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Shy Ninja
Young Rena suffers from a social anxiety disorder. It keeps her from engaging at school, from hanging out with her best friend in person, or participating in any sort of group activity. Pressed by her mother to find some social outlet, she enrolls in a School for Ninjas—and in an instant, her life changes. Rena's instructor, the mysterious Dysart, tells her that her presence fulfills an ancient prophecy and that she will become the Ninja legend known as "The Ghost." Assuming she can even get past her own anxieties, will she help Dysart return the Ninja to their former glory, or is Dysart planning to exploit Rena for his own cryptic aims?
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
453 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Ricardo Sanchez
152 books22 followersRicardo Sanchez is a writer, poet, Emmy winning creator, and executive producer. Elvis Sightings, the first book in his Elvis Sightings Mystery series, was released in September, 2014. Bigfoot Blues, the sequel, came out in May, 2015. His comic book credits include Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Resident Evil, RIFT: Telara Chronicles, and many others. His short story, Death and Life of the Hero, was a successfully kickstarted graphic novel. When he's not writing , Ricardo maintains a vintage toy blog, drives 70's muscle cars, and shops year round for Halloween decorations for his home in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 24, 2022
This was an adorable and fun read. The character development was amazing, and I felt so connected to them.
The plot twists seemed improbable though. I liked them, but I saw no foreshadowing that it would happen, or even be a thought.
The plot twists seemed improbable though. I liked them, but I saw no foreshadowing that it would happen, or even be a thought.
December 1, 2021
This is a fun and quick read! Rena is a middle school student who struggles with social anxiety. She cringes when the teacher calls on her, she won't join any school activities, and she can't make herself go to visit her best friend (who lives in a literal bubble -- need more info on this, please!). Her psychiatrist recommends she get involved in a school club, but Rena has zero interest in making good on that promise. Meanwhile, a secret society of ninjas meet and decide that Rena is "THE GHOST," the fulfillment of a mythical promise that a ninja with the most powerful skills will one day save the ninjas of the world. Rena's task to join a club and the quest of the ninja leaders to secure her role as the Ghost merge when she decides to become involved with ninja training. Led by the prophecies surrounding the Ghost, Rena slowly grows in confidence as she completes her training. But what exactly is the Ghost training to do? Can the other ninjas be trusted?
The pros - Fast-paced plot and a believable protagonist who struggles with anxiety. I love that it was written by a father/daughter duo.
The cons - I needed 50 more pages with more information! Tell me more about her friend in the bubble. Dive deeper into the intentions of the ninjas. Tell me more about her mom's job and computer program, Junior. This story is begging for more.
The pros - Fast-paced plot and a believable protagonist who struggles with anxiety. I love that it was written by a father/daughter duo.
The cons - I needed 50 more pages with more information! Tell me more about her friend in the bubble. Dive deeper into the intentions of the ninjas. Tell me more about her mom's job and computer program, Junior. This story is begging for more.
March 20, 2022
Ugh. The art was cute but the MC was SO annoying and the plot was weird. I think its technically supposed to be a kid's book, which I did not know beforehand.
August 16, 2025
Super cute and so relatable
January 14, 2025
This book is so good that I watched all the films this book was based on ❤️❤️🥷
December 10, 2023
I wanted more from this one. Let's start with that.
The idea of a shy girl with significant social anxiety becoming a ninja felt like such a good concept. I'm normally not one for ninja stuff, but the promise that it would blend this with themes of mental health made this book appealing to me. And I do think this was a fun, quick read. I just think it was also lacking in a lot of areas.
Maybe a younger, less critical reader than me would appreciate this more. Especially if they can relate to Rena. The progress she makes throughout the novel is inspiring. Her fears are openly challenged, and at first, she's resistant. But when she finds the thing she can be passionate about, the thing she excells at, her feelings of self-worth increase significantly, and I think that's a very valuable lesson that makes this book especially good for younger readers. To see her overcome her fears and learn how to be social and see her own worth is incredible, and I will absolutely give this book significant praise for this portrayal. It's just everything else that fell a little flat.
There just seemed to be a lot of plotholes in the ninja half of the plotline. Things moved quickly, but maybe a little TOO quickly. If we'd stopped and expanded on a few things a little more, exploring ideas deeper than surface level, I feel like the major plot twists at the end would have made a bit more sense. Unfortunately, with the way it's set up, very little foreshadowing was done, making things feel a little too convenient. It almost makes me feel like this book should have kept its emphasis on the mental health aspect, where the author excels, than on the adrenaline-rush that the sneaky ninja mission is supposed to add. That part required a significant suspension of disbelief, which I'm fine with considering who this book is aimed for. But it would have been a bit better if there weren't so many missing pieces.
The art style was cute though, and it's fun to look at. I just feel like the story was lacking in a lot of places, which lowered my interest and made it less memorable. That being said, I do think younger readers would love this and wouldn't have the same criticisms that I do.
The idea of a shy girl with significant social anxiety becoming a ninja felt like such a good concept. I'm normally not one for ninja stuff, but the promise that it would blend this with themes of mental health made this book appealing to me. And I do think this was a fun, quick read. I just think it was also lacking in a lot of areas.
Maybe a younger, less critical reader than me would appreciate this more. Especially if they can relate to Rena. The progress she makes throughout the novel is inspiring. Her fears are openly challenged, and at first, she's resistant. But when she finds the thing she can be passionate about, the thing she excells at, her feelings of self-worth increase significantly, and I think that's a very valuable lesson that makes this book especially good for younger readers. To see her overcome her fears and learn how to be social and see her own worth is incredible, and I will absolutely give this book significant praise for this portrayal. It's just everything else that fell a little flat.
There just seemed to be a lot of plotholes in the ninja half of the plotline. Things moved quickly, but maybe a little TOO quickly. If we'd stopped and expanded on a few things a little more, exploring ideas deeper than surface level, I feel like the major plot twists at the end would have made a bit more sense. Unfortunately, with the way it's set up, very little foreshadowing was done, making things feel a little too convenient. It almost makes me feel like this book should have kept its emphasis on the mental health aspect, where the author excels, than on the adrenaline-rush that the sneaky ninja mission is supposed to add. That part required a significant suspension of disbelief, which I'm fine with considering who this book is aimed for. But it would have been a bit better if there weren't so many missing pieces.
The art style was cute though, and it's fun to look at. I just feel like the story was lacking in a lot of places, which lowered my interest and made it less memorable. That being said, I do think younger readers would love this and wouldn't have the same criticisms that I do.
January 19, 2024
Rena Villanueve has social anxiety, and her mom (a coder) and therapist want her to avoid video games (with her best friend, a bubble boy), and join a class instead. There's a ninja flyer floating around, and against her initial reaction (dorky) Rena is intrigued, esp. since it might help her retaliate against a school bully.
Meanwhile, Master Dysart is lobbying the Ninja Council to allow him to recruit and train Renas, saying she is "the Ghost" a mythical ninja who will save their heritage, which has become a joke. Rena starts training for a missions to gain evidence for the FBI about illegal research, mastering various skills of deception and redirection (no magic).
Plot twist about the mission, and Rena has to think and use all the skills she's mastered.
Great fight scenes, very Saturday morning cartoon style ill. Love the collection of inspirational materials--Pippi Longstocking, TMNT, Goonies.
Only 166 pp--like how her mental health issues are dealt with: p 51 cure not expected, but coping skills and she's still good at other things--in fact her ability to disappear in a crowd is an asset.
Meanwhile, Master Dysart is lobbying the Ninja Council to allow him to recruit and train Renas, saying she is "the Ghost" a mythical ninja who will save their heritage, which has become a joke. Rena starts training for a missions to gain evidence for the FBI about illegal research, mastering various skills of deception and redirection (no magic).
Plot twist about the mission, and Rena has to think and use all the skills she's mastered.
Great fight scenes, very Saturday morning cartoon style ill. Love the collection of inspirational materials--Pippi Longstocking, TMNT, Goonies.
Only 166 pp--like how her mental health issues are dealt with: p 51 cure not expected, but coping skills and she's still good at other things--in fact her ability to disappear in a crowd is an asset.
November 21, 2021
Rena is an 11 year old girl with social anxiety. It's hard for her to participate at school and make friends. One day her friend recommends a ninja school and asks her to try it out. At first Rena is hesitant but she eventually sign's up with the support of her mom and therapist. Little does she know the master at the ninja school has some other plans for her. He and his student Antonia train Rena to become "the ghost," a legendary ninja thats supposed to catch rogue and evil ninjas. Rena immediately engages with Antonia and training and even answers some questions in class. All is going well, but one day the master orders Rena on a special mission, she discovers the horrible secret behind the whole ninja school. Is she who she is or was she just a tool that the master used to get what he wanted?
Overall the book was very interesting from all the plot twists that make you say, “WHYYY” The characters were also very fun and original. 4.5 stars :> Would definitely recommend.
Overall the book was very interesting from all the plot twists that make you say, “WHYYY” The characters were also very fun and original. 4.5 stars :> Would definitely recommend.
September 11, 2025
Middle grade graphic novel about mental health and also martial arts. Rena has a social anxiety disorder, and is initially very resistant to treatment. Following strong advice from her therapist, she does to a ninja school, where she discovers she's the ghost ninja of prophecy. On one hand, I liked seeing Rena's progress with her social anxiety throughout over the course of the story. She makes remarkable strides, in a way that makes narrative sense and can be motivating to young readers in her shoes. However, the ninja part of the storyline moves at a lightning pace, beyond anything believable. The mission at the end of the book is way too high stakes for me to believe that it would be entrusted to her so early, or that she'd be that successful on her very first mission. There's also a major twist that isn't telegraphed at all. Just comes out of nowhere, and it doesn't feel particularly satisfying. And this is super petty, but I did laugh when the ninja master told a girl with a teal undercut that she had an inconspicuous look.
November 27, 2023
I liked this, but I'm obviously not the target audience. When we picked this up from the library, I was excited to dive into a story about a ninja with anxiety and when I did - bonk - I quickly hit the bottom. The unfortunate reality is that a graphic novel just can't go that deep. If this were a full novel, or a season of anime, or even the first of 10 graphic novels, then I would be **all for it** but with things as they are, this isn't for me.
It's worth noting, however, that my 7 year-old LOVED reading this and has re-read it at least 10 times in the week since we brought it home. In fact, I only read it because he brought it over to me and insisted that I check it out. It also served as a great conversation starter for the whole family to talk about anxiety and the limits of the graphic novel form, which were really valuable talks to have.
It's worth noting, however, that my 7 year-old LOVED reading this and has re-read it at least 10 times in the week since we brought it home. In fact, I only read it because he brought it over to me and insisted that I check it out. It also served as a great conversation starter for the whole family to talk about anxiety and the limits of the graphic novel form, which were really valuable talks to have.
January 10, 2023
I have not consumed mmuch ninja content over the years so I thought I should test the waters to see if it was something I should look more into. The verdict is no. No there is nothing in particular about ninjas that makes me want to look into this further. The coolest thing about them appears to be all the same things that I can find in a spy novel so I will stick to those.
There was really nothing too special or exiting to me about this story. It was just ok. I bet a younger kid would really like it but I just found I kind of dull. The MC put way too much trust into these people she met so recently who were clearly doing some shady stuff. And then the end resolution just kind of came out of no where. It felt like I missed something.
There was really nothing too special or exiting to me about this story. It was just ok. I bet a younger kid would really like it but I just found I kind of dull. The MC put way too much trust into these people she met so recently who were clearly doing some shady stuff. And then the end resolution just kind of came out of no where. It felt like I missed something.
March 23, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from BIG Humanoids.
Readers meet Rena, a young woman with severe social anxiety, as she struggles in school and rebels against meeting with her therapist. The story spins to an older man who is recruiting ninjas to bring back their glory. He persuades Rena that she is the Ghost - a long expected ninja who will save them all. As the story evolves, readers come to understand that not all characters are who they seem to be. She does, indeed, save the world but comes close to losing her mom to do it.
Clever illustrations bring out the details in the story. Terrific character expressions.
I received an electronic ARC from BIG Humanoids.
Readers meet Rena, a young woman with severe social anxiety, as she struggles in school and rebels against meeting with her therapist. The story spins to an older man who is recruiting ninjas to bring back their glory. He persuades Rena that she is the Ghost - a long expected ninja who will save them all. As the story evolves, readers come to understand that not all characters are who they seem to be. She does, indeed, save the world but comes close to losing her mom to do it.
Clever illustrations bring out the details in the story. Terrific character expressions.
July 16, 2022
would recommend
Great art! I love how it is sympathetic to all the anxious and shy people out there. Love the way Rena slowly becomes less socially awkward. Also, nice fight scenes! Love the way junior is interpreted would like a little backstory from the characters, like how Antonia got her scar, and why Sidney has to stay in his bubble. Or what caused Rena to become socially awkward.
Great art! I love how it is sympathetic to all the anxious and shy people out there. Love the way Rena slowly becomes less socially awkward. Also, nice fight scenes! Love the way junior is interpreted would like a little backstory from the characters, like how Antonia got her scar, and why Sidney has to stay in his bubble. Or what caused Rena to become socially awkward.
October 7, 2023
Cawpile 6.14 3.5*
Kind of sweet graphic novel about a girl who has Social Anxiety Disorder to some extent training to be a ninja and her friend who appears to live in an *actual* bubble in their house but we are told no more information about.
There’s just not enough information in this, we aren’t told enough, it’s like the start of a series but the series isn’t there if that makes sense?
It’s a kind of interesting start but frustrating when you know it goes nowhere.
Kind of sweet graphic novel about a girl who has Social Anxiety Disorder to some extent training to be a ninja and her friend who appears to live in an *actual* bubble in their house but we are told no more information about.
There’s just not enough information in this, we aren’t told enough, it’s like the start of a series but the series isn’t there if that makes sense?
It’s a kind of interesting start but frustrating when you know it goes nowhere.
January 29, 2024
I loved the art style in this book! I think a lot of kids can relate to the main character, and I love the inclusion of a teen with an illness that prevents him from leaving his room. It’s interesting to see the experiences of both a teen who physically can’t socialize due to illness and one who mentally struggles with social anxiety. This book has a lot of pros, and I’m excited to share it with kids!
August 23, 2025
This is so relatable I suppose. I also have trouble with people and have anxiety disorders. The illustrations are nice and the storyline is fascinating and also INTERESTING.
I feel tempted to try to be better at being around people and realizing that I can possibly overcome my problems? No spoilers but this books is a masterpiece and imagination is always better received from younger readers & dreams.
I feel tempted to try to be better at being around people and realizing that I can possibly overcome my problems? No spoilers but this books is a masterpiece and imagination is always better received from younger readers & dreams.
July 31, 2021
Silly but has some heart. The ninjutsu is a lot more grounded than what you usually see, so there are no power-ups or Naruto runs. I liked Rena’s struggle with social anxiety, and her friend Sidney who has to live in an actual bubble. The story’s rather simple but has, at least, one nice plot twist.
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars. Rena suffers from social anxiety. At the urging of her mother and therapist, she joins a ninja school, where she finds herself caught up in an ancient prophecy and assigned a dangerous mission--which lands her mother in jail. Rena will need to call on all her ninja skills to save her mother. A very cute read with lots of kid appeal.
December 27, 2022
I don't usually read superhero graphic novels, but the character of Rena drew me in. The writer's daughter created the character and I think that's why she rings true, down to the middle school emotional roller coaster. I'm still a bit confused on some plot details, but not enough to stop my enjoyment of the book. No sequel yet, but I'm hoping for one.
December 28, 2022
Love that this diverse graphic novel is written by a father and daughter pair exploring the real-life challenges of a young teen with severe social anxiety paired with a magical Ninja storyline. Excellent for all of us that need to better understand and have empathy for the neuro diverse of all ages.
May 5, 2023
A young teenager struggling with social anxiety coping with that through being a ninja?
Sounded fun.
I liked how her best friend has this illness where he can't leave the house at all but they are able to cary on a friendship that is deeply bonded and she is reluctantly working towards becoming more comfortable in social situations.
Sounded fun.
I liked how her best friend has this illness where he can't leave the house at all but they are able to cary on a friendship that is deeply bonded and she is reluctantly working towards becoming more comfortable in social situations.
August 17, 2023
Hope and look forward to more of this series
Excellent writing and art as well as some very good research capturing the general "feel" of the historical and non-mythological methodologies from the warring states era. Bravo! I hope to see more of this series in the future and strongly recommend it
Excellent writing and art as well as some very good research capturing the general "feel" of the historical and non-mythological methodologies from the warring states era. Bravo! I hope to see more of this series in the future and strongly recommend it
December 7, 2023
A fun read for kids. The main character is a girl with severe anxiety. As part of her therapy, she starts a ninja class, one that's for real ninjas and not just a martial artist class. She is told she is the one as she continues her training. You can see where it goes from here. The art is good and the colors pop.
October 9, 2024
eghht
Getting a little more comfortable in my new house with my kids is the most important aspect for them as I get more and I want more to live here in a more secure environment so they are able not just for their parents to have the freedom and privacy that is needed in a relationship and it makes them more happy
Getting a little more comfortable in my new house with my kids is the most important aspect for them as I get more and I want more to live here in a more secure environment so they are able not just for their parents to have the freedom and privacy that is needed in a relationship and it makes them more happy
November 24, 2022
Solid MG book with an anxious ninja
This was a nice Middle Grade read. Approachable for children without talking down to them and has a grounded enough plot and writing to be readable by an adult.
This was a nice Middle Grade read. Approachable for children without talking down to them and has a grounded enough plot and writing to be readable by an adult.
February 17, 2023
Love this story about a girl with social anxiety that trains as a ninja. Not jujitsu, not karate- ninjutsu. She gains confidence but at what price? I love even more that this story was a joint effort between father and daughter!
August 9, 2021
2.5 stars
August 10, 2021
3.3 stars
August 10, 2021
Little bit of drama, mystery with a twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews