Shaolin Tiger

Shaolin Tiger by Sandy Fussell, published by Candlewick Press in 2011, is a captivating tale that follows the Cockroach Ryu, a group of unlikely heroes facing a formidable threat. This original edition, comprising 255 pages, presents a narrative centered around Sensei Ki-Yaga and his young samurai students as they embark on a perilous journey across the Sea of Japan to China. Their mission is to aid the Shaolin monks at the White Tiger Temple, which is under siege from a vengeful warrior named Qing-Shen, a former student of Sensei Ki-Yaga.

Readers will find a blend of action and adventure as the samurai kids, including Niya Moto, who has one leg, and Taji, who is blind, train in the ways of the Shaolin monks to confront this new danger. The story explores themes of martial arts, social issues, and the challenges faced by individuals with special needs. As the characters navigate their journey, they must not only prepare for battle but also confront their own limitations and fears in a quest to protect their temple and mentor.