Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy

by Rhoda Blumberg

Book Overview

Any person who leaves
the country to go to another
and later returns
will be put to death.

This was the law in Japan in the early 1800s. When fourteen-year-old Manjiro, working on a fishing boat to help support his family, was shipwrecked three hundred miles away from his homeland, he was heartbroken to think that he would never again be able to go home. So when an American whaling boat rescued him, Manjiro decided to do what no other Japanese...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068817485X
• ISBN13: 9780688174859
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fascinating...even for young children!

My girls, 6 and 8, couldn't wait to continue reading this book each day. It is so much more than a biography and is very readable. Besides an indepth look at the life and times of Manjiro, AKA John Mung, it is a wealth of information about Japan, whaling, and culture (and cultural change) without a textbook feel. I agree that it should be made into a movie (if it hasn't and I just don't know about it). This book is infused with many black and white photographs, paintings, prints, and drawings -- including sketches by John Mung. If using this in a classroom or homeschool environment, this is a great jumping-off point toward such varied subjects as Moby Dick and whaling, samurai, Commodore Perry, ships, Japanese history and culture, Hawaii, and even the California Gold Rush. This was riveting and gives the reader (even young ones!) a deeper understanding of Japan and the times surrounding Manjiro/John Mung's life. Pair this up with How to Be a Samurai Warrior (How to Be); You Wouldn't Want to Sail on a 19th Century Whaling Ship!: Grisly Tasks You'd Rather Not Do (You Wouldn't Want to...);Step Into... Ancient Japan (The Step Into Series);Exploration into Japan (Exploration Into); or Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun

One of the Greatest Adventure Stores

This is one of the greatest true adventure stories of all time. Hollywood should consider making this into a movie. I expecially like how Manjiro tries so many different things and seems to succeed at them all, including getting along with those around him. Charles L. Hooper, coauthor Making Great Decisions in Business and Life

A great look at an amazing life

Presenting both historical context and insight into Japanesse society as well as the actual story of Manjiro this is a gripping and short page turner. Acompanied by some beautiful illistrations and pictures, some of which are Manjiro's, the story of Manjiro's abandonment and eventual emmigration to the US is succent and entertaining. While too superficial to be recomended for adults this is an excellent book and deals with pressing themes, such as multiculturalism, isolationism, and the past role of America in foreign affairs.

A biography that reads like fiction!

Rhoda Blumberg does a fantastic job of telling the story of fourteen-year-old Manjiro's life. He was rescued with a bunch of shipwrecked fishermen. In those days Japan did not allow foreigners into Japan. Japanese who had left Japan were not allowed back in. Manjiro was rescued by an American whaling ship, taken to Hawaii, and then to New England by the ship owner. What happened to him then sounds so fantastic, it is hard to believe it is all true. The author uses Manjiro's drawings and authentic photographs of the time. It is amazing to think how much difference Commodore Perry's visit to Japan made in the lives of the people.This book is sure to catch the fancy of the young biography readers.

Thrilling Adventure

This is a GREAT story--it would be edge-of-the-seat exciting if it were just that--but being based in fact makes it doubly compelling. Also, a great book for boys who otherwise might not be avid readers. Tell them it's quite an adventure story. That they will learn some history and of differing cultures can remain your own little secret.