04 Mar / China’s Bravest Girl: The Legend of Hua Mu Lan told by Charlie Chin, illustrated by Tomie Arai [in What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature]
Disguised as a man, Hua Mu Lan takes her elderly father’s place in the Emperor’s army and becomes a legendary warrior. Even after years of fighting, none of her comrades realize her true identity. She returns home to her proud parents as a decorated general and resumes her life as a young woman.
This is the original tale of the ultimate woman warrior, captured in both English and Chinese. The legend of Hua Mu Lan (also Fa Mu Lan) is based on a poem called “Mu Lan Ci,” which was recorded during China’s Soong Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). An animated film version of the Legend of Fa Mu Lan is due out from Disney in late 1996.
Review: “Asian American Titles,” What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature, Gale Research, 1997
Readers: Children
Published: 1993