In this engaging picture-book biography of Manjiro, a ship-wrecked young Japanese fisherman who was rescued by an American whaling ship, became the first Japanese person to visit the United States, and played an instrumental role in the opening of Japan to the western world in the nineteenth century, Emily Arnold McCully manages to capture the excitement of an incredible life's journey. Many important historical themes are introduced, from the self-imposed isolation of Japan to the importance of whaling to the New England economy, although the narrative stays firmly fixed on Manjiro, his new life in the west, and his longing to return home, despite the danger to his life, as someone who has (however accidentally) defied the shoganate's ban on contact with the outside world...

Educational without being didactic, Manjiro: The Boy Who Risked His Life for Two Countries is the best kind of biography: one that entertains while also imparting information. What an extraordinary life this man had, going from a humble fisherman in Japan, to an educated adopted son in America, and then back again to Japan, where he ended up becoming a samurai. McCully's narrative is engaging, and her artwork appealing, making this a book I would recommend to young readers with an interest in Japanese and/or American history, or in sea-faring yarns. It is rather text-heavy for a picture-book, so I think it's probably best suited for upper elementary school students and above. ( )

Informative non-fiction children's book. Tells the story of an unlikely boy-adventurer and outlines the cultural differences between America and Japan during the middle and end of the 19th century. The book is well illustrated and provides young readers with geographic understanding of locations at separate ends of the world. ( )

VOYA: 5Q, 4P
The only reason I gave this book 4P, is that I don't see kids clamoring to read non-fiction very often. If this book were shelved with McCully's other picture books, it would definitely be checked out. Great notes at the back, but the illustration is difficult to see because of a tight book binding.

Manjiro was a teenager on a fishing boat in Japan in 1841 when he was rescued from a deserted island by a US captain. He went to live with the sea captain and began a duel life - part of him loved his US home, but another part missed Japan. When tensions between the US and Japan escalated, he was a voice of reason and calm thinking. Challenging text.

3Q 4P

Does this biography treat Manjiro's story respectfully?

Are depictions of Japanese people historically and culturally accurate?

Are the additional resources and author's note good ways to encourage children to learn more about Manjiro?