Blue Fingers: A Ninja's Tale

by Cheryl Aylward Whitesel

The power and prowess of ninja never seem to lose their appeal to young readers, especially boys. Blue Fingers, a suspenseful, action-packed coming-of-age story set in feudal Japan, offers an up-close look at this noble, fierce way of life.
Through an odd twist of fate, a stubborn twelve-year-old boy named Koji is kidnapped by a secret ninja clan and taken to its hidden camp high in the mountains. He wants desperately to return home, but that is forbidden. He must forget his old life and become a ninja-or die. In this carefully researched and well-crafted novel, Koji must learn to survive in the mysterious and dangerous world of the ninja and fulfill a destiny far different from any he could have imagined. Afterword.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Japan, Historical, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

252 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2004

About the author

Cheryl Aylward Whitesel was born in Rochester, New York, and has also lived in Illinois, Louisiana, and Michigan. She spent 12 years living in Asia.

Returning from Asia to her family's home in Chicago, the former attorney decided to share what she learned of Asian culture and history with American children.

She has written two books, "Tibetan Rebel" and "Blue Fingers," set in Tibet and Japan. She now lives in Western Springs, Illinois with her husband, son, and a parakeet named Ping.

Source: Cheryl Aylward Whitesel Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent little young adult feel good story about a reject kid who finds a home w some surprisingly welcoming vigilante ninjas... not much more to it then that. A lot of it is far fetched, and seems pretty improbable, especially the climax... but at the very least it was an easy read.

[Bethany Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, I'm about to eat my words. One time, I said "Historical fiction aren't always good books," and you know what? This book has totally proved me wrong.I LOVED this book-if I could, I'd rate this book to infinity! It has suspense, history, compassion,and everything you need to make a book a excellent one.I loved that the book said that Kojii basked in his brother's glory, but in the end, Taro, his brother, admits that he feels like he's basking in Kojii's glory;because Taro was second to do everything. I loved that Spider seems to only want to choose Koji/Blue Finger's ki bearerjust because he wants to make him get the wron one for him, but in truth, the bamboo flute is the right one for Kojii/blue fingers.Spider had this dream that he was playing Norimaru's flute because when Lord Udo found Spider's father and brother in peasant clothes, lying on the ground, about to die, he just sat there and listened to his son's flute and listen to them die when they were ona ninja mission. Ever since, Spider has been having strange dreams/nightmares that he would be playing the flute and getting his revenge, but when Kojii came, Spider was angry because in his dreams, Kojii was playing it....

[Anakin Paez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book involved a smooth story line that the readers can imagine what the main character went through to. This book involved a character named Koji who was sent away to be an apprentice, but escaping the apprentice life he ran away and hid in the forbidden forest where ninja kidnapped him and made him become one of them, he would then be put through a physical and emotional journey that only a down to earth person would understand. This book shows that anything is possible through determination and persistence when it comes to death defying tasks or mentally tricking someone. This book had a great job with the characters and the setting because the characters were selfish at some times, but they could show great sacrifice when the time comes. The setting was mostly revolved around the high mountains of Japan and the way they described the landscape almost made me feel like I was actually there. I would recommend this book to people who like Action & Adventure because they involve great fight scenes and stealth, but this book showed that anything can happen and you have to be prepared for it.

[Sully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it beacuse I like ninjas.A farm boy gets lost in the woods after he ran away from his training to be a dye maker and is captured by ninjas they train him to becum a ninja.After his training samurai burn down his old villge and his father died he later seeks his revenge

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book set in 1545 in Japan. A farm boy, who became a dye maker's apprentice until sacked, later becomes lost in the mountains and is kidnapped by Ninja's. He is then trained to be a
Ninja. The story is an adventurous look at an unusual but interesting period of time in Japan. The author's notes in the back distinguish truth from fiction.

[Ashley Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. A great read for younger readers.

I fully identified with Koji's feelings of inferiority, but he really grew into his own over the course of the story. The path may not have been one he expected, but it was his and it was there that he thrived. Also a great reminder that there is more to everything and everyone we come across than our initial judgement.

[Marielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book!! I think my main issue is I am not a huge fan of middle grades as the characters are never that well developed but it got better at the end and I really enjoyed the bromance between spider and Koji. If this plot was done by a ya author and more developed then I think I would love it because the concept is great.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. It has ninja's and is overall just a good story to read. It's nice to know that the author did her research on ninjas also. I can't recall any of the characters names but that one guy who was detailed as a spider or something was my favorite.

[Kaelin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in 8th grade; I loved it so much. I was so into it when I had to read it for a book report. If you love Japanese culture, this is the book for you.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very engaging historical novel set in feudal Japan - good for budding martial artists! I'll be recommending this one to my middle schoolers for sure.

[myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue fingers is a captivating story. 6 stars!❤

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read it in a few weeks and i enjoy it.

I still don't know why the oldest twin was named Blue fingers instead of something like: TuneStar.

Because you know he plays music.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special and an inventive story.

[Margaret Cassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks questionable, but it's clean I wish the main character was more likeable though. At the end my heart started racing with excitement.

[Aeres Seeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I remember reading in middle school and never forgot. It wasn't till last year I finally got a physical copy and I'm glad I did.

[Liora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I read in my search for books that my 13 year old reluctant reader son might like. It is set in 16th century Japan at a time when the Samurai clans ruled the country. Twelve year old Koji, one of twin boys in a poor peasant family, is captured by a secretive Ninja clan who live in the remote mountains. His life is changed as he is forced to participate in mysterious ninja training. Slowly, he turns from his clumsy and lazy ways, and also mistrust and thoughts of escape, to one of belonging, responsibility and pride in his hard won new skills. As he becomes more mature and trusted by the ninja clan, he is allowed to join more missions and see how the ninja try to help the common peasants.

The author gives plenty of action, but also a lot of information about the Japanese philosophy of ninjutsu, Japanese customs, beliefs and superstitions. It is basically a well done coming of age story in a fascinating, alluring setting that I think will appeal to my son. Here's hoping anyway.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Koji sangat tidak beruntung. Dia anak kembar dan di jaman feodal Jepang saat itu anak kembar dianggap pembawa sial. Koji dan Taro, meskipun identik, namun mereka sangat berbeda. Taro dengan mudah melakukan apa yang dilakukan Koji dengan lebih baik.

Suatu hari Koji diperintahkan ayahnya untuk pergi, karena mereka tak ingin ketahuan memiliki anak kembar. Koji disuruh pergi ke gunung. Tapi Koji menolak. Namun karena paksaan ayahnya, akhirnya Koji pergi juga.

Di hutan menuju gunung, Koji bertemu dengan ninja, dan akhirnya dia menjadi tawanan disana. Hanya saja, sebagai tawanan Koji diwajibkan belajar menjadi Ninja.

Dengan malas-malasan Koji belajar menjadi ninja, karena dia ingin pulang ke rumahnya. Namun ketika kampungnya dibakar oleh Samurai, Koji tak punya pilihan lain kecuali menjadi ninja dan membalaskan dendamnya.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“For Koji, the toughest training exercise was mudo, when for hours he must remain still in whatever position First Master chose. He kept a bit of cloth in his mouth so that even his breath would be deadened. First Master seemed to know when Koji's cramped muscles were screaming in silent agony. Then the training master would lean close and whisper in the boy's ear, "A ninja is a warrior-mystic. He is strong. He knows. He dares. He is silent." Somehow, the four directives gave Koji the courage to persist.”

A fun children's adventure book about ninjas. Good story, great characters. Very enjoyable!

[Jasmine P · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a good book it's funny and it teaches you a lot of how the society was way back then some of the stuff you read is really weird like how they dislcoate their joints and their bones it's a little odd but it really is good you fall in love with the main character Koji. You see him go from a farm boy to a great ninja and how he goes from being a koji to being a blue fingers. its such a great story that i recomment

from this book i learnedthat you should not compare yourself to others its not good for you and that you should overcome your fears

[Valerie L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading about Ninjas and Samuris in old Japan was very fun. The author tells a great story and teaches you without a lesosn. I enjoyed learning a bit more of the history and the difference between the two. Koji is 12, a twin, and given a chance of a lifetime as an apprentice to a dye maker. Yet, he only discovers his real potential when he runs away and is lost in the bamboo mountain of iga. Kidnapped, forced to accept a new life, Koji begins to learn what he wants, who he is, and who he can become.

Very fun, quick readd! Enjoyable!

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 5-9 244 pgs

1545, Japan. 12 year old Koji doesn't understand why his parents insisted he take credit after his twin brother Taro saves the life of a rich dye merchant. As a dye merchant's apprentice, Koji is miserable and just wants to go home. Koji is sent home in disgrace, but cannot face his family and tell him he failed. When he heads off into the woods, he becomes lost. Found by a ninja boy, Koji is taken to their camp and held prisoner. Unable to return home, Koji must decide whether or not to join them and train to become a ninja.

Great story

[Maesi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I didn’t love it because I’m not much into ninjas but it was cool I guess. It’s definitely not a book I would recommend unless you like ninjas.It's about a boy named koji who ran away escaping the apprentice life. He runs into the woods and gets lost. He ran into a group of ninjas. They kidnapped him and took koji to their place where they train each other to be a better ninja. The ninjas train koji to become a ninja. This book is based off of a period of time years ago in japan 1545.

[DAL R A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that those metal disc that have sharp things that stick out are called shuriken. I thought this book was exciting. I didn't know anything about ninja's before I read this book. I liked the glossary in the back of the book that explained everything I didn't know. The main character became strong and he was good. Spider teased Koji just like I tease my sister, but he really cared about him. I thought this was better than the 2nd Harry Potter.

[Ms. Heres]

Koji never seems to do anything right while his twin brother can do no wrong. After messing up an opportunity to help his family, Koji runs away and becomes lost in the woods. His worst fear is realized when he is kidnapped by ninjas! What will they do to him? Will he ever see his family again?
During the time of Japanese Samurai, ninjas are feared because they are so secretive...and no one thinks they can be trusted.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Koji is so homesick as a dye maker's apprentice he is sent home in shame. He runs away into the forest and is captured by a ninja clan. He must train in their ways, but can't return to his family farm. He is angry until the samurai warlord burned his village and killed his father. Now Koji must help the ninja and earn his new name.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finnian's review at 7 (though we read it some time ago)

This was the best Ninja book! It wasn't just facts about ninjas, though, it was a story about a boy who becomes a ninja. The ninjas lived in secret and used to be poor farmers, but they wanted to defend people from the Samurai lords who are rich and lazy and greedy.

I think about this book a lot when I'm pretending to be a ninja.

[Ayanesea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a couple of years ago and found it to be quite an interesting take on ninja's. I'm not sure it's my favorite for its catagory but I do like it. All the different things that happen during the main story makes it hard to abandon.

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I hade so much fun reading it. It was the perfect twist between historical fiction and fary tale. Anybody who likes historical fiction if you can get your hands on this book do it!!! Read it!!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about a topic that I know nothing about. All that I know about ninjas can be found on a lego ninjago box. I read this to see if it was something Paul might like, and I think he will in another couple of years.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the best books are those that appeal to a wide range of readers. It's always a good sign when I can enjoy the same book that my 12-year-old brother does!

That being said, this is a nice book that has adventure, historical fiction, and, above all, ninjas!