Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy

This is the remarkable true story of a poor Japanese fisher boy who, at fourteen years old, is stranded by a storm on a remote island in 1841 and rescued by an American whaling boat.  At the time, Japanese law condemned to death anyone who went to another country and returned.  But Manjiro Nakahama (1827-1898) became the first Japanese person to set foot on American soil. The young man, a talented student and fast learner, was nurtured and educated in New England, then pursued his destiny aboard whaling ships, in California during the Gold Rush, and finally back in Japan. Manjiro, though initially distrusted by his countrymen, helped overcome the isolationism of Japan, was promoted to the rank of samurai, and served honorably as liaison, consultant, and interpreter between Japan and the United States.

"Shipwrecked!," though ostensibly a book for children, is rich in historical detail, particularly about the shipping and whaling industries, and the contrast between American and Japanese culture in the 1800s.  It is beautifully illustrated, with many drawings by Manjiro himself or by artists who were guided by his descriptions and sketches.  There are also wood-block prints and other examples of 19th century Japanese art.  The title page includes a haunting photo of Manjiro as a grown man.

Rhoda Blumberg (1917-2016) is the award-winning author of well-researched, compellingly written historical tales for children.  She specializes in stories of adventurous people, including Commodore Matthew Perry, Lewis and Clark, and Captain Cook, and of adventuresome times, such as the Gold Rush and the Louisiana Purchase.