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
Chapter books
The Sign of the Chrysanthemum
Novel about a boy searching for his samurai father
Buy
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune
Compelling narrative about the rise of a famous samurai
Buy
Samurai Wisdom Stories
Collection of Samurai wisdom tales
Buy
Life as a Samurai: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure book set in samurai Japan
Buy
Sword of the Samurai: Adventure Stories from Japan
Collection of short stories about samurai life
Buy
Non-fiction books
Samurai
Fun introduction to Samurai life for young readers
Buy
You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Samurai!
Humorous guide to samurai life
Buy
Samurai Science: Armor, Weapons, and Battlefield Strategy
Exploration of the science behind Samurai weaponry and armor
Buy
Himeji Castle: Japan’s Samurai Past
Exploration of one famous samurai castle and its history
Buy
What Life Was Like Among Samurai and Shoguns
Describes the world of the samurai and their historical context, for older readers
Buy