Japan

Materials from Japan

Drawing from Memory

Caldecott Medalist Allen Say presents a graphic novel chronicling his journey as an artist during WWII, when he apprenticed under Noro Shinpei, Japan’s premier cartoonist. Shunned by his father, who didn’t understand his son’s artistic leanings, Allen was embraced by Noro Shinpei, Japan’s leading cartoonist and the man he came to love as his “spiritual father.” As WWII raged, Allen was further inspired to consider questions of his own heritage and the motivations of those around him. He worked hard in rigorous drawing classes, studied, trained–and ultimately came to understand who he really is. Part memoir, part graphic novel, part narrative history, this book presents a complex look at the real-life relationship between a mentor and his student. With watercolor paintings, original cartoons, vintage photographs, and maps.

Shaolin Tiger

The unlikely heroes of the Cockroach Ryu face their greatest danger yet — a warrior seeking revenge against his former teacher, Sensei Ki-Yaga. The White Tiger Temple is under threat. To help the Shaolin monks, Sensei KiYaga and the whole gang of samurai kids—from Niya Moto, the boy with one leg to Taji, the boy who is blind—embark on a perilous journey across the Sea of Japan to China. But soon they discover that getting there is only half the battle. A great danger awaits them: a former student of Sensei named Qing-Shen, China’s Warrior, now the most skilled soldier in the Middle Kingdom. But Qing-Shen is also a man with a vendetta against his onetime teacher. Could there be anyone more dangerous? The samurai kids must train in the ways of the Shaolin monks before facing him. But will they be able to protect the temple and their beloved Sensei?

The Waking: Spirits of the Noh

Kara Foster is finally starting to fit in at her boarding school in Japan—after all, nothing bonds you with your classmates like having an ancient demon put a curse on you. Hoping life can go back to normal now that the demon has been put to rest, Kara joins her friends Sakura and Miho in putting on a play for the Noh drama club. It’s the story of the Hannya, a snake demon who inhabits the body of a beautiful woman. When a few members of the Noh club go missing, Kara fears that the real Hannya has been awakened by the curse. Then Miho is abducted, and Kara must find her before the Hannya destroys her. But the demon is wily, and may be hidden in the last place any of them would think to look.

Ghosts in the Fog

Few know the story of the Japanese invasion of Alaska during World War II–until now. This narrative nonfiction book for young adults tells the riveting story of how the Japanese invaded and occupied the Aleutian Islands in Alaska during World War II. This fascinating little-known piece of American history is told from the point of view of the American civilians who were captured and taken prisoner, along with the American and Japanese soldiers who fought in one of the bloodiest battles of hand-to-hand combat during the war. Complete with more than 80 photographs throughout and first person accounts of this extraordinary event.

Quiet Hero

A biography of Native American Ira Hayes, a shy, humble Pima Indian who fought in World War II as a Marine and was one of six soldiers to raise the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima, an event immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s famous photograph.

Let’s Count To 100!

Let’s Count to 100! comprises 11 bright panoramas, each featuring a delightful assortment of 100 different objects. Readers are invited to count the items and are also challenged to find specific details, such as a mouse with a red bow or a lone rabbit amid a giant flock of sheep. This book is packed with appealing images of children, fish, cats, moles and other cute critters — no two of which are alike — and readers will enjoy the many different moods and expressions on display.

Kokeshi Kimonos

Inspired by traditional Japanese dolls, this book introduces readers to the Kokeshis’ kimonos and hair-dos as well as Japanese culture. This book contains die-cut pages, flaps and gatefolds.

Where is Strawberry Princess Moshi?

This is a search-and-find game book all about Strawberry Moshi and her friends. Strawberry Moshi wants to go to the ball, but she needs to find the right costume to dress up as Strawberry Princess Moshi. Kids will love helping her look for the proper clothes, get to the ball, and locate her Prince Moshi, of course!

Where Is Strawberry Mermaid Moshi?

For children who love to search and find and adore that cute Japanese kawaii style here comes another pair of fun activity books about Moshi Town. Strawberry Mermaid Moshi has been invited to a magical wedding under the sea. Children are invited to join her on an underwater adventure with her friends, but are their eyes sharp enough to help her find her friends first?

Heart of a Samurai

In 1841, rescued by an American whaler after a terrible shipwreck leaves him and his four companions castaways on a remote island, fourteen-year-old Manjiro, who dreams of becoming a samurai, learns new laws and customs as he becomes the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.

This book has been included in WOW’s Language and Learning: Children’s and Young Adult Fiction Booklist. For our current list, visit our Booklist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.