Promotional Information

August 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan - his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates.

About the Author

Chris Bradford has earned his black belt in Tai-jutsu, the secret fighting art of the ninja. He has also trained in judo, karate, kickboxing and samurai swordmanship. Before writing Young Samurai, Chris was a professional musician and songwriter. He lives in the South Downs with his wife and two cats called Tigger and Rhubarb.

Reviews

... a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end. The pace is furious and the martial arts detail authentic -- Eoin Colfer A beautifully written, excellently researched and thoughtfully presented work ... Chris Bradford has caputered the essence of what it meant to be samurai -- Sensei Akemi, eldest daughter of an old samurai family and Lecturer of Japanese Culture A really exciting, action-packed martial arts adventure ... the fast pace and attention to detail makes this a wonderful read for all children, whether they are involved in martial arts or not -- Steve Cowley, 6th Dan Instructor Kyo Shin Taijutsu

... a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end. The pace is furious and the martial arts detail authentic -- Eoin Colfer A beautifully written, excellently researched and thoughtfully presented work ... Chris Bradford has caputered the essence of what it meant to be samurai -- Sensei Akemi, eldest daughter of an old samurai family and Lecturer of Japanese Culture A really exciting, action-packed martial arts adventure ... the fast pace and attention to detail makes this a wonderful read for all children, whether they are involved in martial arts or not -- Steve Cowley, 6th Dan Instructor Kyo Shin Taijutsu

Gr 6-9-Jack Fletcher, 12, works as a rigging monkey aboard the Alexandria, while his father pilots the British vessel. Near the Japanese coast, the ship is attacked by a deadly band of ninja. Before he dies, Jack's father entrusts his son with a book of coded maps that others will kill to possess. Though Jack suffers a grave wound in the ensuing battle and is left for dead, a samurai named Masamoto saves the boy, eventually adopting him. Readers can't help but empathize with Jack through the months that follow as he learns the language and how to fight with a wooden bokken, struggles to master the intricate Japanese culture, and deals with bullies who consider him a gaijin, a barbaric outsider. He survives a fight with a ninja intent on killing him, and, at 15, takes part in a fierce martial arts competition that affects the honor of Masamoto and his school. With Samurai, Bradford has crafted a detailed story full of riveting elements: instant enemies, sworn friends, unfortunate misunderstandings, and ultimate forgiveness. He includes notes on sources for various quotes used throughout; though several are anachronistic, their spirit is essentially Zen. A fast-paced adventure and a fascinating look at 17th-century Japan.-Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.