Ninja Boy Goes to School

K-Gr 2—A ninja must be silent as a ghost, as nimble as a mountain goat, as strong as a gorilla, and have the patience of a "deep-rooted tree." As the necessary qualifications are listed, the pictures show a child dressed as a ninja going through the motions while his amused classmates look on. When he becomes bored in math class, he must choose the right time to disappear by jumping out the window. And he must pay the consequences when his teacher finds him playing tetherball during class. "Ninjas must never give up. Even when facing a strong enemy" shows his stern teacher sending him to the principal's office. He must face the man, but "A ninja knows when to be silent." His angry father takes him home and sends him to his room. "It is hard being a ninja." The comic book-style illustrations have lots of fun details and BAM! POW! kid-appeal. The text is a minefield of similes and metaphors—a great way to introduce the terms to young grammarians.—Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME