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The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn (by Dorothy Hoobler, Thomas Hoobler)

common sense media says

Historical details add depth to gripping mystery.

parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 67% say there are positive role models
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, as is historically accurate, the ritualized suicide known as seppuku is treated as an honorable act. In fact, there are several incidents of seppuku in this story, along with beheadings, a few of which are rather gory.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Several beheadings, rather gory, and ritual suicides, which are spoken of as honorable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink and get drunk.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the concept of social classes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the class system? Why can't Seikei become a samurai if he wants to? Why would anyone want to become a samurai anyway, and what does that tell us about this culture? Why would only samurai write poetry?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Seikei, son of a tea merchant in 18th century Japan, dreams of being a samurai and poet. But in the strictly ordered class system of the time this is impossible -- he can only look forward to following in his father's footsteps, a life for which he has little aptitude or interest.

While staying at the Tokaido Inn with his father during a business trip, Seikei sees what he believes to be a ghost steal a ruby belonging to a powerful and ruthless lord. When he speaks up to defend a family unjustly accused of the theft, Judge Ooka is impressed with his courage, and employs him to help track down the real thief, launching a journey that takes him into the world of the Kabuki theater.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Readers will find this story about a young boy who wants to be a samurai both an engaging mystery and an intriguing introduction to the historical and cultural details of shogun-era Japan. The Way of the Warrior (Bushido); poetry; tea tasting and ceremonies; the complexities of Kabuki theater; the difficulties of travel; and lots more are lovingly detailed by the authors, and may prompt kids to want to learn more about this fascinating era.

Seikei himself is an appealing protagonist. Torn between what he wants and what is expected of him, he is fearful yet courageous, uncertain yet determined, and the resolution of both the mystery and his path in life is satisfying indeed. The bottom line: This is a treat that kids will both love -- and learn from.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Dorothy Hoobler, Thomas Hoobler
Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication date: April 14, 2006
Number of pages: 214
Hardcover price: $17.99
Paperback price: $5.99
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 10
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive messages
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 67% say it's educational
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

moviemogul
adult
 
wow, it took them awhile to review this...
I remember reading this book in around fourth grade. I really kied it back then, and is still pretty good going back as a teen. There is only one questionable part, which is a character's beheading (I won't say who's). Other than tht, i think the book is fine. Enjoy.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
Deitrik
adult
9
 
Great for the younger kids: Great moral value and fun to read :)
Great book to learn from. For the longest time I have been searching for this book after many years from reading it and forgetting the title. Finally found it again and I still love it. Very educational and historically correct on the era. But what I loved most was the moral value. I, personally, took many things to heart and believe that morals like these aren't stressed enough on our society today. It was a very moving book for me and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to express how I feel about it
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helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind (1)
B.o.B. BoSs
adult
2
 
all ages
i love it and hate it
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helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind
blevins
teen, 16 years old
11
 
This is an okay book.Once you read it you cant put it down.
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helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind

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