Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls
#1 in World folklore series
What’s inside...
These thirteen folktales feature brainy, brawny, and brave heroines from diverse cultures around the world. Each story highlights a heroine who uses her cunning, wisdom, and strength to overcome challenges and succeed. From Bradamante, the fierce medieval knight, to Li Chi, the Chinese girl who slays a serpent, these stories celebrate smart, strong, and sassy heroines. Renowned author Jane Yolen's collection encourages bravery in every girl and showcases legends and lore that honor female strength and intelligence.
Discussion points
How do the heroines in these stories show strength and resourcefulness?
Can you think of a time when you felt brave like one of the characters?
What did you learn from the challenges the characters faced?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in today's world?
Which heroine's story was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the diverse settings and cultures represented in each folktale, encouraging your child to explore the uniqueness of each story.
Discuss the moral and values each strong girl character portrays, helping your child to connect these with their own life experiences.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child what they imagine about the story and characters, enhancing their creativity and attention to detail.
After reading each tale, encourage your child to create an alternative ending, fostering their critical thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and independence
Explanation: The book features strong female protagonists from various folktales around the world who face challenges and adversities but emerge victorious through their wit, courage, and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to believe in their capabilities and understand the importance of being self-reliant and assertive in everyday situations, from standing up for themselves in school to solving problems independently.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: These tales originating from diverse cultures provide a global perspective, showcasing heroines from different backgrounds and traditions, which enriches the narrative and adds educational value.
Real-World Application: Children get exposed to cultural diversity, which can promote empathy, respect, and open-mindedness towards people from different backgrounds in their own communities and beyond.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The stories highlight female characters who think critically to navigate through their dilemmas or conflicts, demonstrating that intelligence and creativity are key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving skills in their academic and personal life, learning to assess situations and devise innovative solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Through the quests and trials faced by the heroines, the theme of resilience is prominent, teaching that perseverance is crucial in face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding the value of persisting through their own challenges, whether it be in completing a tough school project or dealing with social conflicts in friendships.
Example Lesson: Gender equality
Explanation: By focusing on strong female leads, the book defies traditional gender roles and promotes the message that girls and boys are equally capable of achieving great things.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop a sense of fairness and equality, encouraging them to treat everyone with respect regardless of gender and to challenge gender stereotypes.