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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Whether or not a reader watched the Disney version of Mulan when they were little will not matter - this exciting adventure/quest/folktale/underdog/origin story will appeal to a wide readership.
The self-doubt of the main character gives her a childlike naivete which may work better for shy & humble middle-schoolers as well as much younger children if someone reads this aloud to them.
The pattern of interrupting the quest/journey to tell stories is marvelous in many ways, especially as they begin to create a web of interconnected events. Some readers will find these interruptions starting to get tedious, and some may find their interrelatedness undermines believability. Also, the timeline for the "deadline" to find a cure for the mysterious spider bite seems to stretch out in a weird way...but I think most readers will not mind these tiny distractions.
Readers will know from the first page that it is Mulan who is the warrior/hero, so the combined facts that she (a) thinks it is her sister who is the hero, and (b) continues to repeat the criticisms of her parents, actually works to uplift the *reader's* sense of self; if Mulan, world-famous for her compassion, courage, & strength, *still* gets berated by her parents or others, it justifies the young reader's confidence in recognizing their own strengths and not letting others define them.
A well-crafted story - as readers can expect from Grace Lin - and a good combination of suspense & excitement without terror. The villain gets a satisfying comeuppance - just what is needed for child reader.
The self-doubt of the main character gives her a childlike naivete which may work better for shy & humble middle-schoolers as well as much younger children if someone reads this aloud to them.
The pattern of interrupting the quest/journey to tell stories is marvelous in many ways, especially as they begin to create a web of interconnected events. Some readers will find these interruptions starting to get tedious, and some may find their interrelatedness undermines believability. Also, the timeline for the "deadline" to find a cure for the mysterious spider bite seems to stretch out in a weird way...but I think most readers will not mind these tiny distractions.
Readers will know from the first page that it is Mulan who is the warrior/hero, so the combined facts that she (a) thinks it is her sister who is the hero, and (b) continues to repeat the criticisms of her parents, actually works to uplift the *reader's* sense of self; if Mulan, world-famous for her compassion, courage, & strength, *still* gets berated by her parents or others, it justifies the young reader's confidence in recognizing their own strengths and not letting others define them.
A well-crafted story - as readers can expect from Grace Lin - and a good combination of suspense & excitement without terror. The villain gets a satisfying comeuppance - just what is needed for child reader.
As someone who watched the Disney Mulan dozens of times as a child (just to see someone like me on the tv), this book was reminiscent enough to the cartoon, leads into what we have seen from the trailers of the new movie, but in a totally unique way. Grace Lin took pieces of Chinese mythology (much like her chapter book series "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon") and manipulates them in ways to create a fantasy adventure full of suspense, curiosity, and mystery.
The simple plot (of Mulan going on a journey with the Jade Rabbit to heal her sister from the bite of a 9 legged spider) gave a canvas for the book to introduce many mythological characters with intertwined stories.
The character development of Mulan encourages young girls to see themselves in a new light and go against the grain, no matter what that might be. This theme has guided my whole life since the Disney cartoon and this prequel did not disappoint.
The simple plot (of Mulan going on a journey with the Jade Rabbit to heal her sister from the bite of a 9 legged spider) gave a canvas for the book to introduce many mythological characters with intertwined stories.
The character development of Mulan encourages young girls to see themselves in a new light and go against the grain, no matter what that might be. This theme has guided my whole life since the Disney cartoon and this prequel did not disappoint.
I'm not a big Mulan fan (although the new live action movie looks interesting); however I am a big Grace Lin fan.
This had a very Where the Mountain Meets the Moon vibe, complete with short interspersed stories that slowly tie together. I will say at times, I think you could have changed Mulan's name to any girl's name and it wouldn't have mattered...this was a decidedly Grace Lin book before a book about Mulan. And it was thoroughly enjoyable.
This had a very Where the Mountain Meets the Moon vibe, complete with short interspersed stories that slowly tie together. I will say at times, I think you could have changed Mulan's name to any girl's name and it wouldn't have mattered...this was a decidedly Grace Lin book before a book about Mulan. And it was thoroughly enjoyable.
This was so much fun! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading mythology and folklore. Through this book, I was able to meet young Mulan and her prophecy to be the might warrior we know today. Mulan is my favorite Disney princess, so I loved this even more.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was so excited to pick up this book because Mulan is one of my favorite movies, but unfortunately the book missed its mark for me.
I was expecting this book to give a bit of back story to Mulan since it takes place before the film, and/or feature beloved characters. However, Before the Sword read more like a stand alone fantasy novel.
Mulan ventures on a quest to save her sister from a poison the white fox used on her. We are introduced to a whole world of magic and new characters. The story does have a small set up/connection to the movie by the end.
Overall, this book felt like Mulan was dropped into wonderland during a fever dream. 2.5 stars
I was expecting this book to give a bit of back story to Mulan since it takes place before the film, and/or feature beloved characters. However, Before the Sword read more like a stand alone fantasy novel.
Mulan ventures on a quest to save her sister from a poison the white fox used on her. We are introduced to a whole world of magic and new characters. The story does have a small set up/connection to the movie by the end.
Overall, this book felt like Mulan was dropped into wonderland during a fever dream. 2.5 stars
A terrific adventure story that my children (ages 6 and 8) and I enjoyed together as a read aloud.
I found a few things to complain about (including *three* grammar mistakes/typos!) but overall think the story was dynamic and engaging. I particularly like that Mulan, by the end of the story, realized that “maybe she was not a girl who was too bold and stubborn or rough” but perhaps one with “great courage and determination and power.”
The author, Grace Lin, did a good job of foreshadowing and hiding clues in the story. You might guess that the story will have a happy ending because it’s Disney but you probably will not guess how Lin will accomplish this.
For parents of young kids: The vocabulary in the book is VERY advanced. I have a list of words for me to look up, not to mention how many words I explained to my children. Also, the description of the sea monster and the gruesome slaughter of the main foe are scary and descriptive.
I found a few things to complain about (including *three* grammar mistakes/typos!) but overall think the story was dynamic and engaging. I particularly like that Mulan, by the end of the story, realized that “maybe she was not a girl who was too bold and stubborn or rough” but perhaps one with “great courage and determination and power.”
The author, Grace Lin, did a good job of foreshadowing and hiding clues in the story. You might guess that the story will have a happy ending because it’s Disney but you probably will not guess how Lin will accomplish this.
For parents of young kids: The vocabulary in the book is VERY advanced. I have a list of words for me to look up, not to mention how many words I explained to my children. Also, the description of the sea monster and the gruesome slaughter of the main foe are scary and descriptive.
The boys and I loved this book so much. They are now highly disappointed with Disney’s depictions of Mulan and desperately wish for this Mulan to be represented in film.
This book fits right in with Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon trilogy, weaving folktale throughout Mulan's journey. This is a beautiful story of courage and loyalty. It is chronologically before what I remember from the Disney movie, but doesn't take away from the story those familiar with the movie know.
OK, I know I am not the intended audience but I really loved this book.
An amazing book from one of our favorite authors, Grace Lin. Written as a prequel to the live action version of Disney's Mulan, this book adds such depth to the characters and one of our favorite "princesses".