Blue Fingers: A Ninja's Tale

by Cheryl Aylward Whitesel

Book Overview

Iga Mountains, Japan 1545Koji is doubly unlucky. He is a twin, and in feudal Japan twins are thought to bring great misfortune to all those around them. And though Koji and Taro are identical in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618381392
• ISBN13: 9780618381395
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fabulous

Blue Fingers is a tale of fate that happens so unexpectedly. It is a cleverley written tale with a new surprise everytime you turn the page. this breathtaking story is about a young boy who becomes a ninja. It is packed with action, suspense, and everything a reader looks for in a good book.

dont cut this grass, it cuts back

this book was a very inspiring tale. it starts out a little slow. but the detail regarding the training they endured and the level of authority is quite authentic. as for the whole ki bearer deal, thats not 100% true, it is true that ninjas would produce a sort of bond with themselfs with there surroundings, but ninjas were actually trained to use a wide variety of weapons. this book reveals many truths regarding ninjitsu, but thankfully, it did not give to much away. the most mezmorizing part of ninjitsu is its history of secrets. and finally as for the 4 laws. be strong, dare, know, be silent, i suggest people actually apply this to there daily lives. like all martial arts, nijitsu is a way of life.

A familiar story in an unusual setting

What I didn't know about ninjas would fill a book, and this is the one to read. The author manages to cover the plight of the peasants in feudal Japan, the roles of samurai and ninja in society, religious beliefs, superstitions about twins and demons, customs regarding death, diet, poisons, weapons, and more, without sounding didactic. The story weaves all of these elements naturally into a gripping mystery and drama. The book reads well out loud, too. Blue Fingers is a coming of age story in an exotic historical setting. The young hero is clumsy, lazy, and unhappy with himself. Under the discipline of ninjutsu he becomes brave, resourceful, compassionate, and self-assured yet mindful of his weaknesses.

Well thought out, fun, and definately moving. BRAVO!

What an exciting look into the ancient world of a Samurai lord-ruled Japan! When peasants toiled under the hot sun all day just to hand over their rice to their fattened lords. This tale is about a boy who is for the most part normal except he is an identical twin that has been chosen to apprentice with a local dye maker for kimonos. As the tale unfolds itself, you will find yourself on the edge of your seat so to speak as you eagerly flip the pages to find out more about our young protagonist and the delightful world about him. The young man is beset with jealousy and family troubles that cause the brash young man to run away from home and into a legendary way of life. The book identifies with the boy's difficulty as a captive in a group of tribal ninjas and his later eagerness to be re-united with his family. You will feel young again as you feel cast in the boys sandals. The book will have you turning each delicious page from the intriguing cover art to the last line in a few short days. This wonderful book is a must have for anyone interested in the mysterious ways of the ninja or ancient Japan. The book is suitable for all ages. This book has a very little violence factor so I would recommend it for any age group. Prepare for some great story-telling, well written characters you can love and hate, and a feeling of being there that is so important in a book read for leisure. Let's see more from this author!

Historical Ninjas Come Alive!

I read Blue Fingers with my 11 year old son and we both loved it. He zeroed in on action scenes and the details about how real life 15th century ninjas lived and trained (rather than how the modern media depicts them). I enjoyed the ninja philosophy, depth of relationships and rich atmosphere. I also appreciated the balancing act the author does in portraying the ninja-warrior society without turning to unnecessary violence. Danger is always there, lurking... But not so that young readers will be too scared to read on.One emphasis is on the ninjas' honor code. Also, Koji's personal experience as a farm boy training to become a ninja. My son was riveted to the book as Koji goes on missions to the nearby samurai's castle, using ninja tricks and techniques to help rid the valley of guns. (The book is set in 1545, 2 years after guns were first imported into Japan.) An all around good read for kids who love action but want more depth--and their parents will enjoy the unusual world depicted, too! Five stars!