Women Warriors: Myths and Legends of Heroic Women [Hardcover]

Marianna Mayer (Author), Heller Julek (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

From days of old, they have intrigued people all over the world: brave, defiant warrior women who stir imaginations, rouse passions, and often inspire thousands of followers. These fierce and fearless spirits are goddesses, queens, and peasants; they are children, young women, and adults in the winter of their years. From the story of Britain's proud queen Boadicea to that of the Sioux warrior Winyan Ohitika, Marianna Mayer re-creates twelve thrilling tales of war and bravery, bitterness and triumph. Twenty-four full-color illustrations and a map, bibliography, and annotated index are included in this striking anthology for all ages.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Twelve stories of heroines are told in accessible, rhythmic prose. The myths and legends derive from a broad cultural base, representing India, Africa, Japan, North America, and the British Isles, and tell of goddesses, military leaders, queens, tribal members, and others. Each three- to six-page selection is prefaced by comments on its origin and history and accompanied by a full-page watercolor painting showing the protagonist in action. The book includes an informative introduction, a pronunciation guide, and a map locating heroic females from around the world. These stories would be great for reading aloud or to begin a discussion on motif and derivation. Teachers might also like to introduce them in a comparative literature class as some of the tales are similar to other well-known works, e.g., the story of Yakami, a young Japanese girl who kills a sea dragon, parallels the ancient Chinese legend of Li Chi, which in turn resonates through the work of Lawrence Yep. A sound addition to folklore collections.
Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This large-format book celebrates the courage demonstrated by women as warriors through stories from folklore and history. Chosen from cultures around the world, the 12 heroines whose tales are told here include Boadicea of Britain, Mella of Zimbabwe, Rangada of India, Semiramis of Assyria, Yakami of Japan, and Winyan Ohitika of North America. Mayer introduces each heroine and relates her tale dramatically in a few pages of narrative. Julek Heller has illustrated each story with a large, full-page painting and another smaller one. Colorful and well composed, the pictures provide visions of heroic women within distinct cultural traditions. Other woman warriors, whose stories could not be told in the book, are briefly identified in the index and on a handsome double-page map. Sure to please those who seek stories with strong women and a natural tie-in for fans of "Xena: the Princess Warrior." Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; annotated edition edition (September 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688155227
• ISBN-13: 978-0688155223
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,299,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars women warriors, December 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Women Warriors: Myths and Legends of Heroic Women (Hardcover)

I loved this collection of stories about brave women. What a change from the usual stuff. Well researched sellection of fascinating women throughout the centuries...some surprising entries not found elsewhere....includes a beautiful detailed map, and a splendid annoted index. Fabulous read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!, January 17, 2001

By 

Erin (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Women Warriors: Myths and Legends of Heroic Women (Hardcover)

This is a fantastically diverse collection of stories reaching from the Far East to the New World and stretching back to the most ancient of times. Mayer gives historical background where appropriate and includes a full bibliography for further study. I learned about an entirely new civilization in this book (and I was an archaeology major in college!) as well as enriched my knowledge of others more well known.

Not all of the women in this collection are known for deeds worth emulating, but good or bad, each one fights with passion for what they believe in. The fervor of their actions surrounds them with a mystical quality that allows them to accomplish what would otherwise seem impossible.

These stories inspire me to think what amazing things I could accomplish if only I fight for my beliefs with passion. I highly recommend this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Women Warriors: Myths and Legends of Heroic Women, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Women Warriors: Myths and Legends of Heroic Women (Hardcover)

Fewer myths and goddesses and more real people would have better suited the needs of this school. However, the book is wonderful. Stories are well told with brief introductions that place the story in a correct time frame. Contains excellent illustrations in this folklore book. Recommended for students from the 6th grade up, as well as the teachers and parents.