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My Life as a Ninja (My Life, #6) by Janet Tashjian, Jake TashjianISBN: 1627798897
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 11th 2017
Pages: 272
Goodreads
Derek Fallon has expanded his taste in cartoons to the world of manga and anime. Together with his friends Carly, Matt, and Umberto, Derek has fun learning about all the cool aspects of ninja culture. When someone starts vandalizing their school with graffiti of a mischievous troll-like figure,
these ninjas-in-training are convinced they’ll be able to crack the case. But it turns out that being a ninja is a lot more work than they thought, and this adventure brings about new opportunities for Derek to embarrass himself. For once, can he be the hero that saves the day?
A Christy Ottaviano Book
Janet Tashjian is a middle-grade and young adult novelist who’s been writing books for children for fifteen years. Her first novel Tru Confessions was made into a critically acclaimed Disney TV movie starring Clara Bryant and Shia LaBeouf. The Gospel According to Larry is a cult favorite and Fault Line is taught in many middle and high schools. Her novels My Life As a Book, My Life As a Stuntboy, and My Life As a Cartoonist are all illustrated by her teenage son, Jake. Their collaboration continues with My Life As a Ninja coming April of 2017.
MY THOUGHTS
Derek has found a new passion, other than his love for anime and animals, and now thinks he can save his school from a dastardly criminal that is vandalizing the school with graffiti. He decides that he and his friends must become ninjas to stealthily find this criminal so that the school can survive the cost of the repairs and not have to cut programs. When his method of being as ninja-like as possible fails, his dad signs him up at a dojo to learn the ancient way. He is a bit disappointed since he thinks martial arts should be all about kicking and punching instead of thinking before you strike.
One of the best things about this story is that Derek’s friends Carly, Matt, and Umberto have either physical or learning disabilities, but they all seem to overcome them with the support of their school, friends, and family. The story is full of imagination that truly reflects the curiosity of kids this age. It is full of fun and really makes me remember what it was like to be that age and have so much wonder. It really is about inclusion and learning to work with your peers but those points are slipped in so neatly that the moral lessons are natural.
I adore Tashijian’s writings and have read a good majority of her books. The books are so positive and bring hard to discuss subjects in an easy way. Parents: this series is a wonderful way to open up a child’s imagination and would be great for fans of Captain Underpants or Wimpy Kid.
3 Winners will receive a finished copy of MY LIFE AS A NINJA, US Only.
Ends on April 25th at Midnight EST!
Sounds like a great book, and one my daughter would enjoy.