Text copyright © 2014 by N. D. Wilson
Cover art and interior illustrations copyright © 2014 by J. J. Harrison
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wilson, Nathan D.
Ninja boy goes to school. — First edition.
pages cm.
Summary: “A little boy explains what it’s like to go to school—when you’re a ninja.” —Provided by publisher.
Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-375-86584-8 — Library binding ISBN 978-0-375-96584-5 — eBook ISBN 978-0-375-98179-1
[1. Ninja—Fiction. 2. Imagination—Fiction. 3. Schools—Fiction.] I. Harrison, J. J., illustrator. II. Title.
PZ7.W69744Ni 2014 [E]—dc23 2013033589
Book design by John Sazaklis
Random House Children’s Books supports the First Amendment and celebrates the right to read.
v3.1
For Oscar, Piper, Bo, and Selah
(with gratitude for their father)
—N. D. W.
For my dog, Ann, who ninja-sneaked
her way into my heart
—J. J. H.
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
First Page
About the Author and Illustrator
It is hard being a ninja.
You must rise before the sun
and become one with the night.
You must possess the silence of a GHOST
(not the kind that wails and thumps)…
…the nimbleness of a MOUNTAIN GOAT
( but without the wool and horns)…
…the strength of a GORILLA
(but without the smell)…
…and the balance of a FLAMINGO
(but without looking silly).
It is hard being a ninja.
When you are a ninja, you will understand.
Ninjas must be one
with their surroundings.
A ninja must be still and patient,
like a deep-rooted tree…
…and strike with the VIPER’S
speed when the time is right
for disappearing.
A ninja’s spirit is never caged.
A ninja leaps like a
GAZELLE
and floats like a
cherry blossom.
Ninjas must never give up.
Even when facing a strong enemy.
A ninja knows when to be silent.
In the face of injustice and hardship, a ninja’s
emotions are as smooth and still as a clear pond.
It is hard being a ninja.
When you are a ninja,
you will understand.
Don’t forget, a ninja must
learn to pretend that he is
not really a ninja…
even though he is.
N.D. Wilson types while the stars shine. He winks at the moon and paddles around in words like Father Goose in the river of time. He really likes ninjas, and according to rumors, he often misbehaved in school. He and his wife live in Idaho, where they are raising their five children in the ways of stealthiness. Visit him at ndwilson.com
J.J. Harrison was in fifth grade when a freak bowling accident shattered his thumb. It took months to heal, but then something magical happened. When his cast came off, J.J. could draw anything he imagined! He now lives in Utah with his wife, their two children, and two dogs. Visit him at jjharrison.com
N. D. Wilson, Ninja Boy Goes to School
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