Each day leading up to the April 16 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, and in collaboration with community editors from the award-winning Saint Paul Almanac, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2016 Young People’s Literature finalist:
The Bamboo Sword by Margi Preus
Published by Amulet Books an imprint of ABRAMS
Category Sponsor:The Creative Writing Programs at Hamline
Set in 1853 Japan, this novel follows Yoshi, a Japanese boy who dreams of someday becoming a samurai. Unfortunately, as part of the serving class, Yoshi can never become a warrior. He is taken up by Manjiro, the protagonist of Preus’s Newberry Honor Book, Heart of a Samurai, and becomes his servant and secret watchdog. Meanwhile, Commodore Matthew Perry and his USS Susquehanna squadron of steamships arrive in Edo Bay “diplomatically” demanding that Japan open its ports to foreign trade. Aboard the commodore’s flagship is a cabin boy, Jack, who becomes separated from his American companions while on shore. When he and Yoshi cross paths, they set out on a grand adventure to get Jack back to his ship before he is discovered by the shogun’s samurai.
Author Bio:
Margi Preus is on Facebook and Twitter!
An Excerpt from The Bamboo Sword:
“Now that the trees were bare of leaves, it was nearly impossible for Yoshi to find a private place to practice with his bamboo sword. He certainly wasn’t going to do it anywhere the boys could see him. That would give them more reason to tease him. So instead of the sword, sometimes he practiced throwing a rope the way Manjiro had shown him. Manjiro said that working with the lasso was a good thing to do if you have pondering to do. And Yoshi had pondering to do.”
Reviews:
“Middle-grade readers eager for adventure with a solid grounding in history will be enchanted.” — Booklist
“Thanks to the lively, warm, and witty storyteller’s voice and the vivid, sensuous depictions of the katana swish and kimono swirl of 19th-century Japan, readers will feel immersed in this tumultuous time in Japanese history.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Bringing life to historical events not often addressed in children’s literature, this rich, multilayered novel will be a treat for fans of Heart of a Samurai.” — School Library Journal
Author Interview:
When “they” said, “Write what you know,” Margi Preus wasn’t listening. The Duluth author’s newest book, “The Bamboo Sword” takes place temporally, culturally and geographically about as far from 2015 northern Minnesota as possible. Listen to the interview with Preus from KUMD Duluth public radio.
Watch the Book Trailer:
The evening features a Preface Reception with complimentary passed wine and cash bar, author meet-and-greet, book sales and signing; the Awards Ceremony with live music, celebrity presenters, artisan cheese plates and breads, complimentary wine and lemonade, with emcee Stephanie Curtis of MPR; and the Epilogue After-Party with complimentary champagne, sumptuous desserts, and additional live music. Tickets now on sale, or click here for more information.
Today’s winner: Linda White. (We’ll be in touch via email, and arrange getting the book to you!)
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