Check It Out
by CARA WAITS
“I had hoped to become a samurai.”
Unaware of what the future holds for him, Manjiro wonders what lies on the other side of the ocean – it is 1841 in Shikoku, Japan, and fourteen-year-old Manjiro heads out on a fishing boat off the coast of Japan when a fierce storm hits the fishing boat and the crew is shipwrecked on a remote island. Faced with starvation and no hope of rescue, the Japanese fishing crew resign themselves to their fate. That is, until Manjiro, while exploring the island, spies a ship on the horizon and swims out only to discover that it is an American whaling ship. Now, he must come to grips with his own prejudices that he has grown up with regarding these “blue eyed barbarians.”
Japan does not allow foreign ships to approach its shores and the whaling ship drops the Japanese men off in Hawaii. The Captain, however, has grown fond of Manjiro and offers to adopt him and take him to live in America as his son. Manjiro, now called John Mung, arrives in Massachusetts at 16 where he quickly learns the new language and comes to appreciate many aspects of American culture and way of life, however, he does not let go of his dream of returning to his family and homeland.
This book, based on true events, is much more than an adventure story. It is a well written story of prejudices, courage and a young boy who sets out to attain a dream. Included are historical notes and Manjiro’s own drawings along with his real-life portrait. Read “Heart of a Samurai” to find out how Manjiro’s dream leads him on a high seas adventure that will later make him known as the boy who discovered America.
CARA WAITS is the new assistant director for Library Services at the city of Kyle. She started the job earlier this month.
