Grantz, Alan. Samurai Shortstop

[Mary]

I received this suggestion via email:

Just thought about the title Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz for inclusion on the discussion list. Unique plotline; would be great "guy" booktalk!!

[Mari]

I liked Samurai Shortstop a lot, but I would be surprised if it were under serious consideration for the Newbery. It might get a Printz honor though.

I wondered about its historical accuracy but haven't had a chance to do any thorough fact-checking. It's 1890 in the book and the uncle is sentenced to death for a samurai uprising. I thought samurai uprisings were over by that time....