This is the dramatic, multilayered story of two legendary women warriors, Wu Mei, the "beautiful warrior", and her most famous pupil, Mingyi, set i...
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Apr 21, 2011
Chandra
rated it: 
3.5 stars. I love the idea behind this more than I can even express. This is the story of Wu Mei - a legendary female Shaolin Nun and Kung Fu master. It's an amazing story and it's a fine book really, but something about the combination of story and illustrations didn't quite meet my full expectations. Definitely still recommended for anyone interested in historical accounts of strong, unconventional women and especially those interested in martial arts.
**Update: I checked this ou More...
**Update: I checked this ou More...
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(5 people liked it)
Apr 23, 2009
In ancient China, kung fu was both a form of self-defense and a way to train the mind. Wu Mei, a Shaolin nun, was skilled in kung fu. She became famous, for at that time, Chinese women did not practice kung fu or any of the martial or meditative arts.
In a village not far from Wu Mei's Shaolin monastary, lived Mingyi Wang, the beancurd seller's daughter. When Mingyi was betrothed to a local bully (whom she was NOT going to marry), she remembered the story of Wu Mei, and went to the monastar More...
In a village not far from Wu Mei's Shaolin monastary, lived Mingyi Wang, the beancurd seller's daughter. When Mingyi was betrothed to a local bully (whom she was NOT going to marry), she remembered the story of Wu Mei, and went to the monastar More...
Jun 14, 2011
Sandy
rated it: 
First, a disclaimer. The Karate Kid is one of my favorite movies. Close friends will tell you that I try and fit 'sweep the leg' into a surprising amount of casual conversations. I had to wonder if the script writers hadn't heard this story before.
The artwork is lovely, funny, and engaging. The pictures enhance the story, which is pretty short. It does have a 'lesson', the hallmark of children's books, but, like the Karate kid, has an engaging way of getting to it. A surprising end n More...
The artwork is lovely, funny, and engaging. The pictures enhance the story, which is pretty short. It does have a 'lesson', the hallmark of children's books, but, like the Karate kid, has an engaging way of getting to it. A surprising end n More...
Jul 26, 2010
Josiah
rated it: 
This is the kind of a story that could have come from the minds of Disney's finest writers and animators during the days when Disney feature films were just about the biggest thing in show business. The quality is that high.
Beautiful Warrior is the story of two Chinese girls whose lives seem unconnected, until both of them begin to find their own way in life by means of the study of Kung Fu. Kung Fu is most definitely not shown as just a martial art in this book; it is presented wi More...
Beautiful Warrior is the story of two Chinese girls whose lives seem unconnected, until both of them begin to find their own way in life by means of the study of Kung Fu. Kung Fu is most definitely not shown as just a martial art in this book; it is presented wi More...
Mar 10, 2008
sweet pea
rated it:
this book tells one tale of the development of Wing Chun, set much earlier than most accounts - when Wing Chun (Mingyi Wang) was a girl. the book shows the breakdown of society and the prevalence of banditry, which was the impetus for the development of the system. but, it doesn't show how Wing Chun was developed for close-quarter combat (in hallways or narrow spaces). conceivably this development came later.
although the focus of the story is ostensibly Mingyi Wang and her fight More...
although the focus of the story is ostensibly Mingyi Wang and her fight More...
Jan 29, 2012
Cathy
rated it: 
I was looking forward to reading about women who defied the cultural expectations of them and who can provide role models for our young girls about following one's heart. I appreciate the role of Wu Mei's father, who gave her the support and direction to folow her own path; it is a crucial reminder that we adults play an important role in giving our children freedom to spread their wings. While I enjoyed the story, this particular telling of it and its illustrations did not particularly inspir
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Feb 27, 2010
Kathryn
rated it:
I really wanted to like this more than I did. It's such a super cool subject and inspiring woman. But, it just didn't really grip me, unfortunately. It seemed overlong without any real panache and I wasn't a fan of the illustrations. Still, I love how Jingyong's father wanted her to receive a boy's education and I think the presents some important concepts in Eastern religion and philosophy that many children in America might not otherwise be exposed to.
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Sep 30, 2011
Jaime
rated it:
Checked this out of the library as a follow-up to The Ballad of Mulan, to read with my class. They absolutely LOVED it & so did I. Enough to buy a copy for my classroom. Wonderful message and beautiful illustrations.
Jul 14, 2009
Clare
rated it:
Kung fu was always viewed by me as a man thing. In this story I was very impressed that it was about the power that two girls had to change their lives when odds were against them.
Jan 14, 2009
Amber
rated it:
Tells the story of two unlikely jung fu masters and how their skill in martial arts saves them both. Reign of the last Ming Emperor.
Mar 20, 2011
Christine
rated it:
From the Caldecott Medal-winning author/illustrator of "Mirette on the Highwire" comes this dramatic, multi-layered story of two legendary women warriors, Wu Mei, the "beautiful warrior", and her most famous pupil, Mingyi. Full color.
Jan 29, 2012
Tanya
rated it:
Very interesting story with beautiful art showing ancient Chinese culture and dress. The strong women in the story, Wu Mei and Mingyi are inspirational characters. The book is about Kung Fu.
I liked talking to my kids about the custom of foot binding and what a great thing it was that Jingyong's father chose a better path for his daughter than the culturally acceptable path. I did some reading about foot binding on wikipedia and am so glad that this is no longer practiced.
I liked talking to my kids about the custom of foot binding and what a great thing it was that Jingyong's father chose a better path for his daughter than the culturally acceptable path. I did some reading about foot binding on wikipedia and am so glad that this is no longer practiced.
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