Rise of the Ninja

June 14, 2010
In this Australian import, orphaned teenager Moonshadow has spent his childhood living and training with the Grey Light Order of shinobi—ninjas. Now circumstances force the Order to make his first mission a critical but dangerous one—infiltrate a castle and steal the plans for a war-changing new weapon. Along the way he faces the castle’s samurai guards; a young female shinobi named Snowhawk, who Moonshadow might persuade to become a friend; and a legendary assassin known as the Deathless, who cannot be harmed by swords. Higgins, a student of samurai swordsmanship, is in top form when detailing personal combat, but also excels at portraying Moonshadow as a young man on the verge of doing great things while still plagued by fears and self-doubt. Moonshadow’s trials are both external and personal—requiring thought as well as action—but he consistently adheres to his teachers’ moral codes and his own ethics. Historical and martial arts details are scattered lightly and buttress the story. Though action is at the core of this tale, Higgins also brings to it history, brains, and heart. Ages 8–12.

August 1, 2010

Gr 5-8-Moonshadow is the newest member of the shogun's secret service. An orphan trained by the Grey Light Order, the young ninja is able to look into the eyes of animals and command them to follow his wishes by using his ki. That remarkable ability and his sword skills are all he can rely on during his first mission, stealing plans for a dangerous weapon from an unhappy warlord who hopes to rekindle war in Japan. Moonshadow must survive not only assaults by the warlord's hired warriors-a gangster, a swordsman, and a legendary ninja-but also by a rival spy, who is a girl his own age trained by the Grey Light Order's most powerful enemies. The swordplay is fast and furious, and Japanese terms and places are integrated in a manner that reluctant readers will find accessible. This adventure is part spy novel, part magic, and all fun.-Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
Grades 4-7 In this good old-fashioned adventure set in medieval Japan, Moonshadow is a young ninja spy warrior who, after extensive training, sets off on his first missionto foil the plans for a secret weapon by nefarious characters who want to disturb the peace. Following the exhilarating opening sequence, which establishes the drama to come, the nonstop action requires readers to be, like ninjas themselves, ever vigilant. The pacing is so intense that if readers let down their guard, they will miss something important about Moonshadows ability to see through the eyes of animals, control his sword, battle his enemies, and get to know an unexpected female compatriot. The language is modern, but the setting, clothing, tactics, and tools are well placed in their time period, and a glossary provides further insight into the characters names and experiences. Once drawn in by the opening words, for glory or destruction, readers will be satisfied by the length and polished writing and will look forward to forthcoming sequels.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)