Kitsune the Minecraft Ninja: A middle-grade adventure story set in a world of ninjas, magic, and martial arts
#1 of 4 in Kitsune the Minecraft Ninja Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Orphaned as a young villager, Kitsune grew up in Hoshido—an enchanted forest—among fox spirits who took her in as their own. Raised in a den with fox pups and taught their trickster ways, she dreams of the wider world. When she finally gets to leave the comfort of Hoshido, it doesn’t take long to learn that everything isn’t as it seems. Peace has been stolen from the clans of Korugan by tyrannical, power hungry (ahem, OP) ninjas. Can she grow strong enough to face the Ultimate Ninjas? Will she risk it all to return rightful power to the individual clans, as well as honor to her own Fox Clan? Side-by-side with her best buddies Ninko and Yoko—adorably mischievous fox yokai pups, her adventures take them across the entire seed of Korugan, far away from her familiar home, through treacherous biomes, into impossible battles, and hilarious experiences she’ll never forget. She may be up against enemies far beyond her age and skill, but they lack one thing she doesn’t: the courage to seek justice in the name of her village and family they destroyed.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Kitsune to become a ninja in the Minecraft world?
How do Kitsune's adventures and challenges help him grow as a character?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and teamwork from Kitsune's interactions with other characters?
If you could possess one of the magical abilities shown in the book, which one would you choose and why?
How do you think the setting of the Minecraft world influences the story and characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on Kitsune’s journey and ask your child if they agree or see things differently.
Encourage your child to relate Kitsune’s experiences to their own life, discussing any similar challenges they might have faced.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship depicted in the book, and ask your child to provide examples from their personal experiences.
Imagine together what might happen next if the story were to continue, or how different choices might change the outcome of the story.
Use creative prompts like drawing a favorite scene or writing a short story about a new adventure for Kitsune to deepen engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Kitsune faces numerous challenges and adversaries throughout his ninja journey, demonstrating persistence despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persist in their endeavors whether it be learning a new skill or overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Kitsune often works together with other characters to complete missions, showing that cooperation can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, applicable in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonist frequently encounters puzzles and obstacles that require critical thinking and creativity to solve.
Real-World Application: Helps children to develop their analytical abilities which are vital in academic settings and personal decision making.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: Kitsune learns to understand the perspectives of other characters, which aids in his missions and relationships.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy and communication skills, essential for children’s social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The Value of Hard Work
Explanation: As Kitsune trains to become a better ninja, the story emphasizes the importance of dedication and practice.
Real-World Application: Reinforces to children that mastering any skill requires effort and time, beneficial for educational and personal growth.