Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun

Khutulun, Princess of Mongolia and great-great-granddaughter to Genghis Khan, trains every day with her 14 older brothers, who all seek to become warriors. She finds horseback riding “as natural as breathing,” becomes an excellent archer even though hunting “was usually a boy’s responsibility,” and exhibits great prowess in wrestling, defeating opponents twice her size. She also excels at her studies, “learning multiple languages and military strategies” that her mother says would make her a savvy leader, but dreams of being a warrior. At 16, Khutulun accompanies her father to the battlefield, emerging victorious, only to face the specter of expected marriage. Khutulun vows to marry the prospect who defeats her in a wrestling match, taking 10 horses from whomever she beats until she amasses an enormous herd. When rumors nevertheless swirl, Khutulun must find a way to honor her family and be true to herself. Lush acrylic and colored pencil art by Deng (Yusra Swims) expertly carries the legend of Khutulun across the page—one can feel the rush as she charges to drag a man off his horse in battle. An informative and inspiring picture book biography about an empowered—and empowering—princess. Back matter includes an author’s note and glossary. Ages 5–7. Agent: Tracy Marchini, BookEnds. (Aug.)