a splash of farm life and pre-teen bullies. That being said, the style and tone are not in the vein of current adventure writing, no sassy heroines or snarky heroes, no funny sidekicks or quests - but that's the beauty of it being realistic and historical fiction!
I wouldn't say it's the best crossover for fans of fantasy adventure or middle grade quest series, more for fans of historical fiction who want a little more danger and worldliness.
I wouldn't say it's the best crossover for fans of fantasy adventure or middle grade quest series, more for fans of historical fiction who want a little more danger and worldliness.
amm2393's review against another edition
4.0
Loved reading this book while living in Japan. Manjiro’s story is relatable and conveys the challenges of living between and loving two opposite cultures. I wish I had known that this was based on true events from the beginning - only read that at the end :)
lextri's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the historical and cultural details of the book. A delightful read filled with entertainment, education, and adventure.