Looking for adventure this summer? Try reading The Young Samurai series by Chris Bradford. The first two books are The Way of the Warrior and The Way of the Sword. The third book, The Way of the Dragon is due out in 2011. It is an action-adventure series with something for everyone.
After his father and crew are killed by ninja pirates, Jack, a young English boy, is left stranded and orphaned in 17th century Japan. He is adopted as a son by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, who takes him to his martial arts school. There Jack begins his training to become a samurai warrior. The training is difficult and lengthy and Jack must face many tests to become a samurai. Along the way he has the support of some good friends but he is hated by others because he is gaijin (a foreigner and outsider). Also he is pursued by Dragon Eye, the deadly ninja who killed his father.
While you are reading you will learn about all types of martial arts training, Japanese culture, language and ancient rituals, friendship and prejudice and honor. I love these books. Let me know what you think!
(By the way, Chris Bradford is a British author. In the UK he has already published five Young Samurai Books – those listed above and The Ring of Earth and The Way of Fire. Look for them if you are lucky enough to visit the UK this summer!)
The Way of the Warrior was just returned to the Downingtown Library. So if you need a good book for the weekend come in and check it out.
They have not made a movie yet about the young samurai. You can read the books. You can find them in a library near you.