Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai is a historical novel by Margi Preus that tells the story of Manjiro Nakahama, a Japanese teenager who, in 1841, becomes one of the first Japanese people to set foot in America. After a storm shipwrecks his fishing boat, Manjiro and his companions are stranded on a deserted island until they are rescued by an American whaling ship. Manjiro is adopted by the ship's captain, learns English, and embraces Western ways. Despite facing discrimination and longing for home, Manjiro's journey takes him from the high seas to the American frontier, and eventually back to Japan, where he plays a pivotal role in opening his country to the West. The novel, based on a true story, explores themes of cultural exchange, friendship, and the courage to navigate between worlds.