New book list!

Animal history stories

Shoguns and Samurai

1200 – 1500

In medieval Japan, shoguns and samurai were central to the country’s feudal system. Shoguns, military leaders who ruled on behalf of the emperor, held real power, while samurai, the warrior class, adhered to a strict code of honor and discipline known as Bushido. Samurai were skilled in martial arts and played a key role in both military conflicts and the governance of Japan. The era was marked by intense battles, including the famous Mongol invasions, and a strong cultural emphasis on loyalty, honor, and duty.

Picture books

A Shogun’s Guide

Fun introduction to life as a shogun

A Samurai Castle

Description of samurai castles and the lives lived within them

How to Be a Samurai Warrior

Introduction to life as a samurai warrior, as a “how to” guide

Chapter books

The Sign of the Chrysanthemum

Novel about a boy searching for his samurai father

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Compelling narrative about the rise of a famous samurai

Samurai Wisdom Stories

Collection of Samurai wisdom tales

Life as a Samurai: An Interactive History Adventure

Choose-your-own-adventure book set in samurai Japan

Sword of the Samurai: Adventure Stories from Japan

Collection of short stories about samurai life

Non-fiction books

Samurai

Fun introduction to Samurai life for young readers

You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Samurai!

Humorous guide to samurai life

Samurai Science: Armor, Weapons, and Battlefield Strategy

Exploration of the science behind Samurai weaponry and armor

Himeji Castle: Japan’s Samurai Past

Exploration of a famous samurai castle and its history

What Life Was Like Among Samurai and Shoguns

Describes the world of the samurai and their historical context, for older readers

Samurai, Shoguns, and Soldiers: The Rise of the Japanese Military

History of militarism in Japan, for upper grade readers

Google Sites

Report abuse