http://www.amazon.de/Blue-Fingers-Cheryl-Aylward-Whitesel/dp/0618381392/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books-intl-de&qid=1204995946&sr=8-4From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9--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.--Coop Renner, Fairmeadows Elementary, Duncanville, TX
What I didn't know about ninjas would fill a book, and this is the one to read. The author manages to cover the plight of the peasants in feudal Japan, the roles of samurai and ninja in society, religious beliefs, superstitions about twins and demons, customs regarding death, diet, poisons, weapons, and more, without sounding didactic. The story weaves all of these elements naturally into a gripping mystery and drama. The book reads well out loud, too.
Blue Fingers is a coming of age story in an exotic historical setting. The young hero is clumsy, lazy, and unhappy with himself. Under the discipline of ninjutsu he becomes brave, resourceful, compassionate, and self-assured yet mindful of his weaknesses.By Lani Hardage-Vergeer
(Laytonville, CA USA) amazon.com
Na das klingt doch interessant, vor allem das rot Markierte. Ich liebe Ninjas und ich liebe Coming of Age.
