Ninja Kid: From Nerd to Ninja
#1 of 13 in Ninja Kid Series
What’s inside...
Nelson is a nerd who is unfit, uncool, and totally awkward. On his tenth birthday, he wakes up to discover that he is the last ninja on Earth. With the help of his grandma's inventions and his wild cousin Kenny, Nelson must navigate his new ninja skills and attempt to save Duck Creek while dealing with the challenges of being uncoordinated and socially awkward. This action-packed and humorous series from Anh Do features a grounded heart and is filled with illustrations.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to suddenly discover you have super powers? How would you use them if you were Nelson?
Nelson transforms a lot throughout the story. Can you think of a time when you tried something new and learned something about yourself?
How do Nelson's friends and family help him on his journey? Why is it important to have support from people around us?
The bullies in the story were a big challenge for Nelson. How do you think he felt facing them? How would you handle a similar situation?
What lessons do you think Nelson learned by the end of the book? Are there any lessons you learned while reading?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they relate to Nelson's experiences and feelings.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support in overcoming challenges, drawing parallels to the child’s own life.
Highlight Nelson's growth and transformation to help your child understand the value of perseverance and trying new things.
Address the bullying aspect sensitively, asking your child how they might feel or act in a similar situation, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Wrap up your discussion by asking your child about their favorite part of the book and why, encouraging them to reflect on the story’s impact on them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Confidence building
Explanation: The protagonist, Nelson, transforms from being a nerd to a ninja, discovering his unique abilities and gaining confidence along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and talents, boosting their self-esteem and confidence in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nelson faces various challenges but he never gives up, continuously practicing and improving his ninja skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Nelson uses his intellect and newly acquired ninja skills to solve problems and overcome obstacles that come his way.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems creatively and can apply critical thinking skills to navigate challenges in school and life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: As Nelson gains new powers, he also learns the importance of helping and understanding others, strengthening his bonds with friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the significance of empathy and supports children in building meaningful and supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Nelson confronts and overcomes his fears as he transitions into his role as a ninja, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared, but it’s also important to challenge oneself.