Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back by Janice P. Nimura

A fascinating chronicle of several young Japanese girls who were plucked from their Samurai families and sent to America in 1871 to be educated. The goal was that they would then return to Japan after ten years and promote education for girls. Well researched, this book details their life-long friendship. It also provides an engaging overview of Japanese society during a time of great societal change. The youngest, only six when she arrived in America, is still honored for her contribution to establishing a "college" for girls.