The original Ninjago team, Cole, Kai, Zane, Lloyd, and Jay, each bring something special to the group with their individual strengths and their unique elemental power. When Kai’s sister, Nya, joins the team as a ninja and Water Master, she learns she has a lot to learn about being on a team. Having spent most of her time backing up the Ninjago from their airship, Destiny’s Bounty, or aiding the Ninjago as the Samurai X, she’s never had to work with the ninjas as a team member. So, when danger strikes, she thinks she can do it herself and not bother the others.

She’s wrong.

LEGO Ninjago – The New Ninja by Meredith Rusu is a fantastic addition for readers who follow the popular Ninjago cartoon series. As a spin-off, The New Ninja is part of a series of books that take the television show on further adventures! In The New Ninja, Nya is finding her way as part of the team. Sure, she’s helped the guys before, but was never actually part of the Ninjago force. Nya is brave and can certainly handle herself. Being the Master of Water, she has a lot of power at her call. The one thing she lacks, though, is acting as a Ninjago team member.

Rusu does a wonderful job with the Ninjago characters. Their voices and actions are spot on to the show, so any reader who is also a Ninjago fan will certainly enjoy this book. Bringing in Nya as part of the Ninjago team is utterly brilliant. Nya has always been a vital part of the Ninjago missions, but was never really part of the team. Having her become an equal to the boys is something that even girl readers can enjoy, even if they are not familiar with the series.

Nya makes some huge mistakes, but she learns from them, as any wise ninja would. She might have a lot of power under her belt, but the real power is in her team, the entire Ninjago group. Together they can take a stand against anything or anyone. This is a vital lesson that’s wonderfully portrayed in The New Ninja.

The New Ninja is also a quick read that’s full of action for middle grade readers. There aren’t any illustrations, buat some of the text is ballooned out in a sort of cartoon-like effect, which I found entertaining. I look forward to further books in this series.