Most noble-born girls of Tokoyo’s age learn to sing, paint, and write poetry.
Not Tokoyo. She’s an adventurous girl!
Tokoyo is the daughter of a samurai in fourteenth century Japan. Her father trains her in the martial arts. When he is away, she escapes to the sea where she works with the Ama—a society of women and girls who dive in the deep waters for food and treasure. But disaster strikes her family. Can Tokoyo save her father using the lessons she learned and the skills she mastered to overcome corrupt officials, her own doubts, and a nasty sea demon?
The Adventurous Girls Series Book #1
- Title: Tokoyo, the Samurai’s Daughter
- Author: Faith L. Justice
- Audiobook Narrator: Hannah J. Rothman
- Publisher: Raggedy Moon Books (May 2017)
- Library of Congress Control Number: 2017930973
- Hardback: (122 pages) $15.00, ISBN: 978-0917053207
- Trade paperback (122 pages) $6.99, ISBN: 978-0692677087
- eBook (Kindle, epub) $2.99, ISBN: 978-1370722297
- Audiobook (1 hr 30 min) $6.95 (FREE with 30-day trial)
Audible (audio only)
Barnes&Noble
iBooks (ebook only)
iTunes (audio only)
Kobo (ebook only)
Smashwords (ebook only–all formats)
Finalist in the Middle-grade Speculative Fiction category of the 2018 Multicultural Children’s Book Day Contest.
Links to Full Reviews:
November 2017 – Historical Novel Reviews, Issue #82
“Tokoyo, The Samurai’s Daughter is a dramatic, adventurous story reflecting the legends and tales of Japan in medieval times. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended!”
May 31, 2018 – Kiss the Book: Reviews for School Librarians
Purchase Rating: ADVISABLE. “The story of Tokoyo illustrates several Japanese ancient traditions, including samurai honor, ancestor worship, and mythology. I love that such a short story can still reveal the beauty of a different culture. Following Tokoyo’s quest to save her father teaches readers of honor, love, and sacrifice. Furthermore, the illustrator, Kayla Gilliam, does a fantastic job.”
July 31, 2022 – Readers’ Favorite
“Tokoyo, the Samurai’s Daughter is a short but captivating novel…I loved the plot, character development, and storyline… Tokoyo showed we should do good even when it is not convenient. The universe will pay us back.”
January 27, 2018 – Multicultural Children’s Book Day
“…an intriguing story featuring a strong female as the central character. Set in 14th Century Japan, the books reads as a combination of historical fiction and fantasy adventure. The chapters are suspenseful and this short chapter book should appeal to “tween age” boys and girls alike. Kayla Gilliam’s black and white illustrations enhance the book perfectly.”
January 24, 2018 – Three Show Saturday
“Tokoyo [comes] through as a strong, independent and courageous young woman…Overall an entertaining read that will impress readers ages 8 to 10.”
January 23, 2018 – The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
“A short yet fascinating book that captures the spirit of a young girl in 14th century Japan. I really enjoyed the character development and overall story.”
January 17, 2018 – Bookish Delights
“It was outstanding! You are swept away not only by the beautiful storytelling, but also the wonderful illustrations. [It’s] a remarkable illustrated middle-grade book that is incredibly inspiring and touching. I highly recommend reading it!”
January 1, 2018 – An Unconventional Librarian
“Add this to your power girl reading list: Girls, martial arts training, and sea demons? Sign me up. We need MORE Asian characters, so what is the publishing world waiting for?”
December 23, 2017 – Rosie Amber
“I loved that Tokoyo, The Samurai’s Daughter was all about Tokoyo. Her abilities and determination were what carried her through… Overall, the pace of the novel is fantastic, the prose is near perfect, and the story was an engaging one. Kayla Gilliam provides simple illustrations that spice up the text every few chapters and provide a treat for the eyes.”
December 15, 2017 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
“There are dangers, trials, struggles, surprises, and a whole lot of heart… I enjoyed the tale told, the traditions shared, and the values celebrated…A great read for the younger adventurer in your life or those young at heart.”
December 1, 2017 – Middle Grade Minded:
“The story is a winner from the start…It is both thought-provoking and likely to encourage young readers to seek more knowledge and a greater understanding of the world around them.”
November 14, 2017– Robbie’s Inspiration:
“My son, Michael, aged eleven years old…loved this book so much that he actually read on ahead by himself which is very unusual.”
November 1, 2017 – Log Cabin Library:
“Tokoyo is both strong-willed and talented…Just by looking at the cover you can see the determination in her eyes. She is also quite brave and a lovely heroine. There are lovely black and white illustrations by Kayla Gilliam and I especially enjoyed the addition of the Cultural notes which provided the definition of the Japanese words used in the story as well as the Author’s note at the end of the book.”
March 28, 2018 – WritingFollies:
“A middle grade story…based on folklore I haven’t seen, and involves the girl going on an adventure instead of waiting for a prince. Each chapter begins with an illustration by Kayla Gilliam. Her art is simple yet pretty just like the story.”