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
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