The Sign of the Chrysanthemum

In the Newbery Medalist's first book, Muna searches for his father, a samurai warrior, in 12th-century Japan.

Muna has never known his father—a samurai, a noble warrior. But Muna's mother has told Muna how he will know him one day: by the sign of the chrysanthemum.

When his mother dies, Muna travels to the capital of twelfth-century Japan, a bewildering city on the verge of revolution. He finds a haven there, as servant to the great swordsmith, Fukuji. But Muna cannot forget his dream: He mus...