Description
A thrilling adventure about warlords, battles, and female spies in 16th century Japan
It’s 1558, and warlords across Japan are battling for territory and control. Into this setting, award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi weaves the stories of three people: Mochizuki Chiyome, a young woman determined to become a ninja whose plans are thwarted by an arranged marriage; Takeda Shingen (The Tiger), a fierce warlord seeking a new weapon to outsmart his enemies; and Aki, an orphaned tavern girl whose destiny is changed by a mysterious woman.
As their stories intersect, the three characters become key players in an elaborate network of undercover female ninjas who will eventually shift the balance of power in Japan.
Based on the true story of Mochizuki Chiyome and her all-female spy network, Shadow Warrior takes readers on a journey through feudal Japan, from villages to castles to battlefields. Stunning illustrations by Celia Krampien, interspersed with archival Japanese art, vividly depict the rigors of ninja training, the struggles of village life, the intensity of battle, and the thrill of accomplishing a secret mission.
Author Bio
Tanya Lloyd Kyi is the award-winning author of more than thirty books for children and young adults. She often writes about science, history, and activism. Tanya's recent titles include Our Green City, What Will I Discover? and Bompa's Insect Expedition, co-written with David Suzuki. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Celia Krampien has created illustrations for newspapers and magazines including The Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Variety, and The Globe and Mail, where she is a regular contributing artist. She also illustrated several children’s books, including The Wild World of Buck Bray and Here to There and Me to You. Celia lives in Oakville, Ontario.
Prizes
- Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2018
- Amelia Bloomer Project List nomination, ALANominated 2017
- Recommended Reads, TD Summer Reading ClubLong-listed 2018
- Willow Award, Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice AwardsShort-listed 2019
Review Quotes
“A historical fiction set in 1558 Japan . . . how more perfect could it get. Now add incredible artwork, never ending action scenes and a fast-paced plot and WHAM! Perfection!”
— My Book Abyss, 11/19/18“A terrifically told story with striking design and illustrations that will empower its readers.”
— Kirkus Reviews, 07/15/17“An intriguing read.”
— Libris Notes, 10/08/17“Takes readers on a gripping journey.”
— Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring/18“A fast paced story with ups and downs that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.”
— CM Reviews, 02/23/18“The engaging text is accompanied by striking artwork that lends authenticity to the story told, using an ancient and modern blend of Japanese images. It is a beautifully designed tale.”
— Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 03/08/18“[The] illustrations were lovely and the narrative had an arresting beat and pace to it, urging the reader to flip through the pages . . . Definitely a worthy addition to any school’s library.”
— Gathering Books, 01/16/19“This interesting peek into a lesser-known historical moment tells a compelling story of women intentionally—and expertly—hiding in a male-dominated field.”
— Booklist, 09/21/17“Kyi and Krampien fully involve readers in this well-told, thrilling story.”
— School Library Journal, 09/01/17