Before the Sword

A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling with the heavy weight of 'perfection' or feels like the second-best sibling in the house. This prequel to the classic Mulan story introduces a young girl who is clumsy and unsure of herself, standing in the shadow of her refined younger sister. It is a beautiful bridge for children who feel like they do not fit the traditional mold of what their family or culture expects. Grace Lin weaves a lush, magical adventure rooted in Chinese folklore that transforms Mulan's perceived weaknesses into her greatest strengths. The story addresses jealousy, the fear of failure, and the deep love that binds sisters together. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are ready for a sophisticated quest that balances high-stakes fantasy with grounded, relatable family dynamics.