Module 13 - Naruto Volume 1

Summary

Naruto Uzamaki is a young boy who wants desperately to be the Hokage of the Leaf Village.  In order to do this, he first has to become a ninja.  Initially, however, he is not a very talented ninja, so he fails his exam.  A traitorous sensei (teacher) at the school, Mizuki convinces Naruto to steal a secret school in order to become a ninja.  Naruto learns an advanced technique, the Shadow Clone Technique.  Eventually, his mastery of this technique takes him one step closer to his ultimate goal.  He is then placed in a squad with the girl of his dreams, Sakura, and the boy he dislikes the most, Sasuke.  His sensei is the gifted ninja Kakashi.  Naruto has the spirit of the Nine Tailed Fox within him, which causes the village to keep him at arms length, so Naruto must also learn to cope and deal with this estrangement that he suffers for reasons that are unbeknownst to him.

Bibliography

Kishimoto, M. (2003).  Naturo.  San Francisco, CA:  Viz Media.

My Impression

I really liked this manga.  Naruto is a spunky little boy with never give up attitude.  “Believe it!” He is very likable, and I felt sympathy for his plight.  I was able to empathize with Naruto and feel anger and saddness at his outcast status.  The manga drew me in and never let me go. Reading the book made me want to enter this world of ninja; it was so exciting. I liked the artwork. The pictures were crisp and detailed.  I enjoyed the first volume so much that I read more and plan to finish reading the series.  This is an exciting manga that my students and my niece love.  I am really glad that I gave it a chance.

To Read or Not to Read:  I recommend this manga, especially if you like a lot of action and ninjas.  Who doesn't like ninjas?

Professional Reviews

Amazon.com
"'With a richly detailed background, complex, sympathetic characters, superb action and a main character who somehow balances tragedy with comedy, this is a series that delivers in every way. So strap on your leaf headband and join the oddest ninja in town. You won't regret it. 4/5' NEO magazine"
[Book review of the book Naruto, by M. Kishimoto].  (2003).  Editorial Reviews.  Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com.

Library Uses

This book would be perfect for a ninja day.  Ninja are very popular right now.  Patrons could be provided with factual information and history about ninjas.  They could also make an origami shuriken.

Image retrieved from:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/naruto-volume-1-masashi-kishimoto/1100816119?ean=9781569319000