The Challenge of Samukai!

Gr 3–6—Based on a LEGO set introduced in January 2011, this title follows the adventures of four young ninjas, Jay, Cole, Zane, and Kai, under the tutelage of Sensei Wu. In this first book in the series, they battle the two lords of the Underworld, Samukai and Garmadon. These villains have a wager on—if Samukai defeats the young ninjas and their sensei, he will rule Ninjago and the Underworld. In addition to protecting the four golden weapons (special collectors items in the LEGO set), the ninjas have another reason to defeat Samukai and Garmadon—Samukai's skeleton army holds Kai's sister hostage. The illustrations in this marketing tie-in are cartoon worthy, but the dialogue feels halting and the content is gimmicky—the ninjas must learn "Spinjitzu." Still, younger readers and LEGO fans could enjoy this new addition to the graphic-novel world.—Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA