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Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy – A Biography About Courage When Returning Home Meant Death for Children
Any person who leaves the country to go to another and later returns will be put to death. This was the law in Japan in the early 1800s. When fourteen-year-old Manjiro, working on a fishing boat to help support his family, was shipwrecked three hundred miles away from his homeland, he was heartbroken to think that he would never again be able to go home. So when an American whaling boat rescued him, Manjiro decided to do what no other Japanese person had ever done: He went to America, where he received an education and took part in events that eventually made him a hero in the Land of the Rising Sun.
NOTE: Blumberg's "Commodore Perry in the land of the Shogun" is a companion volume.
NOTE: Blumberg's "Commodore Perry in the land of the Shogun" is a companion volume.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
9 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Rhoda Blumberg
34 books6 followersRhoda Blumberg has written about the opening of Japan (1853-1854) in Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun, a Newbery Honor Book, which also won the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award and the Golden Kite Award. Her acclaimed histories also include The Incredible Journey of Lewis & Clark, The Great American Gold Rush, and The Remarkable Voyages of Captain Cook, all ALA Notable Books. She is the winner of the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for her overall contribution to nonfiction.
Rhoda Blumberg says that while doing research for Commodore Perry, "I read about the ordeals and strange adventures of Manjiro, then spent years replaying his life story in my mind until I felt impelled to write about him."
The author and her husband, Gerald, live in Yorktown Heights, New York.
Rhoda Blumberg says that while doing research for Commodore Perry, "I read about the ordeals and strange adventures of Manjiro, then spent years replaying his life story in my mind until I felt impelled to write about him."
The author and her husband, Gerald, live in Yorktown Heights, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 17, 2011
The true story of the first Japanese man to live in an America. A wonderful resource for children reading Heart of the Samurai. Includes photographs, maps, and artwork.
November 7, 2011
Genre: Junior Book, Biographical
Summary:
A Japanese teenager becomes stranded on an island many miles off the coast of Japan after a violent storm and the course of his life is permanently altered. Due to the severe restrictions regarding leaving the motherland and contact with outsiders, Manjiro (the boy) is cast into the world of an American whaler and adopts his new community with passion and vigor.
His story as it unfolds takes him across the globe and eventually to American shores where he pursues his fortune. Despite his fear of punishment in returning home, Manjiro never loses his desire to see his family and is willing to risk his very life to see them again. As he makes this goal a reality, he faces his worst fears and survives to become a pivotal and important figure in Japanese history.
Critique:
Given the significant historical differences between the United States and Japan during this time period, the author does an excellent job of presenting the contrasts both in the story and through the illustrations. This understanding is critical to appreciate the significant adaptations that Manjiro had to make to thrive in his new environment. In gaining some small vision of Japan during the 1800’s the monumental task Manjiro accomplished can be more fully comprehended.
The inclusion of the Japanese wood block prints lends an air of authenticity and allows the reader to glimpse the Japanese conception of their own world and those of outsiders. This sense of remaining apart is apparent, as the art is unique and developed devoid of almost all outside influence for centuries.
Positives/Negatives:
The lists that are included provide a glimpse into the many contrasts between the two societies, highlighting very specific observations that were the most surprising and revealing. They are an interesting commentary both about Japanese life and Western life, some resting upon misconceptions held about foreigners.
The explicit and thorough background provided gives a dimensionality to the story that allows the reader to imagine the time in which it took place. Having this broader context, Manjiro’s actions and successes are enhanced as the barriers he faced become larger. Had this been simply the story of a boy getting lost and finding his way home, it would have been moving, however, the impact on two cultures and the significance of his contribution cannot be extracted from the setting. They are integral to it and the author does an admirable job informing the reader.
Examples:
Several lists pepper the text as Manjiro takes in the world around him, noting the major differences he perceives. He finds when he lands in America that a multitude of things are entirely unknown and fascinating to him. “Glass windows – not translucent paper windows. Separate rooms for sleeping, eating, lounging – not one all-purpose room. Sold interior walls – not sliding screens made of paper. Chairs – not found in Japanese homes.”
Several items on the list show the values upon which Japanese society was built. “‘When a young man wants to marry, he looks for a young woman for himself without asking a go-between to find one for him, as we do in Japan.” This practice of arranged marriages continued well into the 1950’s in Japan, clearly signifying its integral role in families and marriage.
Curriculum Connections:
This biography is an excellent example of the way in which a person’s life story can be retold and put into a larger context that clues the reader in to critical elements. Students can write a similar biography of a person they admire and spend thoughtful time placing that person in a setting that is authentic and detailed. In researching the information necessary to do a quality biography, the students can be coached to learn what is necessary for the story and what can be discarded.
Given the ample evidence of differences between the two societies, compiling a complete list from the text and doing additional research to enhance it will give students an opportunity to critically analyze this type of literature. They can do fact checking with their own research and learn how to determine quality historical sources.
In more explicitly addressing the differences, students can build a mind map with each branch indicating a major value or tradition. In identifying each one, the students can then look at the further implications within the society of each one. If they share their individual maps, students will be able to gain insight from their classmates’ maps as well.
Summary:
A Japanese teenager becomes stranded on an island many miles off the coast of Japan after a violent storm and the course of his life is permanently altered. Due to the severe restrictions regarding leaving the motherland and contact with outsiders, Manjiro (the boy) is cast into the world of an American whaler and adopts his new community with passion and vigor.
His story as it unfolds takes him across the globe and eventually to American shores where he pursues his fortune. Despite his fear of punishment in returning home, Manjiro never loses his desire to see his family and is willing to risk his very life to see them again. As he makes this goal a reality, he faces his worst fears and survives to become a pivotal and important figure in Japanese history.
Critique:
Given the significant historical differences between the United States and Japan during this time period, the author does an excellent job of presenting the contrasts both in the story and through the illustrations. This understanding is critical to appreciate the significant adaptations that Manjiro had to make to thrive in his new environment. In gaining some small vision of Japan during the 1800’s the monumental task Manjiro accomplished can be more fully comprehended.
The inclusion of the Japanese wood block prints lends an air of authenticity and allows the reader to glimpse the Japanese conception of their own world and those of outsiders. This sense of remaining apart is apparent, as the art is unique and developed devoid of almost all outside influence for centuries.
Positives/Negatives:
The lists that are included provide a glimpse into the many contrasts between the two societies, highlighting very specific observations that were the most surprising and revealing. They are an interesting commentary both about Japanese life and Western life, some resting upon misconceptions held about foreigners.
The explicit and thorough background provided gives a dimensionality to the story that allows the reader to imagine the time in which it took place. Having this broader context, Manjiro’s actions and successes are enhanced as the barriers he faced become larger. Had this been simply the story of a boy getting lost and finding his way home, it would have been moving, however, the impact on two cultures and the significance of his contribution cannot be extracted from the setting. They are integral to it and the author does an admirable job informing the reader.
Examples:
Several lists pepper the text as Manjiro takes in the world around him, noting the major differences he perceives. He finds when he lands in America that a multitude of things are entirely unknown and fascinating to him. “Glass windows – not translucent paper windows. Separate rooms for sleeping, eating, lounging – not one all-purpose room. Sold interior walls – not sliding screens made of paper. Chairs – not found in Japanese homes.”
Several items on the list show the values upon which Japanese society was built. “‘When a young man wants to marry, he looks for a young woman for himself without asking a go-between to find one for him, as we do in Japan.” This practice of arranged marriages continued well into the 1950’s in Japan, clearly signifying its integral role in families and marriage.
Curriculum Connections:
This biography is an excellent example of the way in which a person’s life story can be retold and put into a larger context that clues the reader in to critical elements. Students can write a similar biography of a person they admire and spend thoughtful time placing that person in a setting that is authentic and detailed. In researching the information necessary to do a quality biography, the students can be coached to learn what is necessary for the story and what can be discarded.
Given the ample evidence of differences between the two societies, compiling a complete list from the text and doing additional research to enhance it will give students an opportunity to critically analyze this type of literature. They can do fact checking with their own research and learn how to determine quality historical sources.
In more explicitly addressing the differences, students can build a mind map with each branch indicating a major value or tradition. In identifying each one, the students can then look at the further implications within the society of each one. If they share their individual maps, students will be able to gain insight from their classmates’ maps as well.
April 16, 2025
Rhoda Blumberg’s Shipwrecked! was found for 50 cents at the local library here in Metter, Georgia. I’m glad I had the dimes.
I think I’ll hand this to my daughter. She turns 8 next month, but it’s probably a YA book. I think this doesn’t shoot over her head.
Blumberg connects with easily understood content and a collection of good, and stunning artwork done by this non-fiction’s main character, Majiro Nakahama. Other Japanese and American artists contributed, too.
His true and incredible journey from poor fisherman, as a boy, to eventual samurai and college English professor is the stuff of fantasies, but his story is known throughout Japan. It deserves much more attention in the U.S., and other countries.
Majiro spent several years in New England thanks to his good fortune to have been rescued, with his boat mates, by a whaler. He went to school, learned English, and things went his way.
This is not a long book. It’s under 100 pages, but well worth your time, especially if this is all new to you. There are other books about Majiro out there, too. Blumberg professionally lists her sources.
Similar to Majiro’s real storybook-type life, it was just in the right place at the right time for me.
I think I’ll hand this to my daughter. She turns 8 next month, but it’s probably a YA book. I think this doesn’t shoot over her head.
Blumberg connects with easily understood content and a collection of good, and stunning artwork done by this non-fiction’s main character, Majiro Nakahama. Other Japanese and American artists contributed, too.
His true and incredible journey from poor fisherman, as a boy, to eventual samurai and college English professor is the stuff of fantasies, but his story is known throughout Japan. It deserves much more attention in the U.S., and other countries.
Majiro spent several years in New England thanks to his good fortune to have been rescued, with his boat mates, by a whaler. He went to school, learned English, and things went his way.
This is not a long book. It’s under 100 pages, but well worth your time, especially if this is all new to you. There are other books about Majiro out there, too. Blumberg professionally lists her sources.
Similar to Majiro’s real storybook-type life, it was just in the right place at the right time for me.
December 7, 2020
This book is making me question how i rate all of my books on Goodreads. Should I be rating based on a comparison to all other books? Should I be looking at them by genre? What do you do?
So here's the deal, this is not a 5-star book when you're comparing it to all other books. But when you're comparing it within the notoriously dry and uninteresting world of children's history books, this one is the cream-of-the-crop.
Japanese history was almost completely glossed over or downright overlooked from my childhood history classes. I wouldn't even have known which topics to cover when presenting the material in a homeschooling environment to my own children. I'm so thankful for recommendations of books like this. It really has it all.
We hear about Japan during the time of isolation and what that culture was like. Then we move on to being lost at sea and picked up by a whaling ship and moving across the Pacific Ocean. Then Manjiro becomes a resident of the United States and ultimately ends up working in an ambassador type role within Japan and helping open the nation to international trade. And he translated a very important book on practical navigation into Japanese and assisted the navy in designing shops. What a full life.
Some books are awesome because they make the ordinary seem extraordinary. Other books are terrible because they can take the extraordinary and make it absolutely boring. This book takes an extraordinary story and presents it in an effective and engaging manner. It's really amazing what this man did. Thanks for a great read.
I'm giving it 5 stars.
So here's the deal, this is not a 5-star book when you're comparing it to all other books. But when you're comparing it within the notoriously dry and uninteresting world of children's history books, this one is the cream-of-the-crop.
Japanese history was almost completely glossed over or downright overlooked from my childhood history classes. I wouldn't even have known which topics to cover when presenting the material in a homeschooling environment to my own children. I'm so thankful for recommendations of books like this. It really has it all.
We hear about Japan during the time of isolation and what that culture was like. Then we move on to being lost at sea and picked up by a whaling ship and moving across the Pacific Ocean. Then Manjiro becomes a resident of the United States and ultimately ends up working in an ambassador type role within Japan and helping open the nation to international trade. And he translated a very important book on practical navigation into Japanese and assisted the navy in designing shops. What a full life.
Some books are awesome because they make the ordinary seem extraordinary. Other books are terrible because they can take the extraordinary and make it absolutely boring. This book takes an extraordinary story and presents it in an effective and engaging manner. It's really amazing what this man did. Thanks for a great read.
I'm giving it 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2018
In 1841, Manjiro, a Japanese boy was shipwrecked on a remote island for months and finally rescued by an American whaling ship. He was the first ever Japanese person to set foot in America. Japan was an isolationist nation at the time and wouldn't allow visitors. Any citizen who left the country and tried to return would be put to death. This fascinating account of Manjiro's life gives the reader a taste of mid-nineteenth-century Japan, the California gold rush, and life on a whaling ship. The illustrations are a mix of contemporary photos and prints with Manjiro’s own simple drawings interspersed. This could be a mentor text for cause and effect, and would also be a good introduction to the politics of Japan during that time period. Students could map Manjiro's journeys as a social studies lesson or create reports or slide shows on aspects of life during this time period including whaling, the gold rush, isolationism, and Commodore Perry. Check out Rhoda Blumberg's other books on historical subjects.
February 10, 2024
Manjiro is a person I would have wanted to meet. His life went from extreme hardships, through almost impossible-to-believe events (how does anyone live to tell about drifting hundreds of miles in the ocean) or living with albatrosses!
Rhoda Blumberg has given us a treasure to read and savor. Her research on the lives of early 1800s Japanese gave me an interest in learning more of this country's history. She's even provided additional resources as I do want to learn more, even about whaling.
The lush illustrations kept my interest. If I was reading this as a youngster, illustrations usually help me better understand the story.
I've added Rhoda Blumberg to my list of enjoyable, respected authors.
Rhoda Blumberg has given us a treasure to read and savor. Her research on the lives of early 1800s Japanese gave me an interest in learning more of this country's history. She's even provided additional resources as I do want to learn more, even about whaling.
The lush illustrations kept my interest. If I was reading this as a youngster, illustrations usually help me better understand the story.
I've added Rhoda Blumberg to my list of enjoyable, respected authors.
September 23, 2017
It was definitely an interesting story about a shipwrecked Japanese man who couldn't return to his country due to their isolationist policies and the later opening of Japanese ports but the book was very dry. I don't as surprised it had been recommended several places to accompany or history curriculum.
January 26, 2021
A Japanese teenager becomes stranded on an island many miles off the coast of Japan after a violent storm and his life is permanently changed. Severe restrictions regarding leaving the motherland and contact with outsiders, Manjiro (the boy) is cast into the world of an American whaler and adopts his new community with passion and vigor.
April 14, 2021
This is a wonderful story of a Japanese boy, Manjiro, who had a most adventurous life. It's surprising that his remarkable story is not more well known, especially since he was the first Japanese person to come to the United States. A fictionalized account can be read in Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, which is an excellent book too.
November 1, 2017
Considering this is geared toward middle readers, this is REALLY interesting. I learned a lot. I did not know about Japan's "closed door policy" that went on for 200 years. Nakahama lead an amazing life and this book makes me want to delve deeper into the details.
May 4, 2017
This is a good resource/ overview of the story of Manjiro. The drawings and maps are excellent.
December 8, 2017
This is an interesting read for older students because its a different biography, as its about a boy and his story with having to leave home and start a new life in America.
December 11, 2019
Working on some excellent books about Japan under the Shoguns...
January 21, 2020
Great story
March 8, 2020
Fascinating history. I learned a lot.
January 29, 2021
Good book. My 9 year liked it. It was a chosen book from his homeschool book club.
February 9, 2021
Excited to use this book as we study the isolationist period of Japan.
Read
April 20, 2021Manjiro a 14-year-old boy was shipwrecked 300 miles from shore. He could not go home. A boat picked him up and took him to America where he got an education and started a new life. Grades 3-5
August 6, 2021
What an EXCELLENT picture book. Well written, fascinating material, beautiful layout. Our entire family enjoyed these true adventures of incredible Manjiro.
April 13, 2022
Beautifully illustrated and packed with cultural information, this picture book has much more to offer than the remarkable story of Manjiro's amazing life.
May 26, 2022
Such an interesting true story of a young Japanese fisher that gets lost at sea, travels the world and then helps Japan open up to trade.
July 6, 2023
Such a fascinating man who had an incredible role in history. He truly rose up from nothing.
November 25, 2024
Interesting story! I enjoyed reading this one with my students. We learned a lot about Japanese culture during this time period. I think they enjoyed it, too.
June 5, 2015
Assignment: Junior Book Log
Category: Informational
Recommending Source: p. 278 textbook
Review: "Head of the family at the age of nine!" Living in poverty, nine-year old Manjiro had no other choice but to help support his family once their father died. He began by assisting the local fishermen in order to help provide for his mother, younger sisters, younger brother, and disabled brother. In January 1841, five years had passed and Manjiro was old enough to do more than just unhook fish and empty nets. After a few days out at sea, turbulent weather caught the crew off guard and had them clinging to their boat for a week. After the storm disappeared, they swam to the deserted island of Torishima. Five months later, the crew was no longer shipwrecked when an American whaler rescued them. Unfortunately, it was impossible for them to go home. Japan was isolated from the rest of world and those that left were not allowed to return. As the whale ship continued to hunt, they docked at Honolulu for supplies and provisions. Manjiro's crew remained in Hawaii as he decided to stay with the ship. His adventures continued as he traveled the world on the open seas, became the first Japanese man to set foot in America, and later, a participated in the Gold Rush. Twelve years later after his initial journey, Manjiro finally came back to Japan where he was arrested, imprisoned, and then elevated into a samurai, before he could finally reunite with his family again.
Manjiro, or John Mung, experienced many cultural differences when he visited America and returned to Japan. Through straight forward, third-person, objective voice, Rhoda Blumberg tells his fascinating story in Shipwrecked: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy. The contents of the book were divided into thirteen separate chapters describing Manjiro’s different encounters. The black and white illustrations found within each chapter were either wood-block prints, pictures drawn by Manjiro, pictures sketched by other artists with his guidance, or works of art from that period of time in history. An author’s note was provided with an explanation that Manjiro’s accounts were based on research Blumberg found among many different books. She used “books about albatross, whales, whaling, American history, Japan’s history, and Japanese wood-block prints” to guide her while creating this story. Blumberg also acknowledged that “Manjiro’s ordeals, adventures, and accomplishments seem sensational, melodramatic, and fictional, but they are true.” A website with further information about Manjiro was also included. Using extensive research, vintage illustrations, and portraits, Rhoda Blumberg gave an entertaining and historical account of the social and political events taking place in Japan and the United States during the mid-nineteenth century. Children ages nine and older interested in reading about whaling, sea adventures, WWII, and Japan will enjoy reading this book.
Category: Informational
Recommending Source: p. 278 textbook
Review: "Head of the family at the age of nine!" Living in poverty, nine-year old Manjiro had no other choice but to help support his family once their father died. He began by assisting the local fishermen in order to help provide for his mother, younger sisters, younger brother, and disabled brother. In January 1841, five years had passed and Manjiro was old enough to do more than just unhook fish and empty nets. After a few days out at sea, turbulent weather caught the crew off guard and had them clinging to their boat for a week. After the storm disappeared, they swam to the deserted island of Torishima. Five months later, the crew was no longer shipwrecked when an American whaler rescued them. Unfortunately, it was impossible for them to go home. Japan was isolated from the rest of world and those that left were not allowed to return. As the whale ship continued to hunt, they docked at Honolulu for supplies and provisions. Manjiro's crew remained in Hawaii as he decided to stay with the ship. His adventures continued as he traveled the world on the open seas, became the first Japanese man to set foot in America, and later, a participated in the Gold Rush. Twelve years later after his initial journey, Manjiro finally came back to Japan where he was arrested, imprisoned, and then elevated into a samurai, before he could finally reunite with his family again.
Manjiro, or John Mung, experienced many cultural differences when he visited America and returned to Japan. Through straight forward, third-person, objective voice, Rhoda Blumberg tells his fascinating story in Shipwrecked: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy. The contents of the book were divided into thirteen separate chapters describing Manjiro’s different encounters. The black and white illustrations found within each chapter were either wood-block prints, pictures drawn by Manjiro, pictures sketched by other artists with his guidance, or works of art from that period of time in history. An author’s note was provided with an explanation that Manjiro’s accounts were based on research Blumberg found among many different books. She used “books about albatross, whales, whaling, American history, Japan’s history, and Japanese wood-block prints” to guide her while creating this story. Blumberg also acknowledged that “Manjiro’s ordeals, adventures, and accomplishments seem sensational, melodramatic, and fictional, but they are true.” A website with further information about Manjiro was also included. Using extensive research, vintage illustrations, and portraits, Rhoda Blumberg gave an entertaining and historical account of the social and political events taking place in Japan and the United States during the mid-nineteenth century. Children ages nine and older interested in reading about whaling, sea adventures, WWII, and Japan will enjoy reading this book.
June 12, 2015
Little Manjiro was working as a fisherman in early 19th century Japan when he and the four men he worked with were caught in a storm and marooned on a deserted island outside of Japan's realm. At the time, Japan was a closed country. No foreigners were allowed in and no Japanese citizens were allowed out. If you left and tried to return, the punishment was death. After many months on the small island, Manjiro and his crewmates were rescued by an American whaling vessel. Manjiro quickly picked up English and became a member of the American vessel, Captain Whitfield taking him under his wing. When the ship landed in Hawaii, Manjiro's fellow Japanese crewmen were left there, but he decided to sail on with Captain Whitfield. Adopting the more easily pronounced name John Mung, Manjiro spent a few years in school under Whitfield's care after sailing to Massachusetts. Eventually, after education and further experience as a sailor and gold miner, Manjiro decided to risk returning to Japan to see how his family faired. After much deliberation on the parts of Japanese officials but thanks in part to his insights on outside cultures, especially American, Manjiro was eventually allowed to return home to visit his mother. It turned out that Manjiro returned home just in time to serve as an adviser to the emperor when Commadore Perry sailed into port and demanded that trade lines be opened. A portion of Perry's success and Japan's opening of doors are thanks to Manjiro's persuasion. Manjiro went on to be a highly respected educator in several arenas.
There are several fictional books based on Manjiro's story, such as Heart of a Samurai by Preus. This is one of the few biographies of this amazing man for young adults and middle grades. Blumberg does a great job of presenting the story in a riveting way, but it is also incredibly obvious she's done a huge amount of research. I appreciated especially all the illustrations included that were done by Manjiro himself or done by someone he dictated to. There's also a very interesting look at Japan during a very pivotal period, that again feels very deeply researched, and of course, a good dose of history of whaling and sailing of the time period. A great book if you're looking for a multicultural biography and/or book for classes studying 19th century world history.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. The details on whaling are kept to a minimum. It is mentioned that one of Manjiro's fellow fishermen is injured when they are marooned, but no details are given. No other violence.
There are several fictional books based on Manjiro's story, such as Heart of a Samurai by Preus. This is one of the few biographies of this amazing man for young adults and middle grades. Blumberg does a great job of presenting the story in a riveting way, but it is also incredibly obvious she's done a huge amount of research. I appreciated especially all the illustrations included that were done by Manjiro himself or done by someone he dictated to. There's also a very interesting look at Japan during a very pivotal period, that again feels very deeply researched, and of course, a good dose of history of whaling and sailing of the time period. A great book if you're looking for a multicultural biography and/or book for classes studying 19th century world history.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. The details on whaling are kept to a minimum. It is mentioned that one of Manjiro's fellow fishermen is injured when they are marooned, but no details are given. No other violence.
October 17, 2013
Category (Biography-Informational)
Found on page 278 in the textbook
1. Description
As a true adventure, the story of Manjiro, a young boy from Japan, is a bitter but sweet account of how this young man was brave enough to leave his country behind in search of new life, but this was not his choice; anyone who was caught leaving his country was banded forever and if returned, would be jailed immediately. A ship searching for whale oil makes a stop on the same island as Manjiro and his brothers. After being rescued from peril, the young men are invited to stay aboard the ship and receive food, shelter, and steady work. As the story progresses, Manjiro, in particular, is the one who heads out to sea hunting for whales. Needless to say, what happens at the end makes this book a great read.
2. Development of the plot
The climax of this book is how does Manjiro venture home again without being jailed or worse. As the story progresses, his decisions play an important role in how the book will end. Even though Manjiro is homesick but making money, he knows that his family is more important although the story takes time to show Mnajiro's true intentions.
3. Theme
The reoccuring theme in this book is about how important it is to have freedom to live where you wish and to do the things that make you happy and prosperus in life without government dictation.
4. Character
Manjiro, the main character in this story, takes the boldest leap of faith to find whether or not if countries are as bad as he has been told. As Manjiro makes his choices, the story changes its mood.
5. Tone
This story is filled with different tones that change periodically; one tone is definately "serious", and the second tone is "happiness" as Manjiro experiences unique levels of disappointment and joyfulness.
6. Point of view
The point of view seems to be that we ought not look upon other cultures as dismal. Instead, we should attempt to learn how they live and perhaps learn something from them.
7. Author's style
The author does a great job at writing this book without any bias towards the story; it is revealed in its true form without any negative conotations from any source,except those persons who tell the story. Also, Blumberg does well introducing the story and allowing the reader to absorb the detailed information that builds to the story's climax.
Found on page 278 in the textbook
1. Description
As a true adventure, the story of Manjiro, a young boy from Japan, is a bitter but sweet account of how this young man was brave enough to leave his country behind in search of new life, but this was not his choice; anyone who was caught leaving his country was banded forever and if returned, would be jailed immediately. A ship searching for whale oil makes a stop on the same island as Manjiro and his brothers. After being rescued from peril, the young men are invited to stay aboard the ship and receive food, shelter, and steady work. As the story progresses, Manjiro, in particular, is the one who heads out to sea hunting for whales. Needless to say, what happens at the end makes this book a great read.
2. Development of the plot
The climax of this book is how does Manjiro venture home again without being jailed or worse. As the story progresses, his decisions play an important role in how the book will end. Even though Manjiro is homesick but making money, he knows that his family is more important although the story takes time to show Mnajiro's true intentions.
3. Theme
The reoccuring theme in this book is about how important it is to have freedom to live where you wish and to do the things that make you happy and prosperus in life without government dictation.
4. Character
Manjiro, the main character in this story, takes the boldest leap of faith to find whether or not if countries are as bad as he has been told. As Manjiro makes his choices, the story changes its mood.
5. Tone
This story is filled with different tones that change periodically; one tone is definately "serious", and the second tone is "happiness" as Manjiro experiences unique levels of disappointment and joyfulness.
6. Point of view
The point of view seems to be that we ought not look upon other cultures as dismal. Instead, we should attempt to learn how they live and perhaps learn something from them.
7. Author's style
The author does a great job at writing this book without any bias towards the story; it is revealed in its true form without any negative conotations from any source,except those persons who tell the story. Also, Blumberg does well introducing the story and allowing the reader to absorb the detailed information that builds to the story's climax.
November 5, 2009
From School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-The true tale of a 14-year-old Japanese boy who, after being shipwrecked while fishing in 1841, was marooned for six months, rescued by an American whaling ship, educated in New England, and returned home to become an honored samurai. Blumberg was inspired to rescue this incredible story about Manjiro, also known as John Mung, when she realized that although it was well known in Japan, it enjoys only a small awareness in the West. The author's presentation illuminates what Japan's isolationist policies meant to individuals living there at that time and the immediate cultural differences that Manjiro experiences such as eating bread and sitting in chairs as the "first Japanese person to set foot in the United States." Her book packs a lot of excitement and drama into a few pages, and has lots of large, well-chosen illustrations. The title doesn't begin to hint at the incredibly varied adventures that are compacted here, deserving of a longer and more thorough treatment, but the text does convey the author's enthusiasm and awe of her subject. This is a good addition to libraries, as not only is it a fluid story about a fascinating person not yet on the shelves, but it also sheds light on many topics such as Japanese history, whaling practices, and 19th-century America.-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL
May 9, 2013
This is the amazing true story of 14-year-old Manjiro, the first Japanese person to come to America. Shipwrecked and marooned on a tiny island, Manjiro and four other crew members took shelter in a small cave and ate raw bird meat because they had no way to make a fire. They were cold. They had only a handful of water to drink each day. Worst of all they knew they could never go back to Japan. Japanese laws at that time were designed to keep everyone in Japan isolated from the rest of the world and shipwrecked fishermen would be killed if they returned home.
After six months on the island they were rescued by "strange-looking" men with long noses, hairy faces and light eyes and hair...Americans! The Americans were out at sea, hunting whales and turtles.
Manjiro was smart. He learned the details of whaling, how to navigate the ship, and after only a few weeks he learned to speak and understand English! The captain, William H. Whitfield, loved Manjiro as if he were his own son. Manjiro lived in America for awhile, but because of concern for his family, he eventually risked returning home. He was jailed upon his return but Japanese officials were curious to learn about the ways of Americans and he was freed. Manjiro used his knowledge wisely and went on to become an honored samurai who influenced the history of Japan.
After six months on the island they were rescued by "strange-looking" men with long noses, hairy faces and light eyes and hair...Americans! The Americans were out at sea, hunting whales and turtles.
Manjiro was smart. He learned the details of whaling, how to navigate the ship, and after only a few weeks he learned to speak and understand English! The captain, William H. Whitfield, loved Manjiro as if he were his own son. Manjiro lived in America for awhile, but because of concern for his family, he eventually risked returning home. He was jailed upon his return but Japanese officials were curious to learn about the ways of Americans and he was freed. Manjiro used his knowledge wisely and went on to become an honored samurai who influenced the history of Japan.
March 11, 2023
This is the second time we have read this book for school and I look forward to it when our studies loop back around.
November 26, 2012
1.) Genre- Biography
2.) Summary- A Japanese boy, Manjiro, gets stranded during a storm at sea. In his adventures and travels Manjiro finds work both on an American whaling vessel and then in America itself.
3.)a.) Area of focus-graphics (both illustrations and photographs)
3.)b.) Blumberg uses a plethora of diagrams in this book which add interest and visual appeal to Manjiro's story.
3.)c.) While the language of this book can be dense, Blumberg does a great job of including appropriate images to assist in the telling of Manjiro's story. Many of the graphics detail Japanese life or culture and helps to immerse the reader in the world of the story. One example, on page 23, is the drawing of what foreigners looked like to Japanese people. This illustration helps the reader to understand why Manjiro is so apprehensive to work with the Americans.
4.) Curriculum Connections- With all the fascinating graphics, this book has a lot of appeal for classroom use. In terms of being a biography, it does a good job of laying down the facts of Manjiro's life without being overly dry. Teachers could use this book to discuss Japanese culture, cultural clashes, or even the basic features of biographies.
2.) Summary- A Japanese boy, Manjiro, gets stranded during a storm at sea. In his adventures and travels Manjiro finds work both on an American whaling vessel and then in America itself.
3.)a.) Area of focus-graphics (both illustrations and photographs)
3.)b.) Blumberg uses a plethora of diagrams in this book which add interest and visual appeal to Manjiro's story.
3.)c.) While the language of this book can be dense, Blumberg does a great job of including appropriate images to assist in the telling of Manjiro's story. Many of the graphics detail Japanese life or culture and helps to immerse the reader in the world of the story. One example, on page 23, is the drawing of what foreigners looked like to Japanese people. This illustration helps the reader to understand why Manjiro is so apprehensive to work with the Americans.
4.) Curriculum Connections- With all the fascinating graphics, this book has a lot of appeal for classroom use. In terms of being a biography, it does a good job of laying down the facts of Manjiro's life without being overly dry. Teachers could use this book to discuss Japanese culture, cultural clashes, or even the basic features of biographies.
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