Scavengers by Marcus Emerson

Ill. by David Lee. Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja bk 7. Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760295615
(Age: 9-11) Marcus Emerson's ten book series follows the chaotic life of 6th grader Chase Cooper, each follows the action-packed school life at Buchanan School. Schoolwork takes a secondary role in this series, the focus is on secret societies, friendships and bully busting.
Cousin Zoe Chase is running for student president owing to the unfortunate chewing gum saga that occurred in Career's Week. Chase is her Campaign Manager in charge of publicity, in charge of baby kissing, her schedules and a free pizza lunch. In the middle of helping Zoe, another secret club The Scavengers invite him to join. By refusing this offer, an avalanche of revenge attacks occur and Chase has the whole school disliking him; even his friends desert him and an old school reporter follows his every move trying to expose his secret ninja clan.
This fun series needs to be read in order, as the characters refer to previous events and incidents. David Lee's dark comic illustrations bring the difficult and dramatic events to life: Chase's ninja clan friends, the moment of truth with the Scavengers in the Dungeon and the secret group hidden behind their vulture masks.
Rhyllis Bignell