Her mother, a robotics engineer, pushes Rena to find a social outlet, eventually making a deal: Rena must join an after-school club to keep her computer privileges. Almost on a whim, Rena chooses a local . A Secret Destiny

Below is the complete narrative of that story, which explores themes of courage, identity, and overcoming social anxiety.

Adara Sanchez is the creative spark behind the heart-warming and empowering graphic novel Shy Ninja , a story she co-wrote with her father, Ricardo Sanchez .

As Rena's skills grow, so do the stakes. She is thrust into a world of corporate espionage and ancient prophecies. She must use her training to stand up to neighborhood bullies and eventually face a powerful villain who threatens the Secret Ninja Council.

The story follows , a young pre-teen girl who lives with a severe social anxiety disorder . For Rena, the simple act of being called on in class or interacting with peers feels like an insurmountable challenge. She often feels invisible, a "ghost" in her own life, hiding behind video games to avoid the pressures of the physical world.