Nerdy Ninjas vs The Really Really Scary Guys

Nerdy Ninjas vs The Really Really Scary Guys by Shogun Whamhower, illustrated by Heath McKenzie (Scholastic Press)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-027-8
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When diving into a river, a ninja should check 

that the water is deep enough, and that 

there are no submerged shopping trolleys.

The Ninja Warrior’s Handbook, Volume 27

The Nerdy Ninjas are back again and continuing their training with Sensei Lee, which is lucky as they are about to become embroiled in their scariest adventure yet!

Most students at St Hall’s (the ninjas school) have heard the rumour that an horrific troll lurks in the basement of the building. When Pongo learns the truth behind this rumour, he and his fellow Ninjas must face their fears - which is quite a long list for Veejay - to help save the world from the beastly intruders lurking in Forest Forest.

When a scream is heard from Forest Forest, Jake sends a text to gather the ninjas at their secret hideout. Unfortunately Veejay is not allowed out after seven, Ben has been scared by the cape he found (labelled “If found, please return to troll”), and Pongo is so busy boing-boinging on his pogo stick that he doesn’t hear his mobile phone.

Maybe they really are the worst ninjas in the world, but always lurking in the shadows nearby is a highly trained SNOT (Secret Ninja Operational Team) ninja who is - rather luckily - on their side and ready to lend an invisible hand.

Nerdy Ninjas vs The Really Really Scary Guys is a great read for upper primary age. The silliness of the humour is spot on for boys at this age. It is full of fun, disgusting bits, ghoulish monsters, humourous pictures and sprinkled with rules for ninjas, teachers, and ‘stuff kids should know’.

The personalities of the four boys are developing in this second book and I particularly love the distractions Pongo finds which make him late for school every day. It will be fun to see where book 3 takes the Nerdy Ninjas next.