About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider or struggling to find their footing in a new environment. This Newbery Honor winner tells the remarkable true story of Manjiro, a young Japanese fisherman who becomes a bridge between two isolated worlds after a shipwreck in 1841. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers navigating their own shifting identities or those fascinated by the high-stakes reality of history. Through Manjiro's eyes, readers explore the complexities of cultural prejudice, the bravery required to be a 'first,' and the resilience needed to survive both the sea and social isolation. The story balances pulse-pounding adventure with deep psychological insight into what it means to belong. While it touches on the harsh realities of 19th-century whaling and discrimination, it remains a hopeful testament to the power of curiosity and the bonds of found family.
