| Martial Arts Books for Kids |
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| Some of these books are not directly connected to martial arts but may teach martial virtue. Lessons all young martial artists should learn from the beginning. Books- Parent's Guide to Martial Arts by Ruth Hunter & Debra Fritsch The ultimate who, what, where and why reference book for parents in search of a martial arts school and a positive experience for their children. Legends of the Martial Arts Masters (Paperback) by Susan Lynn Peterson Complied by third-degree black-belt and award-winning author Susan Lynn Peterson, Legends Of The Martial Arts Masters presents a series of great folklore tales about historical and legendary figures associated with the martial arts. The brief, yet exciting, retellings of legendary figures will stir the hearts and minds of young readers with inspirational passion. With an especial appeal to those with an interest in the martial arts, Legends Of The Martial Arts Masters is a thoroughly engaging and enthusiastically recommended read for all ages. Sword of the Samurai : Adventure Stories from Japan(Paperback) by Eric A. Kimmel, Michael Evans Readers who delight in stories of knights will be happy to discover this collection of 11 tales about the medieval Japanese warriors whose exploits rival those of their European counterparts. These well-documented stories of adventure and misadventure are not only good tales, but they also provide a look at a way of life bound by ironclad tradition. Kimmel begins each selection with a brief introduction that explains something about the history or culture of these warriors. Some stories, like The Samurai and the Dragon, are fantastic adventures; others, like The Coward, who escapes execution because he has been a careful observer of nature, are tales of cleverness; a few, like Tomoe Gozen, the story of a woman who is one of the greatest of samurai heroes, seem like historical recountings. Though the stories vary in tone and intent, the book, whose elegant emblematic designs have the look of Japanese woodcuts, offers a serious and respectful look at a fascinating aspect of the countrys history. The Samurai's Tale by Erik C. Haugaard; Paperback In the space of a day, the petted son of a noble samurai loses not only his family, but all his status. Rather than being killed with the rest, he unintentionally charms a samurai of the lord who killed his father and family, and is allowed to live - as a servant. Throughout his life, the boy seeks to return to the heights from which he descended. He meets wonderful friends, and learns many hard lessons - always in a state of war, or on the edge of it. Martial Arts Teaching Tales of Power and Paradox by Pascal Fauliot This book illustrates in parable form true martial teachings...very fun stories to read and very insightful. The Boy and the Samurai (Paperback) by Erik C. Haugaard It's about an orphaned boy named Saru, which is Japanese for monkey, and how he lives under a shrine with a cat named Neko, meeting thieves and samurai along the way. he then goes to live with a priest and grows up, then meets a dishonored samurai trying to free his wife from their lord's castle. Saru finds this samurai to be a friend, and so he tries to help. it's a good book, so i recommend it. Blue Fingers : A Ninja's Tale (Hardcover) by Cheryl Aylward Whitesel An adventure set in 16th-century Japan. Because twins are believed to be bad luck, Kojiro and Taro's parents have always tried to conceal the fact that they have two sons, not one. After Taro saves the life of a master dye maker, the man wants to reward his rescuer with an apprenticeship. The boys' parents send Koji instead, hoping the dyer will not notice the difference, but the artisan soon grows impatient with Koji's clumsy ways and sends him home. Shamed, Koji runs away and is captured in the forest by people who call themselves "grass," but who are, as he soon realizes, ninja--a mysterious group with impressive skills who have set themselves up against the ruling samurai. Under the demanding tutorial of his captor, a boy only slightly older, and other instructors, Koji grows beyond his fears and self-pity, develops a more accurate vision of himself and his society as well as a strong body, and finally becomes the ninja Blue Fingers. The author throws light on Koji's sense of failure, as well as the historical roots of the ninja and their true--rather than pop culture--goals. The plot is filled with twists and turns involving hidden identity, warfare, and the ways in which a warlord's superstitions can be used against him. Both rousing and thoughtful, this novel opens an unfamiliar time to most readers and offers an accurate look at these secretive warriors. Tiger (The Five Ancestors) (book 1 of 5)by Jeff Stone This first installment of The Ancestors series features Fu, or Tiger, one of five orphan monks, each named for an animal he most resembles. As the book begins, the boys are hidden in a water barrel during a raid on their temple. The emperor's army, under the command of their former brother, Ying, the Eagle, is out to destroy the Cangzhen Monastery, kill the grandmaster, and steal the sacred scrolls. Impetuous Fu rescues the scrolls, but his own rash act leads to imprisonment in a remote village. Although set in 1650 China, this is a kung fu novel, not historical fiction, and despite the grandmaster's peace-seeking Buddhist philosophy, Tiger is not for the squeamish, as Ying is a terrifying villain and "bloodstained flesh dangles" during violent battles. Characters are virtuous or evil, but the slam-bang, pedal-to-the-metal adventure stands a good chance of luring kids away from video games; they will definitely line up for the forthcoming sequel. Monkey (book2), Snake (book3), ? (book4), ? (book5) Lone Wolf and Cub (some mature themes) by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima A comic book chronicling the adventures of a wandering samurai and an orphaned child. Realistic art and good story on what it was like for the warriors of japan in that time. Tales of the Jedi: Redemption by Kevin J. Anderson A touching story in comic book form of a Jedi knight who betrayed what was right and good...Turned his back on his training and path. And by doing so cost him the kindness of his heart, the friendship of his fellow Jedi knights and even the life of his own brother. This tale follows one Knights journey...with a help of a persistent apprentice..and him being an unwilling master..leading him back to what he once was: compassinate, a friend, a mentor...A Warrior. |
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