Ninja-rella is a graphic novel twist on the classic fairytale of Cinderella, where the princess actually becomes a ninja. I think all students in elementary would enjoy this novel. The pictures are engaging and funny. This could used in a literacy lesson about fairytales or fantasy novels. ( )

I have a feeling that I'm being a bit unfair to this book, but as I was forced to read it, I feel as though I might as well review it. My 4-year old daughter loves this book. She finds the pictures and the simple and clear dialogue fascinating. I found it just unpleasant. When I saw that the story was a revisionist version of Cinderella, I was excited to read it - we've read several of these and generally enjoy them. Unfortunately, the story (possibly due to its graphic novel format) just wasn't very good. There were no explanations for the motivations of any of the characters. The fates of the original mother and father were unclear (I had to explain that they died, and then my daughter wanted to know the whys and hows and I had to say, "because it is necessary for the plot of the story"). Then we have some nice angst from Ninjarella that I thought might lead to character development, but it doesn't really seem to go anywhere and is never brought up again. Then we have abuse from the step-mother and step-sisters but without any attempts at justification or explanations of how Ninjarella's change in circumstances came about. There isn't even a good reason why Ninjarella needs to attend this ball. And why is she so young? NOTHING MAKES ANY SENSE. There are hundreds of versions of Cinderella re-told from a feminist or more modern perspective. There are many versions that blend increased agency with quality writing (although they tend to keep the romantic plot line). If your child loves fairy tales and is looking for a story with a sword-wielding daughter, check out the collection in [b:The Serpent Slayer: and Other Stories of Strong Women|375980|The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women|Katrin Hyman Tchana|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348621579s/375980.jpg|365837]The Serpent Slayer (both my girls love these stories) or even look up [b:Ella Enchanted|24337|Ella Enchanted|Gail Carson Levine|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410727190s/24337.jpg|2485462]Ella Enchanted for an examination of the importance of agency and choice (but still including romance, unfortunately). If you want your children to develop an appreciation of quality literature and coherent storytelling, I would steer away from this version. ( )

Comeau, J. (2015). Ninja-rella. North Mankato, Minnesota: Stone Arch Books.

Ninja-rella is a very good short graphic novel spin on the classic tale of Cinderella. This Cinderella wants to be a ninja and one day become the prince's personal bodyguard.

The story is cute, simple, and colorful. The characters of Ninja-rella and the prince are the most developed, while the stepmother, stepsisters, and fairy godninja are one-dimensional stereotypes.

The plot is fast and builds to a small conflict, which has a quickly wrapped up resolution.

The artwork is gorgeous and has a very Japanese anime feel to it with the large eyes of the characters and the eastern influences of the art style and clothing.

The theme is very girl-empowering with Ninja-rella choosing to the prince's bodyguard instead of his princess.

Overall, a cute story, but not much substance. This would be good for readers moving away from picture books but not ready for heavy text stories. ( )

Unfortunate. Stone Arch should leave well enough alone. Poor story development, generic imagery, and a reader's study guide at the end. Ugh.