Nerdy Ninjas vs The Really Scary Guys by Shogun Whamhower (John Larkin) and Heath McKenzie

Nerdy Ninjas series. Scholastic Australia, 2013. ISBN: 9781742830261. RRP: $9.99
Recommended for boys 8-10. Themes: Friendship. Humour. School life. Wise words of wisdom from The Ninja Warrior's Handbook, Volume 27 begin each chapter 'A ninja should never egg an adversary, no matter how tempting'. Jake, Ben, Pongo and Veejay are four nerdy school friends who are members of SNOT the Secret Ninja Operational Team. They are given a new assignment to help hunt down beastly intruders lurking in Forest Forest.
Ben's creativity in writing his English essay is stopped by his Mum demanding that he take Fang their dog for walk. The adventure starts when Fang returns with a troll's cape in his mouth. Veejay's story writing comes to an abrupt halt when he hears a blood curdling scream coming from the forest. Pongo Twistleton spends his life boinging on a pogo stick and not doing his home-work. Jake the science nerd is also busy planning to hit the moon with a laser beam. He is the only one who responds to the night noises and finds a troll in the forest.
The action is fast-paced and humorous as the Ninja Nerds face problem after problem at school the next day. They have to battle the evil Principal Kinkoffen, help Ben with his Easter/Celebration hat dilemma and face the troll in the basement. This is just an average school day for the Ninja Warriors who use their special powers to conquer the enemy. Jake's wheelchair plays a special part in the rescue.
Boys from 8-10 would thoroughly enjoy reading this book, that is the second in the series. They would enjoy the humour and empathise with the 'nerdiness' of the protagonists.
Rhyllis Bignell