About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to grapple with the realization that adults and parents can be deeply flawed, manipulative, or absent. Set in 12th century Japan, the story follows Muna, a boy searching for a father he has never met, only to find himself torn between a charismatic but dishonest ronin and a steady, disciplined master swordsmith. It is a sophisticated exploration of identity, the weight of a name, and the courage required to choose one's own path over an inherited one. This historical adventure offers a safe space for 10 to 14 year olds to process feelings of abandonment and the complex search for belonging. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to discuss integrity and the difference between biological ties and found family.
