I read this short story anthology together with my 9-year-old cousin. We both chose Tamora Pierce's story as our favorite, which is "Student of Ostriches".

The other stories in the anthology were also a fun and quick read. However, their styles were not particularly similar to that of Pierce.

If you are in search of more of her wonderful works, I would highly recommend picking up her solo anthology "Tortall and Other Lands". This anthology not only contains "Student of Ostriches" but also many other captivating stories.

It's a great collection that will surely satisfy fans of Pierce's unique writing style and imaginative worlds.

Whether you're a young reader or an adult, you're bound to enjoy the stories in this anthology.

What would you be willing to fight for?

From a runner in the lush jungle of Central America, who is not yet a warrior but is on the verge of becoming one, to the enchanting world of merfolk and old magic. There is also a captivating Ukrainian Jewish dybbuk story, and an African warrior princess who bravely battles the Roman invasion with a pride of lions by her side. Then there is a young woman in India, fighting tooth and nail to save not only herself but also her beloved country. In addition, there is a warrior-storyteller in the harsh bush desert of Australia, and the mysterious and deep darkness of the mythological Amazon.

Each of these coming of age stories takes a distinct and unique path. However, they all ultimately lead to the discovery of inner strength within the characters.

Each author has their own special and unique flourish and style, which makes the reading experience even more diverse and engaging. Every reader should be able to find a character they can truly appreciate and relate to.

(My personal favorite was "Student of Ostriches" - female warriors always manage to win my heart.)

My teacher brain is simply itching to teach each and every one of these stories! They are absolutely perfect for 8th and 9th graders, as they offer valuable lessons and inspiration.

The original article seems to be quite simple. Here is an expanded version:

The thing is really good. It has many outstanding qualities that make it stand out from the rest. Its design is sleek and modern, catching the eye immediately. The functionality it offers is also top-notch. It performs its tasks with great efficiency and precision. Whether you use it for work or for personal purposes, it never disappoints. The materials used in its construction are of high quality, ensuring its durability and longevity. It is also very user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that even beginners can easily navigate. Overall, this is a truly remarkable item that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something really good.

Well, it's a bit of a pity.

Except for the last 2 stories, everything else in my book is fine.

It seems there is a printing error that has affected those two particular stories.

I was really looking forward to reading them, but now I have to deal with this inconvenience.

Hopefully, the publisher will notice this issue and take appropriate measures to correct it in future editions.

In the meantime, I'll have to make do with the rest of the book and try to enjoy the stories that are printed correctly.

Despite this setback, I still believe that the book has a lot of value and potential.

I'm sure that once the printing error is fixed, it will be an even better read.

Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Mike Resnick's "The Boy Who Cried Dragon" was an amazing discovery. He has an extremely hilarious writing style that makes the story truly entertaining.

On the other hand, Lesley Bain's "Acts of Faith" was a perfect piece of historical fiction. It incorporated a touch of Celtic magic, which added an extra layer of mystery and charm.

Together, these stories presented a really interesting range of many cultures, time periods, types of stories, and types of magic. However, some of the stories seemed a bit too simple, lacking in depth and complexity. Others, unfortunately, seemed incomplete, leaving the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Despite these flaws, I still think these stories have a lot of value. I'm planning to pass this collection on to a young girl who I believe would be inspired by it. As for me, I feel that I may be a little too old to fully appreciate the simplicity and charm of these tales.

A collection of short stories presents a rather mixed bag.

Among them, there are several truly remarkable and engaging stories that have the power to captivate the reader's attention from start to finish. These stories are well-written, with interesting plots, well-developed characters, and a unique style that keeps the reader hooked.

However, on the other hand, there are also some stories that fail to hold the reader's interest. They may be dull, predictable, or lacking in originality. As a result, I found myself skimming through these stories out of boredom.

This inconsistent quality is reflected in my rating of 3. While there are definitely some gems in this collection, the overall experience is somewhat marred by the presence of the less engaging stories.

A good collection of stories indeed. It seems that I have come across the Tamora Pierce story in some other place before. However, looking at the collection as a whole, it is truly worth reading. A warrior, in this context, can assume various forms and magnitudes. It could be a physically imposing figure with great strength and courage, or perhaps a small but determined individual who shows remarkable tenacity in the face of challenges. The stories within this collection likely explore the different aspects and manifestations of what it means to be a warrior, adding depth and variety to the overall reading experience. Whether you are a fan of adventure, fantasy, or simply enjoy well-written tales, this collection has something to offer.

In the introduction of this book, Tamora Pierce makes a bold promise to颠覆 the term "warrior" with this anthology of stories. But did she truly succeed?

Certainly, every story within this collection poses thought-provoking questions about what it means to be a warrior, the consequences that follow a warrior's actions, and the remarkable capabilities of our young people. What I adored was the incredible diversity present in these stories. They span across various genres, cultures, writing styles, plot scenarios, and casts of characters.

The stories offer a rich tapestry of experiences. For instance, in "The Gift of Rain" by Bruce Holland Rogers, a boy on the cusp of becoming a warrior, haunted by the fear of war's consequences, unknowingly alters his destiny when he encounters a trickster-fae like spirit. It's a tale that makes one ponder the role of fate and courage.

"The Magestone" by S.M. and Jan Sterling takes us on an underwater adventure as a sailor boy meets a mermaid and they embark on a quest together. The magical world beneath the waves is vividly描绘, captivating the reader's imagination.

Janis Ian's "Eli and the Dybbuk" is an Eastern European inspired story that delves into the life of a boy who helps a woman possessed by an evil spirit and grapples with the concept of what it means to be a soldier. The story is filled with mystery and moral dilemmas.

Holly Black's "Heartless" is a powerful tale of a hedge-witch who loses her heart during war but regains it when she is compelled to assist an enemy soldier. This was my first encounter with Holly Black's writing, and I can now understand why so many people rave about it. Her prose is both beautiful and engaging.

Pamela F Service's "Lioness" offers a unique twist on the classic Helen of Troy story, with Helen saving herself. However, I didn't particularly warm to the character of Helen in this version as she came across as mean and bossy.

"Devil Wind" by India Edghill, inspired by Indian folklore, tells the story of an Englishman who murders his family out of greed and a young girl who seeks vengeance for their deaths. The story is filled with suspense and cultural references.

Mike Resnick's "The Boy Who Cried 'Dragon'" is a lighthearted and humorous tale of a boy who has to slay a dragon but instead chooses to befriend it. The story's silliness and sarcasm make it a delightful read.

Tamora Pierce's own "Student of Ostriches" is set on an African plain and follows a young tribe girl who learns to fight by observing the animals. As a fan of Tamora Pierce, I may be biased, but this story was truly excellent. The vivid descriptions of the African landscape and the girl's journey of self-discovery are captivating.

Laura Anne Gilman's "Serpents Rock" tells the story of an earthquake that releases a monster into Gulpilil's lands. Concerned for his sister's safety, he sets out to find the monster with the help of a couple of guardian spirits. The story is filled with adventure and supernatural elements.

Margaret Mahy's "Hidden Warriors" pairs an arrogant, misogynistic magician with a hidden warrior to take down the baddies. While the concept was interesting, I would have preferred the story without the magician as his character detracted from the overall narrative.

Doranna Durgin's "Emerging Legacy" is an exciting tale of slavers trying to kidnap a group of young adolescents in the mountains. However, a haphazard, clumsy young leader finds her confidence and奋起反抗. The story is a celebration of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

Rosemary Edghill's "An Axe For Men" explores the fall of a matriarchal society and the rise of a patriarchal society during a natural disaster. While I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the concept, the writing and story were both excellent.

Lesley McBain's "Acts of Faith" follows three young girls in Ireland who escape from a convent during one of the world wars and make their way to NYC. I would love to read a full-length book about these three feisty girls' adventures in New York.

Finally, Brent Hartinger's "Swords That Talk" presents a dilemma for a young warrior who has to choose between slaying a troll and claiming the treasure for his poor people or keeping the treasure hidden to avoid conflict with equally poor people. The story is a moral quandary that makes the reader think about the consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, while not every story in this anthology was a home run for me, there were enough gems to make it a worthwhile read. Tamora Pierce's promise to颠覆 the term "warrior" was certainly achieved, as each story offered a unique perspective on what it means to be a warrior in different times, cultures, and situations.

These are mostly great stories.

The story of "Student of Ostriches" made me very happy, and it wasn't the only one that brought joy.

However, on the other hand, one or two of them are pretty sexist.

Take "Eli and the Dybbuk" for example. This aspect was something that I did not remember from my first read and definitely did not expect to find here.

It's quite disappointing to encounter such content in what otherwise seemed to be a collection of interesting tales.

Perhaps it reflects the social attitudes and norms of the time when these stories were written.

Nevertheless, it serves as a reminder that we should always be critical and aware of the underlying messages in the literature we consume.

Despite this flaw, the majority of the stories still have their merits and can be enjoyed for their unique plots and characters.

Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but there is still value to be found within these pages.

I have rather complex feelings towards this book, with the negative ones predominating.

To be honest, I had anticipated liking it to a much greater extent than I actually did.

Here, there was definitely some content that was highly objectionable, taking the forms of racism and sexism.

And it wasn't presented in a way that was meant to highlight the absurdity of such ideas either. Instead, it simply made me feel disgusted.

There were, admittedly, a few good moments contributed by some of the other authors.

However, when considering the book as a whole, I was extremely disappointed.

It seems that the flaws in the content overshadowed any potential positives that might have been present.

This has left me with a sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that the book failed to live up to my initial expectations.

Perhaps with some improvements and a more careful consideration of the themes and ideas presented, it could have been a more enjoyable and worthwhile read.

As it stands, though, I can't help but be left with a negative impression.

I have an intense love for Tamora Pierce's books.

Each and every one of her books features incredibly strong female heroines. This is precisely the reason why I made the decision to purchase the full set for my niece.

Thankfully, she has also fallen in love with them.

I wholeheartedly suggest not only this particular set but also all of her other books to all fantasy-loving females, regardless of their age.

Whether they are young girls just starting to explore the world of fantasy or older women who have been fans for years, Tamora Pierce's works are sure to captivate and inspire.

Her ability to create complex and powerful female characters is truly remarkable and makes her books a must-read for anyone who loves a good fantasy story.

Fantasy in moderation is a principle that many people adhere to.

However, this particular situation was beyond my moderation level. It was so captivating that I found myself completely immersed.

Still, despite the intensity, every story I read was truly worth the reading. Each one had its own unique charm and吸引力.

The problem was that I just couldn't read them one after the other. It was overwhelming and my mind needed a break to fully absorb and appreciate each tale.

Nevertheless, I continued to explore this world of fantasy, knowing that it held many more wonderful stories waiting for me to discover.