What do you think?
Rate this book
Samurai
The Bamboo Sword
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 arrive on the shores of Edo demanding “diplomatically” that Japan open its ports to foreign trade. Aboard the Susquehanna 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.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2015
30 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Margi Preus
26 books191 followersMargi Preus is a children's writer. She is a 2011 Newbery Honor winner and won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Heart of a Samurai.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 15, 2022
Was a bit boring to me at first, but then it got much better as I read it more. Had to put down this one for a little while before picking it up again. Despite my temporary disinterest in this, it was a pretty good book nonetheless. But, I enjoyed Heart of a Samurai a little more than this. It did have lots of history behind it and interesting insights to it. Which I enjoyed reading and learning about.
July 11, 2022
This was an interesting and very fun read. I have never read any story set in Japan when it was still closed to “barbarians” before Perry arrived. The fears of the people, the way of life, the stories they’d heard of the “outsiders” and of Manjiro (a real person who had spent several years in America before coming back to Japan), made it all very fascinating. There was plenty of excitement and adventure.
I also really enjoyed the part in the back where the author tells you what is fiction and what isn’t. She also tells about some different important Japanese who were named in the book.
This is not a Christian book, but then I wasn’t expecting it to be since it was focused on Japan.
Recommended.
I also really enjoyed the part in the back where the author tells you what is fiction and what isn’t. She also tells about some different important Japanese who were named in the book.
This is not a Christian book, but then I wasn’t expecting it to be since it was focused on Japan.
Recommended.
May 29, 2020
Yet again this book had very strong vocabulary, and great detail. The plot line and overall story was very well thought out and planned. I don't want to spoil too much but probably in my top 3 from this quarter! 5/5 rating
July 21, 2016
It had an interesting setting, historic Japan encountering the US for the first time.
October 20, 2023
I read the first book, "Heart of a Samurai", with my boys (ages 9-13) for a book club. So I decided to pick up this book next. You don't have to read "Heart of the Samurai" to enjoy this book. Both stories are connected through the character, Manjiro, but one is not dependent on the other. In this story Manjiro is a supporting character. On goodreads I gave both books 4 stars. But if I had to compare the two stories, I'd give this book 4.5 stars and I'd give the first book 3.5 stars.
This book takes place in Japan. I really enjoyed the setting of the book and how much of Japan's history you learn. One of my favorite aspects was the art the author included throughout the book, so much so that I picked up books on Hiroshige's and Hokusai's art. Both of these artist's work tells a story, and it was fun to see how Preus weaved their art into her own story.
This book takes place in Japan. I really enjoyed the setting of the book and how much of Japan's history you learn. One of my favorite aspects was the art the author included throughout the book, so much so that I picked up books on Hiroshige's and Hokusai's art. Both of these artist's work tells a story, and it was fun to see how Preus weaved their art into her own story.
April 24, 2023
3.5 stars
October 30, 2016
The arrival of Admiral Perry in Japan is told from the perspectives of a servant boy, Yoshi, in Japan with impossible dreams of being a samurai someday, and Jack, a boy on one of the ships under Perry's command. Eventually Yoshi and Jack's paths cross with each other and Manjiro, the only person on the islands that has ever been to America.
Preus chose a very interesting way of telling the story of Perry's arrival in Japan and Manjiro's role in the negotiations. She didn't follow Manjiro around. She didn't follow Perry around. She has readers alternately follow a Japanese servant boy, Yoshi, and an American ship's boy, Jack around during these historic events. Yoshi gets in trouble for helping a young samurai escape going to battle against the Americans, and then he follows quite a twisted path of evading punishment, aiding a painter and a horse shoe salesman before eventually ending up a servant to Manjiro. In going on this convoluted path, Yoshi provides readers with a taste of the varied responses across Japanese classes to the American's arrival. Following Jack around provides the American perspective of the historical event. And overall, by following around these two boys from the opposite sides of this potentially explosive event, Preus breaks things down into terms ten year olds can understand. She does a great job of presenting things well from both perspectives. The appearance of Manjiro makes this a sequel to Preus' Heart of a Samurai and refers to some of the events in that book so readers will better understand this if they have read that book though it isn't entirely necessary. I didn't find this quite as exciting as the previous book, partly because there's no real plot other than Yoshi evading escape and then eventually Jack getting back to his ship after he gets left behind. At times you wonder where the story is headed, but in hindsight I realize it was all to give a glimpse of the various parts of Japanese society and perspectives of the event. In hindsight it was cleverly done. In the moment, it made for somewhat slow reading. I really liked the detail Preus put into delineating in the notes what was historical fact and what she made up. She also provides a fantastic bibliography of resources, noting those recommended for curious middle grade readers who want further reading on this part of history. There really aren't a whole lot of books for middle graders set in feudal Japan, so this fills a big gap.
Notes on content: Some name calling, but no swear words. No sexual content. Tensions are high, but the event was settled peacefully. An attempt is made on Manjiro's life but is thwarted.
Preus chose a very interesting way of telling the story of Perry's arrival in Japan and Manjiro's role in the negotiations. She didn't follow Manjiro around. She didn't follow Perry around. She has readers alternately follow a Japanese servant boy, Yoshi, and an American ship's boy, Jack around during these historic events. Yoshi gets in trouble for helping a young samurai escape going to battle against the Americans, and then he follows quite a twisted path of evading punishment, aiding a painter and a horse shoe salesman before eventually ending up a servant to Manjiro. In going on this convoluted path, Yoshi provides readers with a taste of the varied responses across Japanese classes to the American's arrival. Following Jack around provides the American perspective of the historical event. And overall, by following around these two boys from the opposite sides of this potentially explosive event, Preus breaks things down into terms ten year olds can understand. She does a great job of presenting things well from both perspectives. The appearance of Manjiro makes this a sequel to Preus' Heart of a Samurai and refers to some of the events in that book so readers will better understand this if they have read that book though it isn't entirely necessary. I didn't find this quite as exciting as the previous book, partly because there's no real plot other than Yoshi evading escape and then eventually Jack getting back to his ship after he gets left behind. At times you wonder where the story is headed, but in hindsight I realize it was all to give a glimpse of the various parts of Japanese society and perspectives of the event. In hindsight it was cleverly done. In the moment, it made for somewhat slow reading. I really liked the detail Preus put into delineating in the notes what was historical fact and what she made up. She also provides a fantastic bibliography of resources, noting those recommended for curious middle grade readers who want further reading on this part of history. There really aren't a whole lot of books for middle graders set in feudal Japan, so this fills a big gap.
Notes on content: Some name calling, but no swear words. No sexual content. Tensions are high, but the event was settled peacefully. An attempt is made on Manjiro's life but is thwarted.
April 28, 2021
This one had been on my shelf - a signed copy! - for several years. After reading Margi Preus's "Village of Scoundrels" recently , I knew that I needed to read "The Bamboo Sword." Once again, Preus did not disappoint!
"The Bamboo Sword," a novel, is based on a true story (and many real people) that most of us probably did not study in history class - American, M.C. Perry's, arrival with a fleet of steamships in Edo Bay/now Tokyo Bay, Japan, in 1853, despite the fact that foreigners were forbidden to enter Japanese waters at the time. Author, Margi Preus, quotes Perry's "Narrative of the Expedition of the China Seas and Japan" at the beginning of several chapters. The story is told from the third person point of view of a lowly thirteen year old Japanese servant named Yoshi, and the third person point of view of a lowly American cabin boy on one of the ships that arrives in the bay. Both long to see and explore the world, and when fate brings them together they embark on a series of adventures that allows them to see each other's humanity and past the preconceived ideas that they have of one another.
- p. 236 - "He imagined telling her about these pictures, and how he had felt that same desire - to go beyond what you could see. It was just a nameless longing, really to see more, to know more, maybe even to be more."
Takeaways:
1. What I love most about Preus's work is that she chooses such unique topics - important historical events that are unfamiliar to most. The interesting thing is that though part of our past, they are still so relevant to contemporary readers. Perhaps, had we been made aware of them in our schooling, we would have learned from them and not be in some of the predicaments that we are now face - case in point, the Asian hate crimes that are rampant in the United Stated in 2021.
2. As is typical of Preus, this middle grade novel is meticulously researched. She includes an extensive "Author's Note" at the end of the book, a glossary, and a bibliography. The artwork and photographs included are fabulous as well.
3. I appreciate Preus's beautiful use of language throughout the novel. She begins Chapter 22..."Snow lay heaped on every twig and branch, thickening shrubs and trees as if it were full summer and the leaves and flowers had all blossomed white. Behind the snow-laden shrubs, there was a spot in the garden private enough for Yoshi to practice his sword fighting in secret." - Her lovely prose helps to create a real sense of time and place.
4. The novel is a wonderful cultural study.
5. In addition, Preus includes many wise lessons relevant for middle grade readers, many from the Japanese culture.
- p. 43 - "'Be fluid like water...Water can fill any shaped vessel, and is able to make itself into a single drop or a vast ocean.'"
- p. 45 - "'...you possess the most important thing, for as we know, 'The gods dwell in the heads of the honest."'"
- p. 58 - "'A brush can cut deeper than a sword, and, unlike a sword, it can also heal. And, really...the brush is more powerful than a sword. It speaks truth when truth cannot be spoken any other way...What can you say for the sword?'" - This makes me think about the street that has risen up in the Twin Cities and throughout the world in response to the COVID19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.
p. 59 - "'How much do we fail to imagine is possible just because it does not seem possible?...Perhaps the impossible is just exactly what we should try to imagine."
p. 98 - 100 - A really significant idea is that only by respectfully interacting with those who are different from us, by truly getting to know one another, can we come to understanding. Both the Americans and the Japanese harbor inaccurate ideas of one another at the beginning of "The Bamboo Sword." The character of Manjiro teaches us much in this regard.
- p. 114 - "'The sword is not the solution to everything...Have you not heard of the spirit of winning without the sword?...I want to be known as a man of peace...How do I express that if I am wearing a sword?'"
- p. 133 - the title of the book comes from this line: "'Our weapons are no better against the outsiders than - than a bamboo sword!'"
- p. 133 - "'Servants hear everything. You should know that. As far as our masters are concerned, we're invisible - it's as if we aren't there. So, in order to hear, all you have to do is keep your ears open.'"
- p. 147 - "'As Aizawa-sensei has told us...all Western countries are like the feet of the world, which trample on other countries.'"
- p. 150 - "'Perhaps we need to think radically about this situation...The country is bound to change. It has to change, whether we allow the foreigners in or not. But we must be the ones to make the changes. We must think differently about how we are governed...They have something called 'democracy.' Instead of an emperor or shogun, they have a president who is elected by the people...'"
- p. 159-162 - "'It is telling that the motto of the Americans, the phrase they stamp on their currency, is "e pluribus unum." It is a Latin phrase that means "out of many, one"...I suppose it could mean that out of the many nationalities on earth, we are still one people.'"
- p. 160 - "These stone walls and thick hedges could not keep out the world..."
- p.163 - "'Only be learning the barbarians' ways can we hope to defeat them...'"
- p. 230 - "'The Americans probably wonder why the value of the gifts does not seem high, without realizing that, for us, a high material value would seem like a bribe, which would be an insult to an honorable recipient...Instead, we give gifts with symbolic meaning. But they wouldn't understand that, either. Here we take for granted that everyone understands the symbolism of the gifts we give...They don't have the same customs we do.'"
- p. 261 - "All he could think of was the proverb 'A wasp stinging a weeping face.' That's what his life was like right now - insult heaped upon injury."
p. 261 - "Well he had one idea, and he reminded himself of Miyamoto Musashi's words: 'Even a road of one thousand miles can only be traversed by taking one step at a time.' Or one idea at a time."
p. 273 - "'With new developments in transportation and communication, countries can no longer expect to live in isolation...But I believe good will come out of this changing world.'" - now that would certainly be an interesting discussion for 2021
p. 278 - "He had heard it said that Japan was like an oyster - to open it would be to kill it. Maybe, he thought. He supposed the country would surely change. It would never again be like it was right now....One thing that would never be killed, he thought...was the spirit of these people."
p. 293 - "As we sat there, chatting amiably, it felt to me as if we were old friends. Even more than friends - brothers. This is strange, don't you think? To have found a brother in such a faraway place? But perhaps we are not so terribly distant after all." - lovely!
"The Bamboo Sword" should be in every middle grade library! Wonderful!
"The Bamboo Sword," a novel, is based on a true story (and many real people) that most of us probably did not study in history class - American, M.C. Perry's, arrival with a fleet of steamships in Edo Bay/now Tokyo Bay, Japan, in 1853, despite the fact that foreigners were forbidden to enter Japanese waters at the time. Author, Margi Preus, quotes Perry's "Narrative of the Expedition of the China Seas and Japan" at the beginning of several chapters. The story is told from the third person point of view of a lowly thirteen year old Japanese servant named Yoshi, and the third person point of view of a lowly American cabin boy on one of the ships that arrives in the bay. Both long to see and explore the world, and when fate brings them together they embark on a series of adventures that allows them to see each other's humanity and past the preconceived ideas that they have of one another.
- p. 236 - "He imagined telling her about these pictures, and how he had felt that same desire - to go beyond what you could see. It was just a nameless longing, really to see more, to know more, maybe even to be more."
Takeaways:
1. What I love most about Preus's work is that she chooses such unique topics - important historical events that are unfamiliar to most. The interesting thing is that though part of our past, they are still so relevant to contemporary readers. Perhaps, had we been made aware of them in our schooling, we would have learned from them and not be in some of the predicaments that we are now face - case in point, the Asian hate crimes that are rampant in the United Stated in 2021.
2. As is typical of Preus, this middle grade novel is meticulously researched. She includes an extensive "Author's Note" at the end of the book, a glossary, and a bibliography. The artwork and photographs included are fabulous as well.
3. I appreciate Preus's beautiful use of language throughout the novel. She begins Chapter 22..."Snow lay heaped on every twig and branch, thickening shrubs and trees as if it were full summer and the leaves and flowers had all blossomed white. Behind the snow-laden shrubs, there was a spot in the garden private enough for Yoshi to practice his sword fighting in secret." - Her lovely prose helps to create a real sense of time and place.
4. The novel is a wonderful cultural study.
5. In addition, Preus includes many wise lessons relevant for middle grade readers, many from the Japanese culture.
- p. 43 - "'Be fluid like water...Water can fill any shaped vessel, and is able to make itself into a single drop or a vast ocean.'"
- p. 45 - "'...you possess the most important thing, for as we know, 'The gods dwell in the heads of the honest."'"
- p. 58 - "'A brush can cut deeper than a sword, and, unlike a sword, it can also heal. And, really...the brush is more powerful than a sword. It speaks truth when truth cannot be spoken any other way...What can you say for the sword?'" - This makes me think about the street that has risen up in the Twin Cities and throughout the world in response to the COVID19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.
p. 59 - "'How much do we fail to imagine is possible just because it does not seem possible?...Perhaps the impossible is just exactly what we should try to imagine."
p. 98 - 100 - A really significant idea is that only by respectfully interacting with those who are different from us, by truly getting to know one another, can we come to understanding. Both the Americans and the Japanese harbor inaccurate ideas of one another at the beginning of "The Bamboo Sword." The character of Manjiro teaches us much in this regard.
- p. 114 - "'The sword is not the solution to everything...Have you not heard of the spirit of winning without the sword?...I want to be known as a man of peace...How do I express that if I am wearing a sword?'"
- p. 133 - the title of the book comes from this line: "'Our weapons are no better against the outsiders than - than a bamboo sword!'"
- p. 133 - "'Servants hear everything. You should know that. As far as our masters are concerned, we're invisible - it's as if we aren't there. So, in order to hear, all you have to do is keep your ears open.'"
- p. 147 - "'As Aizawa-sensei has told us...all Western countries are like the feet of the world, which trample on other countries.'"
- p. 150 - "'Perhaps we need to think radically about this situation...The country is bound to change. It has to change, whether we allow the foreigners in or not. But we must be the ones to make the changes. We must think differently about how we are governed...They have something called 'democracy.' Instead of an emperor or shogun, they have a president who is elected by the people...'"
- p. 159-162 - "'It is telling that the motto of the Americans, the phrase they stamp on their currency, is "e pluribus unum." It is a Latin phrase that means "out of many, one"...I suppose it could mean that out of the many nationalities on earth, we are still one people.'"
- p. 160 - "These stone walls and thick hedges could not keep out the world..."
- p.163 - "'Only be learning the barbarians' ways can we hope to defeat them...'"
- p. 230 - "'The Americans probably wonder why the value of the gifts does not seem high, without realizing that, for us, a high material value would seem like a bribe, which would be an insult to an honorable recipient...Instead, we give gifts with symbolic meaning. But they wouldn't understand that, either. Here we take for granted that everyone understands the symbolism of the gifts we give...They don't have the same customs we do.'"
- p. 261 - "All he could think of was the proverb 'A wasp stinging a weeping face.' That's what his life was like right now - insult heaped upon injury."
p. 261 - "Well he had one idea, and he reminded himself of Miyamoto Musashi's words: 'Even a road of one thousand miles can only be traversed by taking one step at a time.' Or one idea at a time."
p. 273 - "'With new developments in transportation and communication, countries can no longer expect to live in isolation...But I believe good will come out of this changing world.'" - now that would certainly be an interesting discussion for 2021
p. 278 - "He had heard it said that Japan was like an oyster - to open it would be to kill it. Maybe, he thought. He supposed the country would surely change. It would never again be like it was right now....One thing that would never be killed, he thought...was the spirit of these people."
p. 293 - "As we sat there, chatting amiably, it felt to me as if we were old friends. Even more than friends - brothers. This is strange, don't you think? To have found a brother in such a faraway place? But perhaps we are not so terribly distant after all." - lovely!
"The Bamboo Sword" should be in every middle grade library! Wonderful!
March 13, 2016
I read this as a part of a parent-student book club and we enjoyed it immensely. The novel can be intimidating due to the historical nature of the fiction coupled with Japanese words, however I found the message to this book inspiring and it allowed me a rare chance to reflect on a part of American history that is often overlooked!
October 14, 2015
Exciting! Touches of humor! Great detail!
September 1, 2022
Another beautiful book by Margi Preus. As with Heart of a Samurai, the graphic design is gorgeous and the writing is wonderful. I love the juxtaposition between Yoshi’s POV and Jack’s, the idea of these two boys who are worlds apart yet are so alike in their childlike wonder; it’s a good message that never feels forced. If I have any complaint at all, The Bamboo Sword seems to dwell a bit more on historical details than Heart of a Samurai, which I have no problem with, but I could see the intended audience possibly getting restless. Still, I read it out loud to my nine year old and she enjoyed it as much as I did. I do wonder, how many middle grade readers are interested in ancient Japan and Samurai culture. Hopefully there are enough out there to keep wonderful books like this being published.
February 8, 2025
Biggest takeaway from this book? Probably that Racism is ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS nurtured. And that kids will literally just swallow and absorb anyone in their immediate environment; so really if they grow up evil ITS THE ADULTS FAULT. so im just glad the boyos in this books found good influence when it matters the most.
So anyway, stealing words from well-established authors, this book is a 'Beautifully timeless, classic fish-out-of-water story' that synchronized with documented history. Weirdly, it reminds me alot of the manga turned anime adaptation Attack on Titan (しん激の狂人）but friendly for kids-its essentially a kids' novel haha- and yet not a total snooze fest for adults who desire an easy yet informative read! Glad I picked up. One day I'll get my kids to read this before we start a binge-watch/read marathon of Attack on Titan. Get them mentally prepared, y'know.
So anyway, stealing words from well-established authors, this book is a 'Beautifully timeless, classic fish-out-of-water story' that synchronized with documented history. Weirdly, it reminds me alot of the manga turned anime adaptation Attack on Titan (しん激の狂人）but friendly for kids-its essentially a kids' novel haha- and yet not a total snooze fest for adults who desire an easy yet informative read! Glad I picked up. One day I'll get my kids to read this before we start a binge-watch/read marathon of Attack on Titan. Get them mentally prepared, y'know.
May 17, 2020
The story is very well written. I gave it five stars for the intended youthful audience. The story entertained me also as an older reader, especially because of the historical accuracy and the insightful description of the mid-19th century, Japanese culture. The novel is action-packed. The hero, Yoshi, is able to overcome obstacles that would overwhelm anyone in real life, but the author manages to make his accomplishments mostly believable. The relationship between Yoshi and the stranded American boy drew me in as each grew in their understanding of the other. This is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves to learn about history and Japan while enjoying an interesting tale.
December 30, 2022
The clash of cultures was the highlight of this adventure book for me. It was fun to see the differences between the cultures of Japan and America during the 1850s. It was good to see a couple of boys learning new things about one another’s culture—that different isn’t always a bad thing. It was also neat to see the wild theories about other cultures and people prior to getting to know them. Funny how those things spiral into bizarre hyperbole so quickly!
Content: Buddhism, derogatory terms, public bathing (including nudity)
Content: Buddhism, derogatory terms, public bathing (including nudity)
November 29, 2025
As Americans arrive in Japan for the first time, Yoshi dreams of defending his homeland as a samurai, despite his lowly upbringing - but adventure awaits as tensions brew between their people, and his search for honour is interrupted by Jack, an American cabin boy lost and hunted by ronin. Preus offers young readers an encouraging tale of comradery, fairly venturesome amidst its engaging collection of historic artwork, though slightly suffering from lack of editing.
June 21, 2017
A quick adventure read- brings an interesting perspective to how we view "foreigners". The story goes back and forth between a young American boy sailing to Japan for the first time and a young Japanese boy living in the fear and confusion of these first American travelers. A fantastic historical fiction disguised as adventure.
March 16, 2019
It's a light story, fun to read, easy to understand and enjoy. I think this book is best to be rated for teenager. But like I said it still enjoyable, but not an in-depth description of the history,especially if you're looking for a historical and samurai historical details. It's emphasize about life of a Japanese and American teenager at the time, but with some historical event as background.
July 6, 2020
A historical fiction for younger readers, but still a pleasant and thoughtful book for adults. I really appreciate the back and forth showing both sides of the meeting between American and Japanese, as well as the difficulty of being between worlds. The addition of historical prints made at the time was really helpful for immersion.
May 6, 2017
It is a very well written book - this book has a good plot to it and the adventure is pretty spectacular but realistic. It is a Historical Fiction book. People who like Historical Fiction and Adventure should enjoy this book.
June 7, 2019
Fictional follow on to the mostly nonfiction Heart of a Samurai. A lowly young boy of Japan’s servant class who dreams of being a Samurai, stumbles into a grand adventure to reunite a young American boy with his Ship after becoming separated from his crew.
September 4, 2017
Loved this book. Action packed and full of adventure. Margi Preus makes you feel like you are right there with the characters of the book watching the story unfold.
May 26, 2019
This is a great story about how the relationship between America and Japan started. The action starts right from the beginning, so there is no boring and long beginning like most books have.
April 1, 2020
Took a while to read this out loud to my son...there were some exciting moments.
May 2, 2020
A good follow up to Heart of a Samurai, good for multicultural discussions.
December 17, 2020
Loved the concept! Although I liked most of the characters, I felt like some of them were not as well developed as I would have liked. A few loose ends more than I would have liked.
October 5, 2021
Adds really cool insight to what happened during the American travels to Japan. Gives a new idea of the culture and customs in ancient Japan.
December 2, 2021
Sequel to "Heart of a Samurai." Lexile rating is 820, which is 5th grade. IDK, to me it seems more like a 6th grade book.
May 6, 2023
10/10 loved it rest of my class though hated it definitely would recommend if you like a bit of action and drama
January 28, 2025
I had a hard time with this one. It didn’t feel as engaging as Heart of a Samurai because its story and characters were not as compelling or historically grounded as Heart of a Samurai.
July 6, 2025
fun kid's book. Little Free Library find
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews