Mightier Than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Raul Colon (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. This collection of 14 folktales from around the world, retold by Jane Yolen, feature male protagonists using cleverness, imagination, and intelligence to solve problems, conveying the message that strength does not have to be synonymous with force: there is strength in compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Included in the collection are stories that will be familiar, such as "The Magic Brocade" from China, the African American tale "Knee-High Man, and the Brothers Grimm tale "Jack and His Companion." Less familiar stories are here, too: "Hired Hands" from Afghanistan; "The Young Man Protected from the River" from Angola; and "The Fisherman and the Chamberlain" from Burma. Each story is accompanied by a full-page illustration depicting a scene in the tale. Yolen explains the background of each story and how she went about adapting it for the collection. Free of didacticism, these diverse stories give readers something to think about. Sources are provided. Ed Sullivan
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Review

Gr. 4-8. This collection of 14 folktales from around the world, retold by Jane Yolen, feature male protagonists using cleverness, imagination, and intelligence to solve problems, conveying the message that strength does not have to be synonymous with force: there is strength in compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Included in the collection are stories that will be familiar, such as "The Magic Brocade" from China, the African American tale "Knee-High Man, and the Brothers Grimm tale "Jack and His Companion." Less familiar stories are here, too: "Hired Hands" from Afghanistan; "The Young Man Protected from the River" from Angola; and "The Fisherman and the Chamberlain" from Burma. Each story is accompanied by a full-page illustration depicting a scene in the tale. Yolen explains the background of each story and how she went about adapting it for the collection. Free of didacticism, these diverse stories give readers something to think about. Sources are provided. Ed Sullivan (Booklist - Ed Sullivan )

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Silver Whistle; 1 edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152163913
• ISBN-13: 978-0152163914
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #202,658 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Folktales for Boys & Others!, October 15, 2003

By A Customer

This is a great collection of folktales specifically selected for the author's sons and grandson. The stories are interesting and exciting - they'll hold the attention of the most reluctant reader. Disguised under the fun tales are great lessons of character and integrity that boys today need so desperately to hear. I highly recommend it to parents, teachers, and kids!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stories of clever boys, August 19, 2004

By	L O'connor (richmond, surrey United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent collection of folktales featuring heroes who overcome adversity using their wits rather than brute force. My six-year-old son absolutely loves this book, his favourite story is The Devil with Three Golden Hairs, but he loves them all. I enjoy reading most of the stories to him myself, though I admit I found a couple of them a little dull, but most of them are wonderful. The stories come from many different cultures, but all feature clever, likeable heroes .This book should appeal to any boy with imagination.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent selection, September 12, 2009

By	Raquel Lee "Raquel" (Humboldt County, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really enjoyed this selection of stories about smart, strong boys and give it as a gift every chance I get. I finally had to admit that it's more suitable for the 9-year-old than the 3-year-old.