Member Reviews

Always a pleasure reading history in this format, and the author made this super easy to understand. This time the siblings are thrown back in the era of samurai, They learn who samurais are, how they live and the code they abide to, The subject of Asian culture is rarely spoken in the west, and this is one interesting read indeed.

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I had a great time reading this graphic novel. It was a lot of fun learning all about the mysterious Samurai. This graphic novel talks a bit about their history, their code and some big battles they fought. Along the way we learn about how the view on them changed, and that this wasn’t an easy change for many Samurai. Most people will have a blast reading this graphic novel.

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“Magical History Tour, volume 12: The Samurai” with story by Fabrice Erre with illustrations by Sylvain Savoia is part of a graphic novel series teaching about history.

This time around we learn about the samurai. These warriors served under shoguns and daimyos and had a strict code of honor. We learn what happens when they lose battles or disobey that code. We also learn about the weapons and what eventually happened to the samurai.

This is a pretty good series and I like this volume quite a bit as someone who’s been interested in Japanese culture. The information is presented in a fun way and the art is pretty good too.

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This is a very neat book format to discuss history. The graphics are great, and it's laid out well. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC!

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This is the first I have read in this series of nonfiction graphic books for intermediate readers. The two Amin characters briefly explore the topic of the samurai of Japan. Students generally gravitate toward the graphic format and while very brief, this seems like an accurate introduction that could be a springboard to more reading or could be used alongside classroom study. I would have liked a little more depth on some points but I think the authors wanted to get readers’ attention withiut getting bogged down.

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A great book for children. The information is presented in a well laid out and easy to understand manner. The graphics are well done and will grab the attention of the reader. Overall, this is a great book for children of all ages, not only to learn from, but also to enjoy.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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This is very fine work on the history of 'Samurai'. Every single page is filled with knowledge one must have, if interested in the subject or atleast bit fond of general knowledge.

Their life revolved around 'Bushido', the way of warrior. This is whole of more than 7 centuries' history, summarized. Good to know about '47 Ronins' and 'Miyamoto Musashi'. I have read a bit earlier about Sekigahara Battle but wouldn't knew that it was from that glorious, yet saddening, past of Japan. But one thing will always remain in history that even after having such fine warriors, Japan could never conquered Korea. Now a days, Kimonos become fashion statement. Japanese govt. shoul atleast continue 'Koryu' culture to let people attached with their centuries old custom of becoming Samurai. Little I knew of William Adams from a movie I saw.

Ninjas obviously become so famous among young generation for their way of work but being old school I prefer to learn about Samurai and would also like to see the movies based on their lives.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

My 6 year old discovered these book a few months ago. He became obsessed with the Crusades. Much like that book, this one gives a very brief, yet detailed, history. The language used is appropriate for young kids and the content isn't too graphic. I really love how the author and illustrator worked to provide non-fiction in a fictionalized way while still introducing many parts of non-fiction texts (maps, timeline). We have picked up a few books from this series and will definitely be adding this one as well.

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I received an electronic ARC from Papercutz through NetGalley.
The latest in the Magical History Tour series. Annie introduces Niko to the Samurai. Readers journey through the centuries with them to learn about the origins and then history of these Japanese warriors. I appreciate the emphasis on the characteristics treasured by them in addition to their war skills. The artwork offers further details, and the informative text at the end offers a timeline as well as other historical facts.

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In Magical History Tour #12, which is dedicated to the country of Japan, the author Fabrice Erre delves into the rich history and culture of Japan. The illustrations that were done by Sylvain Savoie are very charming, and they give the book an appearance that is similar to that of a comic book in terms of its layout.

I am unable to comment on the reliability of the information that was provided because it is not a topic that I am familiar with; however, a few quick searches on Google led me to the conclusion that what I was reading appeared to be true. I apologise for my inability to comment on the reliability of the information that was provided. I think that these books would be an excellent way to teach younger readers about the history of Japan without giving them the impression that they are doing homework or reading about history. I say this because I believe that these books would be an excellent way to teach younger readers about the history of Japan. In my opinion, this is going to be a very productive strategy.

The manner in which the book is written brings to mind a lot of old television shows from the early 2000s. In those shows, young people would go on adventures through time to learn about the past.

5/5 Stars from me.

***A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.***

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I love the magical history tour series because it is informative but still fun and it is a great way to get kids interested in a specific topic and encourage them to learn more. There is always some well organized information pages in the back that give you the more spark notes educational side of the story. The graphics are well made in this series, colorful and interesting.

If you haven't read a magical history tour book then you are missing out!

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Thanks to NetGalley and Papercutz for providing me access to this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

I was incredibly impressed by this book, I have taught Japan Under the Shoguns to Year 8 students for a number of years and, have found they are very, very interested in Samurai, but I struggle to find resources that are suitable for them. Particularly with those who don't enjoy reading or struggle with reading. While sections of the novel appear dry, they are incredibly informative and tick off all the syllabus points that I need to deliver to my students

The illustrations were bright and engaging, and there was minimal text which made approaching it not intimidating (great for reluctant readers). Overall, it reminded me of the Horrible Histories TV series from the early 2000's.

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The illustrations of this history comic are wonderful, and made me want to keep reading. Some of the text was a bit dry, so the attractive illustrations were a great encouragement to keep going. I could see this being very popular with students, since it was a quick read with great visuals.

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