OWL NINJA

Whereas the first of the Samurai Kids series had a lagging pace, the sophomore installment’s rhythm has improved, much like the martial-arts skills of its characters. Coming off their dark-horse victory at the Samurai Trainee Games, the Cockroach Ryu, consisting of six outcasts with physical anomalies from blindness to albinism, find themselves in a climate of uncertainty as they embark on the noble and frightening mission to beg the emperor for peace in a time of war—but not without help from the elusive ninja. Their voyage, narrated by the Ryu’s increasingly prudent Niya, who has only one leg and must navigate the world with a crutch, is delicately crafted, creating a poetic formula that makes the tale a smoothly transitioned tableau of action and humor. Charming kernels of wisdom woven throughout are invaluable to anyone feeling on the wrong side of fortunate: “Friends make the best crutches.” Authentically rendered illustrations enhance the heartfelt story, which ends with what’s-in-store expectations. An illustrated character guide is generously included for those moments of wondering who’s who. (Historical adventure. 10-15)