by Sally Deng

This picture book biography about the story of Khutulun is amazing. I truly love the art showing Khutulun wrestling with her brothers and other warriors. The horses and riders seem to flow along the pages and I would have been thrilled to have seen this book when I was a child.

Deng writes in the “Author’s Note” that “a lot of liberty was taken in the retelling of this version.” While I am sure this is true, I also believe that the scene depicting the pivotal moment where Khutulun decides not to throw the wrestling match against the prince is authentic in feeling. As she is shown rolling down the hill with her opponent, she looks up and sees the moon. And she remembers her moon power, dignity, and pride. No woman should make herself smaller to please others.

Khutulun has defeated her opponent.

This is a wonderful story to share with both girls and boys about a former leader in Mongolia.