Ninja Kaiju

Gr 4 Up–The title alone of this delightful graphic novel will cause young faces to light up with the promise of something unlike anything they have read before. Titular ninja, Nin-Joe, is hired by mad scientist Doctor Ron to steal back a secret formula. During a fight with an experimental bear, the formula explodes all over Nin-Joe, and soon he is struggling with his new size and abilities as a kaiju. Is this a permanent change, or will Nin-Joe be able to return to normal, and can anything survive a kaiju who knows ninjitsu? Bringing together two over-the-top genres, this story is built for all the action and comedy of its absurd premise. Not only will readers get the stealth action of a ninja and the camaraderie of a ninja clan, who are diverse in ethnicity, gender, and physical traits, but also the stumbling destruction and special attacks of a kaiju. The fast pace and humor will have readers laughing more often than not. Kids of all ages can certainly enjoy this story, but elementary grade readers will especially love it.