Three Strong Women: A Tall Tale From Japan

Summary:

Forever-Mountain is a strong wrestler who is on his way to wrestle in front of the Emperor. Along his travels he meets a woman, Maru-me, who is much stronger than himself. She brings him home to meet her family, who are all much stronger than Forever-Mountain, and her mother and grandma take a liking to the wrestler.

Forever-Mountain is impressed with the families strength and they decide they will help train him to become stronger and impress the Emperor. Every day he grows stronger and stronger under the guidance of the three women, until he is finally ready to wrestle in front of the Emperor.

At the wrestling match, Forever-Mountain easily defeats all the competition to the delight of the Emperor, who orders that he receive show more all the prize money, but tells him he must not wrestle anymore because he is too powerful. Forever-Mountain agrees to give up wrestling and become a farmer, and he returns to Maru-me and her family and decides to marry her.

Personal Comments / Reflection:

As the father of a 1 year old daughter, I love stories that involve female empowerment. This is a great one, as it incorporates both humor and a sweet and loving theme with the two main characters bonding over strength training. This would be a fantastic classroom read for younger girls! show less