Module 12--Manjiro

Manjiro-the Boy Who Risked His Life for Two Countries

Synopsis: Manjiro, 14, is a Japanese whaler. But when he and his companions are shipwrecked, they have no hope of returning home since Japan is closed to outsiders or those who leave its shores. Rescued by an American, Manjiro travels to the United States where he learns its customs and language. After a few years, he has the opportunity to return to his homeland where he is instrumental in opening up trade between Japan and the world.

Citation: McCully, Emily Arnold. Manjiro-The Boy Who Risked His Life for Two Countries. (2008). Illus. by the author. New York: Farrar.

My thoughts: This is a great story. The illustrations so perfectly aligned with the wondefully balanced facts and prose. I find myself rooting for Manjiro and holding my breath when he returned to Japan.

Library usage: This would be a fun tie-in with an Anime/Manga club. Or for a cultural week as an example of historical Japan.

Review:

(Primary, Intermediate) "For over two and a half centuries Japan had been closed to the outside world. Anyone who tried to return after leaving the country could be put to death." So even if Manjiro and his fellow fishermen do survive (first) a storm and (second) being lost at sea, their welcome home is uncertain. In this true story from the 1840s, Manjiro, fourteen, eventually finds himself rescued by American whalers, who take him back to New England where he diligently equips himself with the skills and acquires the funding to return to Japan almost ten years later. Though long for a picture book, the story is well told and involving; alternating half- and full-page watercolor illustrations aren't always as dramatic as they should be but provide atmosphere and historic detail. An informative note, a world map of Manjiro's travels, and a bibliography are appended.

Sutton, Roger. "Emily Arnold McCully: Manjiro: The Boy Who Risked His Life for Two Countries." The Horn Book Magazine Nov.-Dec. 2008: 723+. Literature Resource Center. Web.