Warrior Princess: The Story of Khutulun

An empowering and informative picture book biography about Khutulun, the great-great granddaughter of Genghis Khan, and how she defied the expectations of her time to become commander of the Khan's army.

Just like the fourteen brothers that came before her, Khutulun, princess of her tribe, learned from an early age how to ride horseback, shoot arrows at full gallop and, most importantly, to wrestle. But as she grew older, her people wondered why their beloved princess had not yet married. So Khutulun vowed to marry any man that could defeat her at wrestling. Though she remained undefeated, Khutulun felt duty bound to throw a match to end the rumors and restore honor to her family. But when the day arrives, Khutulun's heart is torn. In the heat of battle, would she-could she-make the decision to become a wife and not a warrior?

A story based on the life and legend of Khutulun, Warrior Princess is an inspiring tale of a princess who realizes that sometimes the best way to serve one's community is to stay true to oneself and defy their expectations, brought to life by Sally Deng's lush, sweeping paintings and additional backmatter about Khutlun's life.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 08/23/2022
Pages: 44
Weight: 1.1lbs
Size: 9.90h x 9.90w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780374388386
Age: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 10/10/2022
Booklist 09/23/2022

About the Author
Sally Deng is the author-illustrator of Skyward: Women Pilots in WWII and the illustrator of Yusra Swims. Her illustrations have appeared in various publications including the New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, Vice, The New Yorker, and Condé Nast Traveler.