HMH Books for Young Readers

SURVIVE THESE WOODS, A MAN HAS

Mari’s hands trembled. Mere hours ago, she had faced an imperial samurai in a game of death. The navy kimono she wore was still specked with dust from their combat. And now, she hesitated with what to say, how to comfort Hissa. Sometimes words are so much more difficult to form than fists.

Funny how love can drive you to hate.

Between knocks, Tami imparted wisdom. “Through pain you will achieve greatness.” Strike. “Through suffering you will gain honor.” Strike. “Through sacrifice you will rise.” Strike.

“Whatever he thinks about me, whatever you think about my people, you are both wrong.” She remembered Hissa’s words. We are monsters. The words of her mother. It is the only way I could keep you. “Not everyone is all good or all bad. It is a mistake to think so.”

A man too full of himself is empty inside.

What does your family decide to do?