Samurai's Tale

When the powerful Lord Takeda’s soldiers sweep across the countryside, killing and plundering, they spare the boy Taro’s life and take him along with them. Taro becomes a servant in the household of the noble Lord Akiyama, where he meets Togan, a cook, who teaches Taro and makes his new life bearable. But when Togan is murdered, Taro’s life takes a new direction: He will become a samurai, and redeem the family legacy that has been stolen from him.

In turbulent sixteenth-century Japan, orphaned Taro is taken in by a general serving the great warlord Takeda Shingen and grows up to become a samurai fighting for the enemies of his dead family.

When the powerful Lord Takeda’s soldiers sweep across the countryside, killing and plundering, they spare the boy Taro’s life and take him along with them. Taro becomes a servant in the household of the noble Lord Akiyama, where he meets Togan, a cook, who teaches Taro and makes his new life bearable. But when Togan is murdered, Taro’s life takes a new direction: He will become a samurai, and redeem the family legacy that has been stolen from him.

Children's Literature

In this ALA Notable Book, Haugaard immerses readers in the fascinating world of 16th century feudal Japan. After his parents are violently murdered, young Murakami is kidnapped and forced to become a slave. Now called Taro, he must work for a general who serves the warlord Takeda Shingen. Under the general's rule, Taro learns to become a samurai and eventually escapes so that he can avenge his family's death. This action-packed historical novel effectively interweaves authentic details of 16th century Japan with the gripping struggle of a young man to avenge his past. 2000 (orig. 1984), Houghton Mifflin, $7.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph

Erik Haugaard was born in Denmark and has traveled extensively in the United States, Italy, Spain, and Japan. Called "a writer gifted in the art of the storyteller" by the BOSTON GLOBE, he is internationally known for his accomplishments as a playwright, poet, and translator. He has won critical acclaim for his books for young readers, including A BOY'S WILL, THE UNTOLD TALE, and CROMWELL'S BOY.