Heart of a Samurai is a Newbery Medal-winning children’s novel by Margi Preus. The story is a fictionalized account of the true story of Manjiro, a young Japanese boy shipwrecked in the mid-19th century and eventually brought to America. The narrative explores themes of cultural exchange, adaptation, and resilience during a period of significant global transformation.
This historical fiction offers valuable insights into a pivotal moment in Japanese-American relations. It illuminates the challenges faced by someone navigating two vastly different cultures and provides a window into a period of significant social and political change. The story’s focus on cross-cultural understanding and empathy makes it a powerful tool for promoting tolerance and appreciation of diverse perspectives.