The Bamboo Sword

Written by Margi Preus

A Japanese boy and an American cabin boy embark on a daring quest to evade samurai and return to safety.

3.8 Goodreads · 319 ratings

352 pages· 51,646 words· Est. 6 hour read· 820L

$16.95Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1853 Japan, Yoshi, a boy yearning to be a samurai, finds himself entangled in a perilous adventure with Jack, an American cabin boy stranded ashore. As Commodore Perry's fleet pressures Japan to open its ports, Yoshi and Jack must navigate a world of samurai and secrets to return Jack to his ship. Will they succeed before the shogun's warriors catch them? This thrilling journey tests their courage and friendship against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.

From the publisher

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.

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