How to Be a Samurai Warrior

How to Be

by Fiona Macdonald

Can you handle a horse? Are you skillful with a bow? Are you brave in the face of danger? Will you wear this smelly, lice-infested armor with dignity? Have you truly earned the respect and honor shown to the samurai? Are you of honorable lineage? Will you show absolute loyalty to your lord? Do you understand that dishonor will bring death—by that same sword that you must sleep beside every night of your life? Are you ready to rise in rank?

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Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book about the ancient samurai warriors of Japan!

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book that gives you a quick overview of samurai life in the Feudal Era.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as I know Samurai did not use dogs for target practice nor were men the only samurai, there were some female samurai.

[Kala · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books is very similar to Fiona McDonald's more recent book on samurai, You Wouldn't Want to be a Samurai! Although their are some differences in the information included, much is the same. Even some of the illustrations from this book have been included in the newer one with the only real difference being the illustrator drawing them in his own style (perhaps only changing the color of the garments or enlarging the feet in a comical way). If you are looking for a dab of humor you may prefer You Wouldn't Want to be a Samurai! instead of this one.