Niya Moto is a member of the Cockroach Ryu and is training to be a samurai. However, Niya and his friends all struggle with a disadvantage in their samurai training: he is missing a leg, and his fellow students are missing an arm, are blind, have extra fingers and toes, or refuse to fight. But when the drums of war sound through their mountain they head out to speak with the Emperor. This clever story of friendship and overcoming all odds is filled with beautiful black and white illustrations.
Review by Shannon Bishop, Wilson Elem. School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3+
Samarai Kids – Official Site (Australia)
Owl Ninja (Samarai Kids, Book 2)
Written by Sandy Fussell, Illustrated by Rhian James
Candlewick Press
272 pages
Release Date: February 8, 2011
ISBN: 9780763650032 (hardcover)
