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Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls
These thirteen folktales have one thing in common: brainy, brawny, brave heroines--and not one damsel in distress! From Bradamante, the fierce female medieval knight, to Li Chi, the Chinese girl who slays a dreaded serpent and saves her town, these heroines use their cunning, wisdom, and strength to succeed.
Drawing from diverse cultures around the world, renowned author Jane Yolen celebrates the smart, strong, and sassy heroines of legend and lore in a collection that will encourage bravery in every girl.
Drawing from diverse cultures around the world, renowned author Jane Yolen celebrates the smart, strong, and sassy heroines of legend and lore in a collection that will encourage bravery in every girl.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2000
35 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
946 books3,219 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 8, 2012
This book is feminist in the way that reactionary feminism was in the 1970s. Girls are "heroes" because they act like boy heroes traditionally do. The whole message is "girls are strong when they act like boys." And what's the reward for the girl heroes in almost every story? She gets married.
This book is total nonsense. At one point, the girl heroine is cleverly defeated by a boy (whom she later marries, obviously) when he throws sparkly objects into the road and their sparkliness disctracts her. Seriously?!
This book isn't anywhere near as progressive or feminist as the readers on goodreads believe. It teaches girls to valorize the kind of strength and violence that is typically associated with male hero roles without questioning if there's something inherently wrong or undesirable about male hero narratives (regardless if a male or female fills the hero role). The women are almost all princesses. Their rewards is almost always marriage. The lack of imagination about how girls could be strong in their own way or how girls could find fulfillment outside of marriage bothered the hell out of me.
This book is total nonsense. At one point, the girl heroine is cleverly defeated by a boy (whom she later marries, obviously) when he throws sparkly objects into the road and their sparkliness disctracts her. Seriously?!
This book isn't anywhere near as progressive or feminist as the readers on goodreads believe. It teaches girls to valorize the kind of strength and violence that is typically associated with male hero roles without questioning if there's something inherently wrong or undesirable about male hero narratives (regardless if a male or female fills the hero role). The women are almost all princesses. Their rewards is almost always marriage. The lack of imagination about how girls could be strong in their own way or how girls could find fulfillment outside of marriage bothered the hell out of me.
September 30, 2024
Now truth be told, I do feel somewhat conflicted with regard to Jane Yolen's Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls form World Folklore. For indeed, while I both love and appreciate the subject matter at hand for what it is and have found the included "Frauenmärchen" (folk and fairy tales featuring strong and active heroines, and I am deliberately using the German expression here, as I for one tend to consider automatically labelling folktales with active women and girls as main protagonists as "feminist" just a bit too charged and kind of potentially negative) diverse, interesting and thankfully also not just stories of gender bias and men versus women, how Yolen has actually retold and adapted some of the presented tales (and even though I very much do appreciate her notes as to why and how), it sure makes them a wee bit lacking story and thematics wise to and for me.
For example, I personally find it rather silly and quite annoying (and yes, also catering to the demand for happily ever marriage endings for traditional folk and fairy tales) that in the first adapted heroic girls tale of Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore, how in the ancient Greek tale of Atalanta the Huntress, Jane Yolen has concluded the story of Atlanta and her husband Melanion happily, instead of them being (and like how the story actually originally had been ended) arbitrarily and terribly punished by the caprices of the Olympic gods simply because they had dared to make love in a sacred temple (as to me, part of the pathos and even the sad beauty of the Atalanta story is and has always been that come what may, mortals both male and female have their fates ruled by the Olympians and their often arbitrary whims and nastinesses). And also, and furthermore, for the Grimm's tale of Fitcher's Bird (Fitchers Vogel), sorry, but the delightful anonymity of the original tale (where basically ANY girl with prudence and cleverness can therefore outsmart a nasty and false, murderous bridegroom) is in my opinion too much diluted by situating the story in Cologne and giving the three girls the personal names of Gretchen, Gretel and Erna (not to mention that for far too many of the retold stories, I kind of have felt a bit like there is just something missing, that while they are engaging and entertaining enough, Yolen's adapted narratives also just seem rather too much on the surface and sometimes even a trifle simplistic and choppy). Still, Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore is to be recommended as a generally fun and engaging collection of global folk and fairy tales featuring strong and non passive, often actively questing heroines (with Jane Yolen's detailed notes and the included bibliography being very much personally appreciated), although for me and on a personal reading pleasure level, there really could have been and actually should have been a bit more oomph to some of the featured tales (and yes, I personally would definitely have also wanted less adaptation, less abridgement and changes in Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore, as I simply and generally to tend to find retold and reimagined folklore not nearly as evocative, and yes, not even remotely as interesting as reading the original tales and stories).
For example, I personally find it rather silly and quite annoying (and yes, also catering to the demand for happily ever marriage endings for traditional folk and fairy tales) that in the first adapted heroic girls tale of Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore, how in the ancient Greek tale of Atalanta the Huntress, Jane Yolen has concluded the story of Atlanta and her husband Melanion happily, instead of them being (and like how the story actually originally had been ended) arbitrarily and terribly punished by the caprices of the Olympic gods simply because they had dared to make love in a sacred temple (as to me, part of the pathos and even the sad beauty of the Atalanta story is and has always been that come what may, mortals both male and female have their fates ruled by the Olympians and their often arbitrary whims and nastinesses). And also, and furthermore, for the Grimm's tale of Fitcher's Bird (Fitchers Vogel), sorry, but the delightful anonymity of the original tale (where basically ANY girl with prudence and cleverness can therefore outsmart a nasty and false, murderous bridegroom) is in my opinion too much diluted by situating the story in Cologne and giving the three girls the personal names of Gretchen, Gretel and Erna (not to mention that for far too many of the retold stories, I kind of have felt a bit like there is just something missing, that while they are engaging and entertaining enough, Yolen's adapted narratives also just seem rather too much on the surface and sometimes even a trifle simplistic and choppy). Still, Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore is to be recommended as a generally fun and engaging collection of global folk and fairy tales featuring strong and non passive, often actively questing heroines (with Jane Yolen's detailed notes and the included bibliography being very much personally appreciated), although for me and on a personal reading pleasure level, there really could have been and actually should have been a bit more oomph to some of the featured tales (and yes, I personally would definitely have also wanted less adaptation, less abridgement and changes in Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore, as I simply and generally to tend to find retold and reimagined folklore not nearly as evocative, and yes, not even remotely as interesting as reading the original tales and stories).
July 15, 2013
So, I try to go easy on books like this because they're folktales - the author didn't write these herself, she collected them but there are mentions that she adapted them. Obviously, a lot of these stories are old and don't really hold up to our modern ideas of what makes a strong woman.
(I for one like to argue that the idea of a "weak woman" is bullshit because as a human beings, we're all capable of being strong in our own way and teaching there is a right way to be strong and a wrong way just causes more damage and oops, I'm wanking again.)
But I do have issues with the stories chosen for this collection. I'm going to try to be concise and short on these because I'm not sure if they're genuine complaints or if I'm being nit-picky.
Why does every single girl, especially when the Author admits she changed a few details here and there, have to be described as beautiful?
I don't understand why this was necessary. Almost every story includes a passage about how these ladies have fair skin and flowing hair and flawless faces.You know what would be great? If we started teaching girls that what you look like isn't one of the most important things about you. Maybe we should start teaching them it's okay if your skin isn't fair, it's okay to cut your hair short or have not-flawless curls and it's okay if you have freckles or bad skin or scars because you're a person, with feelings and ideas.
Why is marriage always the prize?
I knew this one might be a disappointment when the first story is about a young huntress who ends up married because a prince tossed shiny apples at her feet to distract her cause sparkles! I know, I know - folktales! But almost every single story ends with the heroine getting married, even if she wasn't all that excited about getting married. There's maybe two stories that don't feature a "marriage and happily ever after" ending.
Is fighting the only way a woman can be considered strong?"
This is kind of a double sided coin, I guess. If a woman doesn't fight, then she's a damsel. If she does, you start crossing into the "are woman only considered strong while acting like men?" debate. If a woman decides to care for her family instead of fighting, is she weak? Is taking up the sword or becoming a pirate the only way to be considered strong? I just think this idea is so flawed: become a stronger woman by only doing masculine things!
If nothing else, "The Girl and the Puma", "The Pirate Princess" and "The Samurai Maiden" are worth a read.
I truly wish I had enjoyed this book more, because it's a great idea. Young girls need strong role models to identify with, especially in a world where Twilight is considered the norm, but I worry these stories are enjoyable but teach a not-so-great lesson.
(I for one like to argue that the idea of a "weak woman" is bullshit because as a human beings, we're all capable of being strong in our own way and teaching there is a right way to be strong and a wrong way just causes more damage and oops, I'm wanking again.)
But I do have issues with the stories chosen for this collection. I'm going to try to be concise and short on these because I'm not sure if they're genuine complaints or if I'm being nit-picky.
Why does every single girl, especially when the Author admits she changed a few details here and there, have to be described as beautiful?
I don't understand why this was necessary. Almost every story includes a passage about how these ladies have fair skin and flowing hair and flawless faces.You know what would be great? If we started teaching girls that what you look like isn't one of the most important things about you. Maybe we should start teaching them it's okay if your skin isn't fair, it's okay to cut your hair short or have not-flawless curls and it's okay if you have freckles or bad skin or scars because you're a person, with feelings and ideas.
Why is marriage always the prize?
I knew this one might be a disappointment when the first story is about a young huntress who ends up married because a prince tossed shiny apples at her feet to distract her cause sparkles! I know, I know - folktales! But almost every single story ends with the heroine getting married, even if she wasn't all that excited about getting married. There's maybe two stories that don't feature a "marriage and happily ever after" ending.
Is fighting the only way a woman can be considered strong?"
This is kind of a double sided coin, I guess. If a woman doesn't fight, then she's a damsel. If she does, you start crossing into the "are woman only considered strong while acting like men?" debate. If a woman decides to care for her family instead of fighting, is she weak? Is taking up the sword or becoming a pirate the only way to be considered strong? I just think this idea is so flawed: become a stronger woman by only doing masculine things!
If nothing else, "The Girl and the Puma", "The Pirate Princess" and "The Samurai Maiden" are worth a read.
I truly wish I had enjoyed this book more, because it's a great idea. Young girls need strong role models to identify with, especially in a world where Twilight is considered the norm, but I worry these stories are enjoyable but teach a not-so-great lesson.
February 9, 2017
Generations of children have been fed a regular dose of fairy tales and folk tales in which the female is abused, helpless, self-effacing, assigned menial tasks and/or is rendered supine. She is docile, subservient, passive, and willingly accepts her exploitation while waiting patiently for a Prince Charming to come along and rescue her. While they may be entertaining, unless such stories are interrogated and their gender stereotypes challenged, they can significantly undermine a young girl’s self-esteem, convincing her she is powerless to help herself, while simultaneously placing a heavy burden on the young boy to be the knight in shining armor
Jane Yolen’s Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls tries to counteract the prevailing image of the helpless female. Unfortunately, the stories she recounts do not go far enough.
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls is a collection of folktales from around the world. Within each folktale wicked agents disrupt the life of the community: dragons, wizards, tyrannical rulers, a highway thief, and enemy tribes. And in each case, it is a brave, empowered, and confident young girl who saves herself and her community.
On the positive side, the female protagonists in these folktales exercise agency and choice. They are articulate, resourceful, and act with determination. They refuse to conform to the docile roles assigned to them by their society. Their willingness to confront danger head on is affirmed and celebrated by their respective communities. The stories in this collection validate the female voice, illustrate the resourcefulness and empowerment of young girls, and send a strong message to girls and boys that a girl doesn’t need to wait for Prince Charming to rescue her. She is perfectly capable of rescuing herself, thank you very much!
But the stories fall short because they deliver a mixed message. For example, why does almost every story end with a “happily ever after” that is preceded by a marriage? Doesn’t that suggest to young girls “happily ever after” is unattainable without marriage? Is that a positive message to send to young girls? Or to young boys?
Why do the young heroines have to behave and/or disguise themselves as young men in order to succeed? Does success come to a girl only if she dons men’s clothing, assumes a masculine disguise, and adopts a warrior ethic?
And why does success have to entail butchering and bludgeoning the enemy? Are there no other ways to deal with an adversary? Why not exercise the traits traditionally associated with the feminine—those of communication, dialogue, negotiation, and compromise? Why does winning always have to entail violence?
While I applaud Jane Yolen for compiling a collection of folk tales featuring strong girls, I wish she had tweaked some of the stories in order to deliver an even stronger feminist message to children: marriage is not an essential pre-requisite to happiness; a girl can succeed by being herself and by relying on traits associated with the feminine; and violence is not the only way to resolve conflicts.
Jane Yolen’s Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls tries to counteract the prevailing image of the helpless female. Unfortunately, the stories she recounts do not go far enough.
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls is a collection of folktales from around the world. Within each folktale wicked agents disrupt the life of the community: dragons, wizards, tyrannical rulers, a highway thief, and enemy tribes. And in each case, it is a brave, empowered, and confident young girl who saves herself and her community.
On the positive side, the female protagonists in these folktales exercise agency and choice. They are articulate, resourceful, and act with determination. They refuse to conform to the docile roles assigned to them by their society. Their willingness to confront danger head on is affirmed and celebrated by their respective communities. The stories in this collection validate the female voice, illustrate the resourcefulness and empowerment of young girls, and send a strong message to girls and boys that a girl doesn’t need to wait for Prince Charming to rescue her. She is perfectly capable of rescuing herself, thank you very much!
But the stories fall short because they deliver a mixed message. For example, why does almost every story end with a “happily ever after” that is preceded by a marriage? Doesn’t that suggest to young girls “happily ever after” is unattainable without marriage? Is that a positive message to send to young girls? Or to young boys?
Why do the young heroines have to behave and/or disguise themselves as young men in order to succeed? Does success come to a girl only if she dons men’s clothing, assumes a masculine disguise, and adopts a warrior ethic?
And why does success have to entail butchering and bludgeoning the enemy? Are there no other ways to deal with an adversary? Why not exercise the traits traditionally associated with the feminine—those of communication, dialogue, negotiation, and compromise? Why does winning always have to entail violence?
While I applaud Jane Yolen for compiling a collection of folk tales featuring strong girls, I wish she had tweaked some of the stories in order to deliver an even stronger feminist message to children: marriage is not an essential pre-requisite to happiness; a girl can succeed by being herself and by relying on traits associated with the feminine; and violence is not the only way to resolve conflicts.
August 8, 2015
First of all, I want to state for the record that out of the 13 stories in this book, only 5 end in romantic love or marriage. I'm not really sure why so many of the other reviewers seem to think they all do. And FYI, you can be a "strong girl" and a "feminist" even if marriage is part of your personal happy ending.
For the most part, I found this book to be a good, solid collection of stories about strong, brave girls from around in the world. I enjoyed most of them. My favorites would have to be "Fitcher's Bird" (very similar to Grimm's Bluebeard), The Girl and the Puma, and Burd Janet. I also enjoyed "The Pirate Princess" "Li Chi Slays the Serpent" and "The Samurai Maiden" - although they probably would have stood out more to me had I not just finished another book of folktales that happened to feature those three, as well.
Most of the stories did not have love interests, but a few did. Atalanta the Huntress, Brave Woman Counts Coup, Burd Janet, The Pirate Princess, and Bradamante all qualify as "love stories," but true to the title of this book, the girls are the ones who do the rescuing, not the boys.
My biggest qualm with this book was the way it ended: "Molly Whuppie" was easily the worst tale of the bunch. Molly, the "hero" of the story, was not so much of a hero, despite what the author will have you believe. The opening line of this particular story actually reads "Smart, forward, and brave - The very definition of a hero." - Really? Says who? May I add a synonym like "good" or "kind," please?
In this story, Molly and her sisters stumble upon a giant's house. His wife warns her that he will be back soon, and urges them all to run away so she won't get hurt. But does Molly listen? Does she care? Nah. She sits down with her sisters and eats his bread until he comes home. The giant's wife is a good, kind character so she talks her husband out of eating the girls, for the moment. The husband puts them upstairs to eat later.
Molly's a smart, forward, and brave girl, as we are reminded at the end of every paragraph, so she manages to trick the giant into attacking his own daughters instead of her and her sisters. Meanwhile, they get away. Yay! Right? The story should end right here.
But no. Molly spends the next few pages continuing to sneak back to the giant's house in order to steal his stuff. Why? Because the King tells her that if she keeps sneaking into the giant's house and bringing him his belongings, he will let her older sisters marry his eldest sons.
Eventually, the giant catches Molly again, and puts her in a sack in order to beat her up later. This time, she tricks the giant's wife to climb into the sack in her place, and this time it is the giant's wife who is beaten while Molly gets away. Now, to me, this was the worst part of the story, because in the beginning, it is implied that the giant's wife is a good, kind person. So how is tricking the giant into hurting her heroic?
At the end of the story, the King predictably gives Molly the "best reward of all" - the hand of his youngest son in marriage! (Seriously?!)
This girl is no hero, and marriage to a random, unknown prince is no happily ever after - at least from my point of view. Jane Yolen, I'm disappointed in you for this one.
If you are looking for a collection of stories about strong girls, I would recommend "The Serpent Slayer and other Stories of Strong Women " by Katrin Tchana over this one. Although it had quite a few of the same stories and a similar feel altogether, I felt that the ones in that book were told better, and I liked the illustrations more, too.
For the most part, I found this book to be a good, solid collection of stories about strong, brave girls from around in the world. I enjoyed most of them. My favorites would have to be "Fitcher's Bird" (very similar to Grimm's Bluebeard), The Girl and the Puma, and Burd Janet. I also enjoyed "The Pirate Princess" "Li Chi Slays the Serpent" and "The Samurai Maiden" - although they probably would have stood out more to me had I not just finished another book of folktales that happened to feature those three, as well.
Most of the stories did not have love interests, but a few did. Atalanta the Huntress, Brave Woman Counts Coup, Burd Janet, The Pirate Princess, and Bradamante all qualify as "love stories," but true to the title of this book, the girls are the ones who do the rescuing, not the boys.
My biggest qualm with this book was the way it ended: "Molly Whuppie" was easily the worst tale of the bunch. Molly, the "hero" of the story, was not so much of a hero, despite what the author will have you believe. The opening line of this particular story actually reads "Smart, forward, and brave - The very definition of a hero." - Really? Says who? May I add a synonym like "good" or "kind," please?
In this story, Molly and her sisters stumble upon a giant's house. His wife warns her that he will be back soon, and urges them all to run away so she won't get hurt. But does Molly listen? Does she care? Nah. She sits down with her sisters and eats his bread until he comes home. The giant's wife is a good, kind character so she talks her husband out of eating the girls, for the moment. The husband puts them upstairs to eat later.
Molly's a smart, forward, and brave girl, as we are reminded at the end of every paragraph, so she manages to trick the giant into attacking his own daughters instead of her and her sisters. Meanwhile, they get away. Yay! Right? The story should end right here.
But no. Molly spends the next few pages continuing to sneak back to the giant's house in order to steal his stuff. Why? Because the King tells her that if she keeps sneaking into the giant's house and bringing him his belongings, he will let her older sisters marry his eldest sons.
Eventually, the giant catches Molly again, and puts her in a sack in order to beat her up later. This time, she tricks the giant's wife to climb into the sack in her place, and this time it is the giant's wife who is beaten while Molly gets away. Now, to me, this was the worst part of the story, because in the beginning, it is implied that the giant's wife is a good, kind person. So how is tricking the giant into hurting her heroic?
At the end of the story, the King predictably gives Molly the "best reward of all" - the hand of his youngest son in marriage! (Seriously?!)
This girl is no hero, and marriage to a random, unknown prince is no happily ever after - at least from my point of view. Jane Yolen, I'm disappointed in you for this one.
If you are looking for a collection of stories about strong girls, I would recommend "The Serpent Slayer and other Stories of Strong Women " by Katrin Tchana over this one. Although it had quite a few of the same stories and a similar feel altogether, I felt that the ones in that book were told better, and I liked the illustrations more, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2012
Deceit. The word that came to mind the most while reading this. Good try. But boring. And the womyn most often represented themselves as men to get to the prize which was most often to marry a man. Like I said, good try.
Happily after leaves happy til later. Make your happiness and follow it. There isn't a someone to complete you. There might be someone to walk with. Walk in honesty. Those are the values I would love to see in all books not just in making the girls feel more equal books.
On Free to Be You and Me the video (remember those?) there was the story of the girl who raced, but not to marry. Those were the staples of my children's input diets. Race to feel the wind. Race to meet others who like to race. Make friends. But remain yourself and stay honest.
Happily after leaves happy til later. Make your happiness and follow it. There isn't a someone to complete you. There might be someone to walk with. Walk in honesty. Those are the values I would love to see in all books not just in making the girls feel more equal books.
On Free to Be You and Me the video (remember those?) there was the story of the girl who raced, but not to marry. Those were the staples of my children's input diets. Race to feel the wind. Race to meet others who like to race. Make friends. But remain yourself and stay honest.
February 6, 2016
This is a collection of tales from all over in which women are awesome and capable and not in need of being rescued. I didn't love all of them equally well, but I did love the variety. I like having this book on my shelf so I can be reminded of strong, brave, intelligent characters who happen to be female.
April 9, 2019
When I was in elementary school, assemblies were, naturally, one of my favorite things. I was fortunate to attend an elementary school from 2nd - 5th that had an assembly program that was steeped in folklore. Quite literally. We’d hav at least 1 (sometimes 2) assemblies per school year that was just a storyteller telling myths and legends from other cultures.
I was always enraptured.
This book is like a time machine for me - blasting me back to those simpler times and telling me all about the folk heroes of other cultures. Even better? They’re all female.
Read this for yourself, read this for the women in your life, but just be sure to read it.
I was always enraptured.
This book is like a time machine for me - blasting me back to those simpler times and telling me all about the folk heroes of other cultures. Even better? They’re all female.
Read this for yourself, read this for the women in your life, but just be sure to read it.
February 2, 2016
Jane Yolen collected and retold (with very few changes) thirteen folktales from around the world that feature girls as the heroes.
In her "Open Letter to My Daughter and Granddaughters," Yolen stated that she doesn't like the use of words heroine or sheroes because those "sound like lesser or minor heroes, just as poetess and authoress sound as if they are not as good as their male counterparts."
I found the tales okay: nothing earth-shattering or deeply moving, but fun and empowering; Susan Guevara's illustrations complemented each tale's hero yet I do so wish the illustrations had been in color. "Notes on the Stories" gave background on how Yolen first heard of a tale or how she adapted / retold a tale. The bibliography was organized by tale, which was quite handy.
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls would most resonant with young readers and listeners, ages 8-11, boys and girls alike. For a more mature, in-depth collection, see Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters by Kathleen Ragan. For a more colorful short collection, see The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women by Katrin Hyman Tchana, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman.
3.5 stars
All thirteen tales along with their brief introduction:
Atalanta the Huntress (Greece) - "Hail Artemis, goddess of the hunt, patron of young women warriors"
Nana Miriam (Niger) - In a village where only men are warriors, the greatest warrior is a young woman"
Fitcher's Bird (Germany) - "In the face of real evil, the hero must use brains as well as brawn"
The Girl and the Puma (Argentina) - "There are many ways to be a hero -- muscle and magic are not the only roads"
Li Chi Slays the Serpent (China) - "Here is a maiden who will not be sacrificed!"
Brave Woman Counts Coup (United States/White River Sioux) - "The Sioux believe this to be a true story, but it has many elements of a folktale"
Pretty Penny (United States/Ozark Mountains) - "Sometimes a quick wit is faster than a pointed gun"
Burd Janet (Scotland) - "Sometimes to be a hero means holding on; sometimes it means letting go
Mizilca (Romania) - "Young women disguising themselves as men to go off to battle are popular folk stories as well as in history"
The Pirate Princess (Poland/Jewish) - "Sometimes a young woman has to make her own fate"
The Samurai Maiden (Japan) - "Sacrifice or hero -- this maiden has a choice"
Bradamante (France) - "A great medieval knight in shining armor -- and she's a woman!"
Molly Whuppie (England) - "Smart, forward, brave -- that's the very definition of a hero"
In her "Open Letter to My Daughter and Granddaughters," Yolen stated that she doesn't like the use of words heroine or sheroes because those "sound like lesser or minor heroes, just as poetess and authoress sound as if they are not as good as their male counterparts."
I found the tales okay: nothing earth-shattering or deeply moving, but fun and empowering; Susan Guevara's illustrations complemented each tale's hero yet I do so wish the illustrations had been in color. "Notes on the Stories" gave background on how Yolen first heard of a tale or how she adapted / retold a tale. The bibliography was organized by tale, which was quite handy.
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls would most resonant with young readers and listeners, ages 8-11, boys and girls alike. For a more mature, in-depth collection, see Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters by Kathleen Ragan. For a more colorful short collection, see The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women by Katrin Hyman Tchana, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman.
3.5 stars
All thirteen tales along with their brief introduction:
Atalanta the Huntress (Greece) - "Hail Artemis, goddess of the hunt, patron of young women warriors"
Nana Miriam (Niger) - In a village where only men are warriors, the greatest warrior is a young woman"
Fitcher's Bird (Germany) - "In the face of real evil, the hero must use brains as well as brawn"
The Girl and the Puma (Argentina) - "There are many ways to be a hero -- muscle and magic are not the only roads"
Li Chi Slays the Serpent (China) - "Here is a maiden who will not be sacrificed!"
Brave Woman Counts Coup (United States/White River Sioux) - "The Sioux believe this to be a true story, but it has many elements of a folktale"
Pretty Penny (United States/Ozark Mountains) - "Sometimes a quick wit is faster than a pointed gun"
Burd Janet (Scotland) - "Sometimes to be a hero means holding on; sometimes it means letting go
Mizilca (Romania) - "Young women disguising themselves as men to go off to battle are popular folk stories as well as in history"
The Pirate Princess (Poland/Jewish) - "Sometimes a young woman has to make her own fate"
The Samurai Maiden (Japan) - "Sacrifice or hero -- this maiden has a choice"
Bradamante (France) - "A great medieval knight in shining armor -- and she's a woman!"
Molly Whuppie (England) - "Smart, forward, brave -- that's the very definition of a hero"
May 15, 2008
A thoroughly enjoyable collection of folktales from cultures all over the world, with plenty of girl-power to go around. Yolen includes both familiar and obscure folktales, each of which is short enough for one sitting. Included source notes and a bibliography reinforce the collection and provide future avenues for curious readers. Yolen also frames the collection with two open letters, one from her addressing her granddaughters and explaining the need for girls to have stories which feature women as heroes, and at the end a response from her granddaughters reaffirming the need to preserve these stories and make them accessible to both girls and boys. Indeed, many of the action-packed stories in this book are not short on adventure or violence, and will appeal to boys as well as girls (if they can get past the cover and the title). The illustrations are simple and forgettable, but the stories themselves are rich material for storytelling. With dense text, complex writing, and some scary or violent episodes, these stories are suitable for ages 9-13.
CIP: A collection of thirteen traditional tales from various parts of the world, each of whose main characters is a fearless, strong, heroic, and resourceful woman.
Positively reviewed in Hornbook and SLJ, which calls Yolen’s narrative “engaging and well written.”
CIP: A collection of thirteen traditional tales from various parts of the world, each of whose main characters is a fearless, strong, heroic, and resourceful woman.
Positively reviewed in Hornbook and SLJ, which calls Yolen’s narrative “engaging and well written.”
January 23, 2020
I really liked the stories in this slim book. True to its title, there are loads of smart, shrewd, tough and fearless girls in its pages. Most of the stories were unknown to me, which greatly increased my pleasure in reading. Some stories were silly, others moving and all had heroines who hitched up their britches and met their troubles without flinching.
The illustrations aren’t so terrific, with limbs arranged a tad clumsily as if the illustrator didn’t quite have a grasp on perspective and movement. Also, they’re all in gray when I would have preferred color. But they don’t detract greatly from the stories.
The illustrations aren’t so terrific, with limbs arranged a tad clumsily as if the illustrator didn’t quite have a grasp on perspective and movement. Also, they’re all in gray when I would have preferred color. But they don’t detract greatly from the stories.
February 12, 2021
The idea here is wonderful - gather up stories from around the world with strong women and girls, and together in one book. And some of the stories are fantastic! But why change Atalanta's ending? And why are so many of these stories still centered around the prize of marrying a man? This feel like an early 2000s attempt to try to give girls some space in a place where they have traditionally been rescued damsels in distress. But we are further than that now, and I wanted more from this 2018 edition.
October 11, 2010
This was a very good compilation of short-stories for bedtime reading to my 4 year-old. I was glad to get stories of strong girls, what I think of as Title IX girls, that aren't too lead-pipe heavy on the feminism. I'm all for feminist retellings, but these didn't really need much retelling, just telling.
My favorites have to be Nana Miraim from Niger (she chucks a hippo across the river and her father is nothing but proud of his big strong girl), and Burd Janet (aka Tam Lin).
My favorites have to be Nana Miraim from Niger (she chucks a hippo across the river and her father is nothing but proud of his big strong girl), and Burd Janet (aka Tam Lin).
November 16, 2007
After seeing my daughter prance around the house talking about marriage (she's 5!) and princes and needing to be saved...well, let's just say I think it's time to send Sleeping Beauty packing.
November 6, 2008
Overly feminist, in the sense of "men are horrible." There are many, much better collections of stories about strong women.
October 17, 2011
I wish I would've had this book on my shelf as a child. I'm running out to buy it for every little girl/future hero (not heroine) in my life.
October 18, 2015
Spectacularly written and notated by master Jane Yolen. The only thing that would make this book better would be if the excellent pictures were in color.
August 24, 2011
If I had children, regardless of gender, this would be a regular go-to for bedtime stories.
December 6, 2018
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls includes fifteen folktales from around the world that was collected and told by author Jane Yolen. Susan Guevara illustrated pictures for each tale throughout the book. A folktale is a story that is characteristically anonymous, timeless and placeless and has been told and retold through word of mouth. Many of the folktales included in this collection are stories from a very long time ago including worlds that are unrecognizable to people today.
I picked this book to read to perhaps give to my nieces for Christmas, but after reading I don't think I will give them this book. I love the idea of the book, however I had mixed feelings about the morals and themes of many of the folktales. The story of Molly Whuppie is violent, and I honestly think the heroine of the story is cruel herself! I did not understand the point of that story. Molly committed some heinous acts to earn the highest prize of having her sisters married, and finally herself married. Stories like many of the folktales in this book also talk about "love" and "falling in love" in very unrealistic environments which reminds me of the stories I grew up with that made me think that a man will just "fall in love" with you because of your beauty. Love, commitment and marriage are extremely complex, complicated and messy and I resent the stories told to young girls that do not communicate this. That is a major reason I do not want to give this book to my young nieces!
I think these stories have more to do with our history and how brutal life was for most of mankind's existence, especially with the treatment and lives of girls. Stories in this book could be used in an educational setting for opinion writing assignments in the upper grades, middle school and high school. It could also be used for social studies assignments to discuss what it meant to be a girl in different time periods and cultures.
I read some reviews of this book and some mentioned how frustrated they were that the heroes were often described as beautiful. I don't think much has changed from when these folktales were written to our current values as a society. Even Disney who has become more progressive with their stories about female heroines include beautiful characters. Jane Yolen could have changed the adjective perhaps but beautiful can be interpreted in many different ways.
I think this book can be useful for analyzing, comparing and discussing history and feminism, however I do not find this book to be empowering for girls. There were a few folktales that I preferred, but as a whole I do not recommend if the objective is to empower girls. My favorite folktales were Fitcher's Bird and Nana Miriam.
I picked this book to read to perhaps give to my nieces for Christmas, but after reading I don't think I will give them this book. I love the idea of the book, however I had mixed feelings about the morals and themes of many of the folktales. The story of Molly Whuppie is violent, and I honestly think the heroine of the story is cruel herself! I did not understand the point of that story. Molly committed some heinous acts to earn the highest prize of having her sisters married, and finally herself married. Stories like many of the folktales in this book also talk about "love" and "falling in love" in very unrealistic environments which reminds me of the stories I grew up with that made me think that a man will just "fall in love" with you because of your beauty. Love, commitment and marriage are extremely complex, complicated and messy and I resent the stories told to young girls that do not communicate this. That is a major reason I do not want to give this book to my young nieces!
I think these stories have more to do with our history and how brutal life was for most of mankind's existence, especially with the treatment and lives of girls. Stories in this book could be used in an educational setting for opinion writing assignments in the upper grades, middle school and high school. It could also be used for social studies assignments to discuss what it meant to be a girl in different time periods and cultures.
I read some reviews of this book and some mentioned how frustrated they were that the heroes were often described as beautiful. I don't think much has changed from when these folktales were written to our current values as a society. Even Disney who has become more progressive with their stories about female heroines include beautiful characters. Jane Yolen could have changed the adjective perhaps but beautiful can be interpreted in many different ways.
I think this book can be useful for analyzing, comparing and discussing history and feminism, however I do not find this book to be empowering for girls. There were a few folktales that I preferred, but as a whole I do not recommend if the objective is to empower girls. My favorite folktales were Fitcher's Bird and Nana Miriam.
Read
January 2, 2023the concept is great. a buncha fairy tales from all around the world with girls who kick butt? cool!
the execution? ....mehhhhhhh
don't really like the way she wrote. i just didn't like her writing style. idk what exactly, just.. meh.
some of the tales were repetitive. there were two from different parts of the world with nearly identical plots.
and i dunno the title is "not one damsel in distress" but uh, these ladies had some pretty significant distress...
i think my favorite was the one with the girl who just randomly was super strong and had magic powers and like beat up a monster. that was fun. no explanation for the powers, she is just tall and buff and magic.
i prefer the way overly sarcastic productions told the tale of atalanta. that's a good video.
um what else. hm i think i assumed going in it would be more of girls going on adventures, but it was usually girl in crappy situation and she figures her way out.
oh the one girl disguised herself as a dude to serve in the military, and the sultan was sus of her but couldn't prove anything. so her last day she's leaving free to go home he goes "yo, r u a girl?" she goes "hehehe i'll never tell" but then proceeds to LIFT HER SHIRT as she gallops away so he can see her boobs and know she's female. what why ?????? WHY
it bothered me a little the way
so i guess what i was thinking was like
but she often would, in the stories, bring up how like no one likes girls or how girls don't matter or how everyone underestimates girls or how girls aren't like this or how girls are like that
basically lot of sexism, and then the girl would be like ah-hah! u underestimate me! but i go kick butt now! and like
i get these are old tales and the past wasn't exactly friendly
but i guess what i was looking for in these fairy tales was, like, people in the past who didn't think girls were crap
stories about girls being cool because why not?
stories where girls are cool not DESPITE being girls but just because they are cool people
maybe that was too much to ask for but even still, it felt like a bit much
like it could've been toned down a little
like these girls were CONSTANTLY dealing w/ idiots can we please catch a break
also the one tale there was this really sweet dude and the girl liked him but then he DIED. what ! upset i am sad
i was imagining like reading this to a kid and in order to do that i was just constantly rewriting everything. the things that were said and the things that were done and the sentence structure
overall, book idea good. actual book meh, and
i kinda want to redo this book my own way. rewrite it and redo it and revamp it and gather other tales and tell them in a way that i like better. would other people also like it? who even knows but i would
the execution? ....mehhhhhhh
don't really like the way she wrote. i just didn't like her writing style. idk what exactly, just.. meh.
some of the tales were repetitive. there were two from different parts of the world with nearly identical plots.
and i dunno the title is "not one damsel in distress" but uh, these ladies had some pretty significant distress...
i think my favorite was the one with the girl who just randomly was super strong and had magic powers and like beat up a monster. that was fun. no explanation for the powers, she is just tall and buff and magic.
i prefer the way overly sarcastic productions told the tale of atalanta. that's a good video.
um what else. hm i think i assumed going in it would be more of girls going on adventures, but it was usually girl in crappy situation and she figures her way out.
oh the one girl disguised herself as a dude to serve in the military, and the sultan was sus of her but couldn't prove anything. so her last day she's leaving free to go home he goes "yo, r u a girl?" she goes "hehehe i'll never tell" but then proceeds to LIFT HER SHIRT as she gallops away so he can see her boobs and know she's female. what why ?????? WHY
it bothered me a little the way
so i guess what i was thinking was like
but she often would, in the stories, bring up how like no one likes girls or how girls don't matter or how everyone underestimates girls or how girls aren't like this or how girls are like that
basically lot of sexism, and then the girl would be like ah-hah! u underestimate me! but i go kick butt now! and like
i get these are old tales and the past wasn't exactly friendly
but i guess what i was looking for in these fairy tales was, like, people in the past who didn't think girls were crap
stories about girls being cool because why not?
stories where girls are cool not DESPITE being girls but just because they are cool people
maybe that was too much to ask for but even still, it felt like a bit much
like it could've been toned down a little
like these girls were CONSTANTLY dealing w/ idiots can we please catch a break
also the one tale there was this really sweet dude and the girl liked him but then he DIED. what ! upset i am sad
i was imagining like reading this to a kid and in order to do that i was just constantly rewriting everything. the things that were said and the things that were done and the sentence structure
overall, book idea good. actual book meh, and
i kinda want to redo this book my own way. rewrite it and redo it and revamp it and gather other tales and tell them in a way that i like better. would other people also like it? who even knows but i would
August 12, 2023
Review:
I really enjoyed the variety of stories in this folktale anthology, and the through line of female heroes leading their own stories that connected each of them. This book was originally published in 2000, although I read the updated version from 2019 that added two new stories. I can imagine how impactful this book was when it was first published, when the publishing industry was still catching up with empowered female protagonists for young readers. In particular, I feel like many traditional stories show women as the victim of suffering and villains - so it was refreshing to read a whole book of what seem to be well-researched folktales of female heroes.
Brief Summary:
This collection includes fifteen folktales from around the world about bold women leading their own stories. Stories include a Chinese Girl who saves her town from a serpent, a female warrior in a Sioux tribe, a female knight in medieval Europe from, and many other tales about strong, brave, and smart women and girls.
Categories/Genres Justification:
This is a picture book of traditional stories. The stories are all folktales passed down in oral and written histories from many different world cultures. The book features color illustrations.
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Susan Guevara
Publisher: First Second
Copyright date: March 1, 2000
Age Level: 8-12
Reading Level: 3.9
Awards: N/A
Professional Reviews (Source & Date):
- Book Links, 12/01/00
- Booklist, 03/01/00
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 04/01/00
- Kirkus Reviews, 04/15/00
- Library Talk, 11/01/00
- School Library Journal, 07/01/00
I really enjoyed the variety of stories in this folktale anthology, and the through line of female heroes leading their own stories that connected each of them. This book was originally published in 2000, although I read the updated version from 2019 that added two new stories. I can imagine how impactful this book was when it was first published, when the publishing industry was still catching up with empowered female protagonists for young readers. In particular, I feel like many traditional stories show women as the victim of suffering and villains - so it was refreshing to read a whole book of what seem to be well-researched folktales of female heroes.
Brief Summary:
This collection includes fifteen folktales from around the world about bold women leading their own stories. Stories include a Chinese Girl who saves her town from a serpent, a female warrior in a Sioux tribe, a female knight in medieval Europe from, and many other tales about strong, brave, and smart women and girls.
Categories/Genres Justification:
This is a picture book of traditional stories. The stories are all folktales passed down in oral and written histories from many different world cultures. The book features color illustrations.
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Susan Guevara
Publisher: First Second
Copyright date: March 1, 2000
Age Level: 8-12
Reading Level: 3.9
Awards: N/A
Professional Reviews (Source & Date):
- Book Links, 12/01/00
- Booklist, 03/01/00
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 04/01/00
- Kirkus Reviews, 04/15/00
- Library Talk, 11/01/00
- School Library Journal, 07/01/00
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this collection of retold folktales about girls and women. Folklore has been an interest of mine for quite a long time, and it's wonderful to have a collection of stories in one place of woman heroes instead of having to hunt around for them.
I had read some conflicting reviews and criticisms about this book because I think some believe that Yolen was the one who wrote these stories. But that is not the case; she collected and then retold. Some of the criticism mentioned that for women in these stories to show their bravery and wit, they had to "behave like men" to get what they wanted. And that for "a feminist book it was a shame that the women still had to marry, or chose to marry." These stories are OLD and reflect the culture and time period from which the come!! I was just really surprised by some of these types of comments.
The stories that come from these varying cultures show what was important during these time periods. If we study and learn from these stories we can understand current gender role beliefs, and then shape them to a collected current belief. I just found it interesting to see who picked up this book and then had major qualms about it. I enjoyed reading empowering stories of these women across cultures and how they saved themselves and/or others through their strength, wisdom, wit, talent, and beauty. By saying a strong woman had to "act like a man" is sexist. When I lift weights, for example, I lift like a woman, not a like a man. By making that comparison, one is already categorizing gender and roles.
I had read some conflicting reviews and criticisms about this book because I think some believe that Yolen was the one who wrote these stories. But that is not the case; she collected and then retold. Some of the criticism mentioned that for women in these stories to show their bravery and wit, they had to "behave like men" to get what they wanted. And that for "a feminist book it was a shame that the women still had to marry, or chose to marry." These stories are OLD and reflect the culture and time period from which the come!! I was just really surprised by some of these types of comments.
The stories that come from these varying cultures show what was important during these time periods. If we study and learn from these stories we can understand current gender role beliefs, and then shape them to a collected current belief. I just found it interesting to see who picked up this book and then had major qualms about it. I enjoyed reading empowering stories of these women across cultures and how they saved themselves and/or others through their strength, wisdom, wit, talent, and beauty. By saying a strong woman had to "act like a man" is sexist. When I lift weights, for example, I lift like a woman, not a like a man. By making that comparison, one is already categorizing gender and roles.
May 11, 2018
Illustrator: Susan Guevara
Copyright Date: 2000
Number of Pages: 128
Book Format: Hardcover
Grade or Reading Level: Grades 2 -5
Genre: Traditional Literature
Lit Requirement: Required Class Read
Topic Tags: heroine, girls, power, folktales
Summary & Review & Response:
This book is made up of several different folktales. However, they’re not your typical folktales with a male hero. All of these folktales are about girls being the heroine. They’re different stories set in different parts of the world, but they all have one thing in common. The girl in the story shows major courage/strength and saves the day.
I really enjoyed this collection of folktales. I think it was a great idea to create something like this and it is super important to expose children to these types of stories. Some of the stories had some difficult vocabulary that might be challenging for some children but overall the stories would be manageable for most readers. I definitely recommend this book for all children to read or at least be exposed to.
Copyright Date: 2000
Number of Pages: 128
Book Format: Hardcover
Grade or Reading Level: Grades 2 -5
Genre: Traditional Literature
Lit Requirement: Required Class Read
Topic Tags: heroine, girls, power, folktales
Summary & Review & Response:
This book is made up of several different folktales. However, they’re not your typical folktales with a male hero. All of these folktales are about girls being the heroine. They’re different stories set in different parts of the world, but they all have one thing in common. The girl in the story shows major courage/strength and saves the day.
I really enjoyed this collection of folktales. I think it was a great idea to create something like this and it is super important to expose children to these types of stories. Some of the stories had some difficult vocabulary that might be challenging for some children but overall the stories would be manageable for most readers. I definitely recommend this book for all children to read or at least be exposed to.
May 10, 2018
Copyright: 2000
Number of Pages: 128
Book Format: hardcover
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
Genre: folklore
Lit Requirement: required reading
Summary:
This book is a collection of folktale stories that were mildly adapted by the author. These stories are all about strong women and how they can do anything they want because they are so wise. Each story is from a different culture around the world.
Review:
I personally think this book was kind of boring. But others may think that it is empowering for young women. I do see how this makes women seem like they have to be strong in certain ways in order to be actually considered strong. But in reality there are more ways to be strong than physical strength. Overall this book was not my favorite, but may be good for a girl who needs some motivation or who may get picked on.
Number of Pages: 128
Book Format: hardcover
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
Genre: folklore
Lit Requirement: required reading
Summary:
This book is a collection of folktale stories that were mildly adapted by the author. These stories are all about strong women and how they can do anything they want because they are so wise. Each story is from a different culture around the world.
Review:
I personally think this book was kind of boring. But others may think that it is empowering for young women. I do see how this makes women seem like they have to be strong in certain ways in order to be actually considered strong. But in reality there are more ways to be strong than physical strength. Overall this book was not my favorite, but may be good for a girl who needs some motivation or who may get picked on.
October 18, 2022
The stories of the girls in this book are wonderfully told, with some rich detail that Yolen admits to fleshing out a little bit in the back. But the girls are bright, bold, brave, creative, and so fun that it's hard to put the book down. I was introduced to this book with a co-camp staff member brought it with her to overnight camp, as a book she could read stories from to our campers, and I immediately wrote down the title to pick it up. I'm just sorry it took nearly 10 years for me to finally prioritize tracking the title down! If you're looking for a story collection that's shorter than a long chapter book but longer than the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this fulfills that need nicely.
May 10, 2018
Copyright: 2000
Number of pages: 128
Book format: print
Reading level: 2-5; GR level N/A
Genre: fiction
Lit requirement: required book
Throughout these thirteen folktales from around the world, they have the same theme. They are centered around brave and smart heroines who are not in distress!
The fact that there are thirteen stories gives the opportunity for the readers to find one that they may like and will want to reread. Also, these stories are based on cultures from around the world so readers are introduced to them. Many girls may relate to these stories because they feel as if they are brave as well. Based on these reasons, I rated the book four stars.
Number of pages: 128
Book format: print
Reading level: 2-5; GR level N/A
Genre: fiction
Lit requirement: required book
Throughout these thirteen folktales from around the world, they have the same theme. They are centered around brave and smart heroines who are not in distress!
The fact that there are thirteen stories gives the opportunity for the readers to find one that they may like and will want to reread. Also, these stories are based on cultures from around the world so readers are introduced to them. Many girls may relate to these stories because they feel as if they are brave as well. Based on these reasons, I rated the book four stars.
May 10, 2018
Copyright- 2000
Number of Pages- 128
Book Format- Hardcover
Reading Level- 3rd-8th grade GR- N/A
Genre-Fiction, Folklore, Fantasy, Mythology
Lit requirement- Poetry book, Required reading
Summary- This book holds a collection of 13traditional tales from different parts of the world. Each woman's story is about how they are strong, heroic, and resourceful.
Response- I loved the idea behind this book. Most stories are told as men being the heroes. I feel like having this book in a classroom library for girls to read would be a great idea. It will empower them and make them feel more confident.
Number of Pages- 128
Book Format- Hardcover
Reading Level- 3rd-8th grade GR- N/A
Genre-Fiction, Folklore, Fantasy, Mythology
Lit requirement- Poetry book, Required reading
Summary- This book holds a collection of 13traditional tales from different parts of the world. Each woman's story is about how they are strong, heroic, and resourceful.
Response- I loved the idea behind this book. Most stories are told as men being the heroes. I feel like having this book in a classroom library for girls to read would be a great idea. It will empower them and make them feel more confident.
May 10, 2018
Copyright- 2000
Number of Pages-102
Book format-hardcover
Reading Level-3-5, 6-8 GR Level- N/A
Genre- Fiction
Lit. Requirement- Required Text
This is a book with short stories about women empowerment from different cultures. Most are about the girl being the hero or overcoming an obstacle and not needing a male figure for rescue. Many of the books have animals in them. I enjoyed reading them. They were shorter stories and folktales which for me, made it easier to read. There were no illustrations so you can picture what you think the characters look like. I think these books will be good for young girls for confidence and i would recommend it.
Number of Pages-102
Book format-hardcover
Reading Level-3-5, 6-8 GR Level- N/A
Genre- Fiction
Lit. Requirement- Required Text
This is a book with short stories about women empowerment from different cultures. Most are about the girl being the hero or overcoming an obstacle and not needing a male figure for rescue. Many of the books have animals in them. I enjoyed reading them. They were shorter stories and folktales which for me, made it easier to read. There were no illustrations so you can picture what you think the characters look like. I think these books will be good for young girls for confidence and i would recommend it.
Read
December 8, 2024Not One Damsel in Distress by Jane Yolen is a collection of short stories that flips traditional fairy tales on their head. In each story, the women are going against the fantasy status quo by being strong, capable, and in control of their own fate. Yolen’s not interested in writing the usual portrayal of women in fairy tales, she likes making them active characters instead of passive ones. The stories are not that long, and they focus on empowering women and girls alike, showing that they don’t need to be rescued, they can also be heroic. It’s a fun and fresh take on old tales.
July 26, 2018
I checked this out looking for some folktales to tell my kids at night. A few of the stories are a little much for my littles at this point (dismembered girls, maidens being sacrificed to dragons, etc.), but all great stories for a slightly older audience. I liked the variety - they come from many cultures, and the women have different ways of being heroic; some are warriors, some are clever, all make the best of what life throws at them.
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