10+ Best Ninja Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the adventurous spirit of your little ninja enthusiast? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Ninja Books for 7-Year-Olds is packed with excitement, action, and fun lessons that will keep your young reader engaged. Dive in as we explore various lists of must-read ninja books that are sure to spark imagination and maybe even some stealthy backyard adventures! Keep reading to discover your child’s next favorite book.

Fun Ninja Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrated by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this fun twist on the classic fairy tale, Red Riding Hood is a ninja training in the art of kung fu. When she encounters a tricky wolf on her way to grandma's house, a humorous and action-packed battle ensues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and energetic story that combines fairy tales with martial arts. The book encourages physical activity and clever problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fairy tales and action, and those looking to see classic stories in a new, dynamic way.

• The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrated by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of three pigs who take up different martial arts to prepare for the big bad wolf. Each pig learns important lessons about hard work, perseverance, and how to face challenges head-on.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the values of dedication and practice in a fun, engaging way, making it perfect for encouraging young readers to stick with and overcome their challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy exciting stories with a moral and those interested in martial arts.

• Ninja! by Arree Chung
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book follows a young boy with an active imagination who takes on the role of a ninja. His mission is to navigate through his day without being detected, using household items as his ninja tools.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of energy and creativity, encouraging kids to use their imagination and engage in active play. The illustrations add a playful element that enhances the story.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative kids who love to play pretend and enjoy active, fast-paced stories.

• Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Wink is a young ninja who struggles because he wants to be noticed, despite being trained to blend in. His journey is filled with funny mishaps and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of self-acceptance and finding one's own path in a humorous and light-hearted way.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different and are learning to embrace their unique qualities, and those who enjoy a good laugh.

• Ninja Boy Goes to School by N.D. Wilson, illustrated by J.J. Harrison
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure, School Life
  • Synopsis: A young ninja boy uses his skills to navigate the challenges of school life, from dealing with bullies to making new friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps kids relate the excitement of ninja adventures to everyday scenarios they face in school, teaching problem-solving and social skills in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: School-aged children who are dealing with the complexities of friendships and school dynamics, and fans of adventure stories.

Educational Ninja Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta, illustrated by Ed Young
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Late at night, a young ninja embarks on a secret mission. The quiet, suspenseful journey through his house builds up to a surprising and humorous ending.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Stealth and creativity, understanding of narrative structure, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and humor with stunning illustrations, capturing the essence of ninja stealth and the excitement of a nighttime adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy suspense and mystery, and those who fancy themselves as secret nighttime adventurers.

• The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In this quirky story, a boy finds himself in unbelievable situations involving ninjas and other fantastical creatures, leading to a series of funny and unexpected twists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, honesty, cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative tale that teaches the importance of honesty in a very unique and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantastical stories with a humorous twist and those learning the value of telling the truth.

• Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop! by Todd Tuell, illustrated by Tad Carpenter
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Action, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This energetic book follows a young ninja as he sneaks, creeps, and leaps through his family home and garden, encountering various challenges along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, agility, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages physical activity and clever problem-solving, all wrapped up in a fun and fast-paced story.
  • Perfect for: Active kids who love engaging in playful physical activities and those who enjoy lively, action-packed stories.

• My Grandma's a Ninja by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Danny Chatzikonstantinou
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor, Family
  • Synopsis: When Ethan discovers that his grandma is a ninja, wild and humorous adventures ensue, showing that grandmas can be fun and full of surprises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family relationships, imagination, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a delightful twist on family dynamics, showcasing a cool, unconventional grandmother.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny family stories and those with imaginative, adventurous grandmas.

• Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Cultural, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Little Kunoichi is a young ninja-in-training who learns that perseverance and hard work can help her improve her skills and succeed, despite not being the best in her class.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, cultural awareness, self-improvement
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that promotes the values of dedication and practice, all set in a beautifully illustrated, culturally rich backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in other cultures, particularly Japanese culture, and young readers who need encouragement in their personal pursuits.

Challenging Ninja Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Willa, the only non-ninja at her school, is invited to a sleepover with ninja friends who demonstrate their skills. She worries about fitting in but discovers her own unique talents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces themes of self-acceptance and diversity through a narrative that challenges young readers to think about friendship and personal strengths in a deeper way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful tale that teaches the importance of celebrating differences and finding one's unique place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who might feel out of place and those looking to understand the value of individuality and friendship.

• Ninja Claus! by Arree Chung
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor, Holiday
  • Synopsis: A young ninja tries to catch Santa Claus on Christmas Eve to prove that he exists, using all his ninja skills and strategies.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a playful approach to problem-solving and strategy, encouraging readers to think critically about how to achieve their goals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of ninja tactics with the magic of Christmas, offering a fun and engaging holiday story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love the excitement of Christmas and those who enjoy stories that involve clever planning and stealth.

• Ninja Baby by David Zeltser, illustrated by Diane Goode
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Family, Humor
  • Synopsis: From the moment she's born, Nina is a ninja baby, independent and skilled at escaping cribs and high chairs. Her life takes a turn when her little brother arrives, and she must learn new skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex family dynamics and the adjustment to a new sibling through the lens of humor and adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is great for helping children adjust to changes within the family while being entertained by Nina's high-energy antics.
  • Perfect for: Children who are new siblings or who enjoy lively, humorous stories about family life.

• Secrets of the Ninja by Sean Michael Wilson, illustrated by Akiko Shimojima
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel explores the historical and cultural context of ninjas through the adventures of a young ninja-in-training in feudal Japan.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a detailed look at Japanese history and the disciplined life of ninjas, presented in a graphic novel format that requires visual literacy as well as reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and engaging, offering a deep dive into a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture while telling a compelling story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, graphic novels, and those fascinated by ninjas and Japanese culture.

• The Ninja Librarians: The Accidental Keyhand by Jen Swann Downey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Dorrie and her brother Marcus stumble into a secret society of ninja librarians who protect those whose words get them into trouble. They embark on a thrilling journey through time to prove their worth.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel combines fantasy, adventure, and historical elements, requiring readers to engage with complex narrative structures and themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of action and history that promotes the power of knowledge and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love stories about time travel, secret societies, and heroic quests.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you looking for ways to make reading more engaging for your little ninja enthusiast? Incorporating simple and fun exercises can help your 7-year-old develop strong reading habits while diving into the world of ninja books. Here are some great activities to try:

• Create a Reading Lair
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an exciting and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help in decorating the space with ninja-themed items to make it feel personal and fun.

• Ninja Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set up a challenge to read a certain number of ninja books within a month.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and helps build stamina.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward like a ninja toy or an extra storytime session upon completion.

• Ninja Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Create a list of new words found in each ninja book read.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Use the new words in daily conversations or have your child write short stories using them.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the ninja books after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and remembering the story.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with family members to make the activity more rewarding.

• Book-Based Ninja Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the ninja books.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and engaging.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading, guess what might happen in the book based on the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and predictive reasoning.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions after reading to see which ones were right or wrong.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in fostering a love for reading and improving literacy skills. Give them a try and watch your young reader become a reading ninja, stealthily conquering one book at a time!