The Sign of the Chrysanthemum

by Katherine Paterson

Book Overview

In the Newbery Medalist's first book, Muna searches for his father, a samurai warrior, in 12th-century Japan.

Muna has never known his father--a samurai, a noble warrior. But Muna's mother has told Muna how he will know him one day: by the sign of the chrysanthemum.

When his mother dies, Muna travels to the capital of twelfth-century Japan, a bewildering city on the verge of revolution. He finds a haven there, as servant to the great swordsmith, Fukuji. But Muna cannot forget his dream: He must find his father. Only then will he have power and a name to be reckoned with.

His desperate search for the father he has never seen leads thirteen-year-old Muna to danger and adventure in the crowded, colorful capital city of twelfth-century Japan. But where should he look for him? And how will he recognize him? His father left before Muna was born--and his mother is now dead. All that the boy knows of his father is that he is a great warrior, a samurai...and that he bears on his shoulder a chrysanthemum tattoo.

Wars between two powerful clans divide the city, making his search more difficult and dangerous. Muna is torn between his respect for Fukuji, the brilliant swordsmith who takes him into his home, and his loyalty to Takanobu, a former samurai who is now an outlaw. Tempered by fire and sword, Muna finally discovers who he really is.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064402320
• ISBN13: 9780064402323
• Release Date: June 1988
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

The Sign of the Chrysanthemum

I think this was a great book. It was about a boy named Muna. Muna has never known his father because he left before Muna was born. So, after Muna's mother died, Muna went in search of his father. Muna meets many news people along the way and lives with a swordsmith. you have to read the rest of the book to find out what happens next. But, I would highly recommend it, especially to seventh graders studying fuedal Japan. I give this book two thumbs up!!!

This is a great book. I recommend it to every one.

This is a great book. I recommend this to teacher to assign to their students. The reason why is for teachers who are teaching their students about feudal Japan. It is action packed book. I recommend it to students and children who enjoy knight-like sumarai. I really enjoy this book. I have this book at least three times. I also recommend this to people who want to learn about the life of feudal Japan. This book is about a boy named Muna, a boy looking for his father. Dreaming about how his father looks like. He lives on the information that his father is a samarai warrior. He looks for a sign of the chrysanthemum. He sneaks on a ship.

Muna is on a journey to find his father after his mom dies.

This book was good because the author described the book. This book was about a boy, Muna, whos mother died and told him to look for his father. I think there should be more action because it was kind of boring because there wasn't enough fighting. This book was good to read because it was nicely written.

Muna is on a journey to find his father after his mom dies.

ß®ÎäN Says: This book was good because the author described the book. This book was about a boy, Muna, whos mother died and told him to look for his father. I think there should be more action because it was kind of boring because there wasn't enough fighting. This book was good to read because it was nicely written.

A wonderful, heart-warming story!

This is a wonderful story about an orphan boy in feudal Japan who searches for his samurai father but ends up finding himself instead. I teach 7th grade, and my students LOVE this book! It was the only book all year that even my lowest students enjoyed reading. Don't miss it!