China’s Bravest Girl: The Legend of Hua Mu Lan
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| Abstract |
"A simple rhyming text keeps the pace brisk in this adaptation of a fifth-century Chinese legend about a young woman who goes to war to save her family’s honor. Hua Mu Lan’s father has no eldest son, and so the faithful daughter decides "For love of her elderly father / she will dress in warrior’s clothes, / walking and talking like a man, / so no one ever knows." Hua Mu Lan’s "courage wins the day," and a "hundred battles," earning her the rank of general and the Emperor’s highest esteem. Arai’s jewel-toned paintings accurately portray the life of the period, and margins depicting a Chinese screen contain an inset of text in Chinese. But the flat, often expressionless figures move through the static compositions without making emotional contact with the reader. Children will nevertheless enjoy the heroine’s exploits and the moment of revelation when her war companion discovers her true identity. When he proposes that the "best of friends" become husband and wife, the dignified Hua Mu Lan responds: "You treat your friends with honor. Can your wife expect the same?" The young man agrees, concluding this ancient legend with modern sensibilities and read-aloud appeal. Ages 6-12." (text taken from Amazon)
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| Year of Publication |
1997
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| Number of Pages |
32
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| Publisher |
Children’s Book Press
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| ISBN Number |
0892391480
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Reviews
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Lisa Polen, George Washington Middle school self contained special ed,
The book, China's Bravest Girl, Is an elementary book for grades 3-5, or for special education classes with a lower reading level. The story is interesting because it shares the exploits of a young girl that takes the place of a male and fights in China's army. She is determined and tough and ends up becoming a General. The book uses a simple rhyming text that makes it easy to read and enjoy.
In the children's book, China's Bravest Girl, the young girl took the place of her family and became a soldier due to the fact there were not a male in the family except her elderly father. She wore her father's battle clothes and pretended that she was a man. She was a great fighter and soon moved up in ranks. She became a General. Her best friend who fought side by side her was surprised to find out that he was a she. He proposed and they got married. She kept the honor to her family and they lived happily ever after.
