The Karate Way [Hardcover]

Gary Hellman (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 10, 2001 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

When a little boy joins a karate class, he discovers a whole new way to look at the world. From dealing with bullies to succeeding in school to learning a new sport -- living life the karate way makes all the difference.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This slight story follows a reluctant boy to his first karate class and offers reasons why one might be interested in learning this art. The young narrator is worried because his parents have signed him up for a surprise activity. Nervous, he imagines what it could be (football? tennis? basketball?) and how he will fail. The next day, his mother drags him to a karate class where he meets his Sensei (teacher) and learns that karate is meant for self-defense only. Six months later, he has earned a blue belt, is motivated to continue with classes, and feels much better about himself. It is unlikely that karate alone would dissolve the worries that plagued the boy at the beginning of this contrived story. The color illustrations, rendered in pen and marker, serve only to fill up the spaces where there is no text. There are many nonfiction titles that introduce the sport to children, including Bill Gutman's Karate (Children's, 1995).

Lisa Gangemi Krapp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6-8. In this simple story, Hellman, who has studied the martial arts for 25 years, schools young people from his fifth-degree black belt perspective. The unnamed narrator frets about school bullies and "Killer Miller"--his tough new schoolteacher. Then his parents lay another worry on his shoulders. They sign him up for a mysterious after-school activity, which will remain unknown until the first day of class arrives. Relief and, eventually, self-confidence replace his fears as he learns the fine points of martial arts. Hellman hovers near didacticism through the book, but he does manage to convey the quiet strength of self-discipline and thoughtful intent. The pictures, by the author, are appealing if somewhat amateurish. Kelly Halls
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385327420
• ISBN-13: 978-0385327428
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,049,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, Realistic and Educational, June 19, 2001

By 

Bid Farrell (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Karate Way (Hardcover)

As a mother of three, I don't usually have or make the time to sit down and review a book. This one is different. It was as if I was reading the story of my son, Dillon. I found The Karate Way to be so realistic, entertaining and educational. Whomever doesn't totally enjoy this book, either has no children or does not appreciate the power of karate.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all kids, April 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Karate Way (Hardcover)

I just bought this book for my son and it is fantastic, he loved it. He can totally relate to this book. Every parent should get this for their child. A great message for kids, even adults can learn from it. Don't we all feel intimidated with new things? The Author makes you believe "you can do anything, and all is possible".

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My children loved it, June 16, 2001

By 

Ralph Burger (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Karate Way (Hardcover)

A great book to read with your children. The boy in the book had a weak self image, and strengthened it through his new activity, that he was reluctant to do. After reading the book with my children it brought on great conversation. Great message and illustrations.