What reviewers are saying about Blue Fingers: A Ninja’s Tale

VOYA

“. . . a popular subject that will be enjoyed by young teens exercising their ninja powers.”

Booklist

“Whitesel includes a lot for readers who like action stories, but she also delivers enough ninjutsu philosophy to give older middle-graders something to think about. An author’s note provides interesting insight into the mystery surrounding ninjas and explains their evolution from fighting farmers to dark-garbed terrors in the night.”

Publisher’s Weekly

“Whitesel’s often gripping historical novel explores a 12 year-old peasant boy’s adventures as a ninja in Japan’s Iga Mountains in 1545 . . . Action-packed, atmospheric opening pages . . . Koji runs off to the forest where a young warrior kidnaps him and brings him to the ninja mountain training camp. Whitesel demonstrates how Koji’s initial distrust and fear of the ninja gives way to an attempt to prove himself loyal to them. Finally he embarks on ninja training, learning not only to wield weapons and disguises but to develop his senses and to focus his energy, or ki . . . Whitesel highlights the ninja code of honor as the characters attempt to rid the kingdom of firearms. . . Readers will be made curious about Japanese culture and history as they become ensnared in this adventure.”

School Library Journal

“. . .Koji grows beyond his fears and self-pity, develops a more accurate vision of himself and his society as well as a strong body, and finally becomes the ninja Blue Fingers. The author throws light on Koji’s sense of failure, as well as the historical roots of the ninja and their true—rather than pop culture—goals. The plot is filled with twists and turns involving hidden identity, warfare, and the ways in which a warlord’s superstitions can be used against him. Both rousing and thoughtful, this novel opens an unfamiliar time to most readers and offers an accurate look at these secretive warriors.”