This Japanese classic was originally published in 1937. It’s finally been translated and released due to the cinematic adaptation by renowned anime master, Hayao Miyazaki. It plots the coming-of-age of Honda Jun’ichi, nicknamed Copper by his uncle (short for Copernicus … but metaphorically also having the metal’s malleability). Copper’s father has passed away and his uncle acts as Copper’s mentor. Copper is already a deep thinker and the uncle’s notebook messages to him, which fold into the narrative, are essays serving to deepen Copper’s thought processes even further.

Copper makes firm friends at school: the obstinate Kitami; Mizutani, the child of a wealthy family; and Uragawa, who is steeped in poverty. The three character’s backgrounds allow Copper to study how different people conduct their lives. Each ‘lesson’ is delivered as a vignette, followed by the uncle’s dissertation.

From Kitami’s actions he learns the difference between stubbornness and independent thinking. Uragawa’s family teaches him the value of hard work and humility. With Mizutani and his older sister, he learns of heroism and commitment.

His greatest lesson, however, is learned from his own shortcomings. After pledging his allegiance to his friends, he lets them down. His unexpected cowardice surprises him. He needs to redeem himself in their eyes … but how?

This is a wonderful lesson in ethics, with detours into philosophy, history and physics. Don’t make your own mistake. This book isn’t too young for you – you’re never too old to learn a child’s lesson.

Reviewed by Bob Moore