Samurai Warriors

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6 --A quick overview of the life and times of the samurai that brings together much information in one easily accessible volume. Each of the 13 sections is given a 2-page spread that includes several paragraphs of explanatory text, a captioned insert, and a note in boldface regarding the colorful, informative illustrations. There are two date charts: one of significant dates in Japanese history and one of parallel events in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. The style is journalistic, but in simplifying the information, some inaccuracies occur through omission. There are also errors. The book states that ``Beneath the samurai were the farmers, then the craftsmen. Merchants and peasants were at the bottom.'' Peasants are farmers, as informed readers will know. Also, the emperor's court did not leave the environs of Kyoto during the long period of the shoguns . The first shogun did establish his seat of power in Kamakura, but the emperor remained in Kyoto. It is unfortunate that an otherwise good introduction to the subject is tarnished by misinformation. --Susan Middleton, LaJolla Country Day School, CA