In his dreams, Cody LeBeau is a ninja who stops terrorist attacks on his school. In real life, he says, "There's nothing different or special about me at all." Then one day Cody's mysterious uncle John arrives. Uncle John is a martial-arts fighter, and when he says he will train Cody in "The Way," Cody expects to learn martial arts. Instead Cody discovers that "The Way" is a different set of skills-skills that might just help him stop an attack after all.
Summary Cody is angry and lonely. He dreams of being a martial arts hero who can impress the girls and punish the boys who pick on him. He also wishes his father would come home so that everything could be like it used to. Instead, Louise’s brother John comes to stay for a while. John is an ex-marine and recovering alcoholic trying to clean up his act by following The Way, a life philosophy involving self-discipline and the martial arts. John’s teaching gives Cody confidence, allowing him to understand and accept some of the hard truths about life and growing up. Cody must draw on all these lessons when he accidentally learns how Stump and Grey plan to avenge themselves for their abuse at home and in school.
Topics Ninjas. Girls. Dreams. Abuse. Broken homes. Education. Being Indian. Avoiding attention. Bullies. Fighting back. The library. Martial arts. Hate. Families. Secrets. Poor self-image. Training. Breathing. Awareness of others. Marines. War. Martial arts styles. Time. Anger. The war in Afghanistan. The Iraq war. Courts martial. Alcoholism. Vandalism. Acceptance. Ultimate fighting. Misfits. Odd happenings. Making choices. Guns. Alerting the authorities. Lockdowns. War paint. Lists. Shootings. Tournaments. The media. Victory.
SRC Level 5.500000
SRC Points 10.000000
Lexile 850L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
Language English
JLG Release Date Feb 2008
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Young Adult (Grades 9 & Up)
Young Adult
Young Adult (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
Your older teen readers will appreciate the 12 selections in this category, a diverse mix of fiction and nonfiction covering complex issues and more mature content, from crushes and body changes to friendships and sibling rivalry.