Ninjago Reading Books for Boys

If you are a parent to boys aged 5-14 then there's a good change you've come across Lego Ninjago. It's Lego's Ninja theme which has Lego sets, a game with spinners, a TV show, and yes Lego Ninjago reading books. 

There are quite a few Ninjago reading books, so it can be a bit confusing to work out which are the best books for your child. On this page I'll take you through the range and explain the skill level they are appropriate for.

I'm sure there are some girls who will enjoy these books (I know I would have as a child!) but the main audience will be boys. 

Some of the books are available to buy now, others are available for preorder and more books are coming out during 2012.  

UK Readers: Ninjago Books UK

The Ninjago early reader books are for children from age 4 who can read or sound out quite a few words. The are not suitable as the very first reading books, but once the basics have clicked into place they're a good next step for boys interested in Lego, ninjas, or the Ninjago theme. 

These books have a high quality Ninjago illustration on each page with a few sentences to read. The pictures help kids to work out words from context. Especially if they recognise the Ninjago characters and other story elements. 

These reading books have 32 pages organised into short chapters, this makes the books a good precursor to proper chapter books. 

Kids who are familiar with the Ninjago story will definitely find the books easier than those who haven't. 

My son is 5 and we have the Lego Ninjago Reader #1: The Way of the Ninja. This book is just the right level for him. He's not reading independently yet, he reads to me and gets help when he needs it. I'm very impressed with how well these reading books are put together, most of the words are either:

• Common words he knows already, 
• Words he can sound out phonetically, or
• Words he can work out from the context and because he's Ninjago crazy - like 'samurai'.

There are a few words he needs help with. But that's good as it means he's learning. 

Here's an example sentence:

"You made it too quickly, Kai" said his sister Nya. "Be patient."

My son could read everything except 'patient.' Knowing about the Ninjago characters meant he easily recognised Kai and Nya. 

I've been quite impressed at some of the words he has worked out because he knows the Ninjago story, from Lego sets and the movie / TV series. This gives him confidence. 

For kids of age 7 and up (grade 2), the Ninjago chapter books are around 80 pages long. They are proper chapter books for independent readers. 

I'm sure that younger readers would enjoy having the books read to them, but they make perfect first chapter books for boys who love Ninjago.

A sample sentence from Cole: Ninja of Earth.

"Now instead of facing two guards, he was up against a dozen."

As you would expect with Ninjago, the books do contain 'cartoon violence.' If you have seen the Ninjago TV show then you'll have some idea what to expect. 

There are currently four Ninjago chapter books in this series, one for each of the ninja: Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane.