Author Alan Gratz hits a home run with his riveting first line:
Toyo watched as his uncle prepared to kill himself. This intense
coming-of-age story is full of references to seppuku (ritual
suicide practiced only by Japanese samurai) and bushido (the
samurai warrior code). Set in 1890, the plot centers on the
experiences of Toyo, the son of a samurai, as he adjusts to his
first year at an elite Tokyo boarding school. Though there are
plenty of exciting baseball scenes, you don’t have to be a
sports fan to enjoy this book. In fact, the most rousing parts
of the story deal with the violent hazing that takes place at
Toyo’s school and the brutal samurai training that Toyo
undergoes with his father. This historical novel resonates with
universal themes including friendship, loss, patriotism and
family. Especially if you are interested in Japanese history and
culture, you’ll enjoy reading about Toyo’s experiences. Try the
excellent audiobook version if you’re interested in hearing the
correct way to pronounce the