What This Book Is About
Nelson is the nerdiest kid in his school. He has zero athletic ability, no cool factor whatsoever, and his grandma still picks him up every day in her ancient car. Then on his birthday, something impossible happens—he wakes up with the powers of a ninja. Super speed, wall climbing, incredible reflexes. There's just one problem: Nelson has no idea how to control any of it, and his first day as a ninja is a spectacular disaster of flying lunch trays, accidental backflips, and one very confused PE teacher.
Written by Vietnamese-Australian comedian and author Anh Do, Ninja Kid is packed with hilarious cartoon illustrations on nearly every page, making it feel more like a graphic novel than a traditional chapter book. The combination of short chapters, simple sentences, laugh-out-loud humor, and action-packed illustrations makes this book irresistible to reluctant readers. With over 10 million copies sold worldwide, the Ninja Kid series has become one of the most popular children's book series in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Ninja Kid is strategically included in UWC's Grade 3 reading list because it solves the single biggest challenge for this age group: getting kids to actually want to read. The heavy illustration, slapstick humor, and relatable underdog protagonist hook even the most reading-resistant child, and the short chapters create natural stopping points that build confidence rather than overwhelm.
Beyond engagement, the book celebrates diversity through its Vietnamese-Australian author and its message that being "different" is a superpower, not a weakness—a theme that resonates deeply in UWC's multicultural classrooms where students come from dozens of countries. For English language learners in Singapore, the illustrated context clues mean kids can follow the story even when they encounter unfamiliar words, building reading stamina without frustration.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and simple labeled stories.
The sweet spot. Accessible for A1 readers; A2 readers will read fluently.
An easy, quick read. Great for building speed and confidence.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.