Daughters of the Samurai - Janice P. Nimura

This nonfiction book was un-put-downable. It’s the true story of a group of young daughters of samurai, who were sent to the United States in the 1870s to learn “western ways” and help lead Japan into the 20th century. After a decade, they returned to Japan and worked to reform women’s education. To be honest, I attended one of the schools that one of these young women attended (albeit many years later, ha ha) and I am shocked that I had never heard of this mission or these young women until I stumbled on this book on the Library Sale shelves. It’s an incredible story and the author has told it skillfully and very well indeed. Highly recommended.