Oh My Gods! A Round-up of Greek Mythology Titles to Tempt Teen Movie Fans

Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 03/03/2010

This spring, the movie heroes of true mythic proportions are those that find their roots in the legends and traditions of ancient Greece. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (PG) debuted last month and Clash of the Titans (not yet rated), another live-action thriller, premieres in theaters on April 2, 2010. Loosely based on the tale of Perseus, this Warner Bros. remake of a 1981 film stars Sam Worthington as the monster-vanquishing champion along with Ralph Fiennes as Hades and Liam Neeson as Zeus. Visit the film’s official Web site for a punch-packing preview of the stunning special effects and epic-scale battle action.

Grab the eye and interest of teen moviegoers with a tantalizing selection of Greek mythology titles guaranteed to appeal to YA sensibilities. Encompassing a variety of tastes and reading levels, this round-up includes guidebook-style browsers, traditional retellings, flashy graphic novels, imaginatively fleshed-out novelizations, and more. There’s something for everyone here, whether they’re already experienced in the whys and wherefores of the Greek pantheon or newcomers to Zeus’s realm, fans of superhero tales, or romance devotees. 

Get the 911

“Mythlopedia,” a new series from Franklin Watts (2010, Gr 5-9), introduces the ins and outs of Greek mythology with a combination of solid information and packed-with-attitude presentation. Each A-to-Z volume covers a specific area: Oh My Gods! presents male deities from Apollo to Zeus; She’s All That!delves into the “divine divas on the Mount;” All in the Family! focuses on the offspring of the gods as well as mortal heroes; and What a Beast! provides the skinny on mythological “monsters and mutants.” Each profile begins with a column inventorying divine powers and attributes. Humorous lists of “Top 10 Things to Know about Me” and brief monologues allow the characters to speak (or maybe trash-talk is more accurate) for themselves. Lively chapters present each figure’s origins, career highlights, and associated myths with both clarity and comedy. Full-color reproductions of statues and paintings (often amusingly graced with modern-day clothing, funky glasses, and other bling), funny cartoon artwork, and cheeky dialogue balloons add to the appeal. These books will keep readers laughing while they are learning.

The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth (Little, Brown, 2008; Gr 5-8) spotlights all of the major players—along with Medusa and the three-headed Cerberus. Charles R. Smith, Jr.’s rap-style rhymes and P. Craig Russell’s muscle-bound comic-book artwork describe each Olympian’s attributes, realm of power, famed accomplishments, and personal foibles. Want more monsters? Lynn Curlee’s handsomely illustrated Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary (S & S, 2008; Gr 5-8) introduces the likes of Polyphemus (that man-crushing Cyclops), the Harpies (bird-bodied frights with the heads of human crones), and the Chimera (a “nightmarish” mix of lion, goat, and serpent).

Collected Tales

Taking a wacky approach, Michael Townsend’s Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders (Dial, 2010; Gr 4-8) presents comic-book-style retellings of nine well-known legends including “Pygmalion and his Rocky Relationship,” “Perseus vs. Two Nasty Kings and a Really Ugly Monster,” and “The Short Flight of Icarus!” The neon-bright Simpsons-esque cartoons abound in humorously exaggerated actions and emotions, running sight gags, silly sound effects, and snarky pun-filled commentary. The storylines have been boiled down to the basics, and though Townsend occasionally plays fast and loose with plot devices and character motivations (and slips in lots of modern-day cultural references), his retellings convey the highpoints of the originals and are pulled off with flawless comic timing.

Looking for more traditional retellings? Originally published in 1958, Roger Lancelyn Green’s timeless Tales of the Greek Heroes, illustrated by Alan Langford, has recently been reissued in a Puffin Classics edition (2009; Gr 5-9). In his introduction, Rick Riordan cites this work as an inspiration for his Percy Jackson books and invites readers to fasten on their armor, grab their shields, and sharpen their swords to face a slew of ancient monsters: “It’s time you showed them who’s boss.” Back matter includes a who’s who, glossary, and discussion starters.

Writing with quiet wisdom and eloquent simplicity, Cynthia Rylant conveys The Beautiful Stories of Life (Harcourt, 2009; Gr 6 Up), retelling six Greek myths with an eye toward the grand spectrum of human experience. Readers can explore themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and courage through the enduring stories of Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche. There’s quite a lot of genuine emotion here, as well as romance, and Carson Ellis’s black-and-white illustrations—along with the book’s cozy size—add to the intimate tone.

Older readers with a taste for the irreverent will enjoy A Gift from Zeus (HarperCollins, 2001; Gr 9 Up). Jeanne Steig recounts 16 favorite myths in all of their unexpurgated glory as lusty and lustful Olympians spend their days “intriguing and philandering” and otherwise meddling in the affairs of humans (be forewarned, these retellings, like their sources, are replete with sexual encounters as well as incest, rape, suicide, etc.). The witty retellings—with rhyming verses sprinkled throughout—are both striking and snicker-inducing, and William Steig’s carefree cartoon illustrations (beginning with the nearly naked cover-nymphs) extend the meaning and humor of the tales.

Dazzling Graphic Novels

With kinetic covers featuring gods in battle-ready postures, George O’Connor’s new “Olympians” series (First Second; Gr 6 Up) does a fantastic job of persuading readers to explore the Greek pantheon. The first volume introduces Zeus: King of the Gods (2010) from his sheltered boyhood to his Titanic-toppling mêlées to his ascendance to the throne. The second installment (April, 2010) presents five thrilling tales about Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess, beginning with her dramatic emergence—“fully clothed, fully armored, already a young woman”—from Zeus’s skull. These stylish graphic novels unfold with cinematic scope and full-scale drama, balancing carefully researched retellings with superhero kapow. The artwork is stunning, presenting fully revved-up action scenes as well as lighter moments. Back matter includes character profiles, notes from the author, discussable points, and reading lists. Kids will await the debut of the rest of the “Olympians” with baited breath.

From Hercules: The Twelve Labors (2007) to Perseus: The Hunt for Medusa’s Head (2008) to The Trojan Horse: The Fall of Troy (2007), Lerner’s Graphic Universe offers a series of graphic novel retellings of well-known adventures that will captivate comic-book fans (Gr 6-9). The tales feature clearly conveyed storylines, concise dialogue, suspense-filled action, and bright-colored visual fireworks. A glossary and further reading list end each volume, and the reinforced bindings will stand up to rigorous circulation. Check out the impressive range of available titles at the publisher’s Web site.

Riveting Novelizations

Soundly based in ancient myth, these novels present wonderfully imagined extensions and re-interpretations of classic tales, while also encompassing coming-of-age issues and experiences. Part adventure and part love story, Ann Halam’s Snakehead (Random, 2008; Gr 8 Up) introduces two vividly fleshed-out main characters. As the “god-touched” but very human-seeming Perseus sets out to slay the terrifying Medusa, he’s accompanied by his beloved Andromeda, a princess whose own destiny demands that she sacrifice herself for her people. Facing monsters as well as power-hungry mortals and insistent gods, the protagonists struggle to remain true to their own beliefs and to one another. Halam updates this tale with contemporary references and believable relationships that will speak to her audience.

Two novels written by Stephanie Spinner present strong, character-driven retellings. In Quiver (2002), 16-year-old Atalanta, the fastest mortal alive, has made a vow of chastity to her divine patron, Artemis. When her royal father insists that she marry, she objects and proposes a contest: she will only wed the man who can outrun her in a race, with a loss meaning death to the challenger—but what will happen when Atalanta falls in love? The finely honed first-person narrative reveals an entrancing range of motivations, struggles, and heartfelt emotions. In Quicksilver (2005 both Knopf; Gr 7-10), Hermes, sprightly son of Zeus and his father’s messenger, describes his role in the stories of Persephone and Demeter, Perseus, and the terrible Trojan War conflict. Sometimes witty (Hermes is a talented trickster) and at other times wise (he’s also a peacemaker and the escort of the dead), Hermes’s narration provides fresh insights into these familiar tales.

Give your readers two different perspectives of the fabled Helen of Troy, most beautiful woman in the world and the impetus for the Trojan War. Esther Friesner’s spellbinding Nobody’s Princess (2007) introduces a tomboyish teen who is more interested in training as a warrior than pursing princessly tasks. Determined to make her own choices, the likable Helen sets off on an adventure that has her meeting famed heroes and encountering new experiences and challenges. The tale continues in Nobody’s Prize (2008, both Random, Gr 6-9) as Helen, disguised as a boy, joins the quest for the Golden Fleece. This heroine’s ingenuity and free-spirited nature will appeal to readers, and her vividly described escapades will keep them turning pages. In Caroline B. Cooney’s Goddess of Yesterday (Delacorte, 2002; Gr 5-8), Anaxandra, the book’s young narrator and orphaned daughter of a minor chieftain, finds herself trembling before an intimidating and coldhearted adult Helen, as the tragic events of the Trojan War begin to unfold. This absorbing adventure places a fictional and believably created character right in the heart of the well-known tale.

 In Radiant Darkness (Greenwillow, 2009; Gr 9 Up), Persephone’s first-person narrative describes how she meets the mysterious and magnetic Hades and chooses to leave her controlling mother to become queen of the underworld. Emily Whitman’s tale is filled with flowery language, blossoming sensuality, amorous longing, and glimpses at the passage from girlish innocence to young womanhood. This novel is a good choice for readers of historical romance.

Myths Set in the Modern Day

Chick-lit fans will absolutely adore Tera Lynn Childs’s Oh. My. Gods. (2008). It’s just before senior year for track-star Phoebe Castro, and when her mother tells her that she is remarrying and moving the two of them to a remote island in the Aegean, it doesn’t seem like things can get any worse. Then Phoebe discovers that the students at the exclusive academy run by her new stepfather are actually descendants of the Olympians. Events—and romances—happen quickly in this breezy charmer, as relationships develop, jealous goddesses attempt to manipulate fate, and the truth about Phoebe’s abilities—and her parentage—finally comes to light. This teen-appealing series continues with Goddess Boot Camp (2009, both Dutton; Gr 6 Up).

Shana Norris presents a contemporary retelling of Homer’s Iliad, recast as a gridiron rivalry between two high school football teams. After school districts are rezoned, the beautiful Elena Argos transfers from Lacede High (home of the Spartans) to Troy High (Amulet, 2009; Gr 6-10). When the former cheer captain dumps Spartan athlete Lucas Mennon for Trojan Perry Prince, it’s all-out warfare, on and off the playing field. Ultimately, Cassie, the shy narrator who warns of disaster but is consistently ignored, must choose between loyalty to her family and the best friend with whom she is falling in love. Readers will get a kick out of comparing this creative re-interpretation to Homer’s classic.

Pub Info

BRYANT, Megan E. Oh My Gods! PLB ISBN 978-1-60631-026-7; pap. ISBN 978-1-60631-058-8.

_____. She’s All That! PLB ISBN 978-1-60631-027-4; pap. ISBN 978-1-60631-059-5.

OTFINOSKI, Steve. All in the Family! PLB ISBN 978-1-60631-025-0; pap. ISBN 978-1-60631-057-1.

KELLY, Sophia. What a Beast! PLB ISBN 978-1-60631-028-3; pap. ISBN 978-1-60631-060-1.

Ea vol: “Mythlopedia” series. Franklin Watts/Scholastic. 2010. PLB $39. pap. $13.95.

SMITH, Charles R.The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth. illus. by P. Craig Russell. Little, Brown. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-01043-6; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-316-07366-0.

CURLEE, Lynn. Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary. illus. by author. S & S. 2008. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1453-2.

GREEN,Roger Lancelyn. Tales of the Greek Heroes. illus. by Alan Langford. Puffin/Penguin. 2009. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-141-32528-6.

TOWNSEND, Michael. Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders. illus. by author. Dial. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3308-4.

RYLANT, Cynthia. The Beautiful Stories of Life. illus. by Carson Ellis. Harcourt. 2009. $16.00. ISBN 978-0-15-206184-5.

STEIG, Jeanne. A Gift from Zeus: Sixteen Favorite Myths.illus. by William Steig. HarperCollins. 2001. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-028405-3.

O’CONNOR, George. Zeus: King of the Gods. Tr ISBN 978-1-59643-625-1; pap. ISBN 978-1-59643-431-8. 2010.

_____. Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess. Tr ISBN 978-1-59643-649-7; pap. ISBN 978-1-59643-432-5. April 2010.

Ea vol: “Olympians” series. illus. by author. First Second. Tr $16.99; pap. $9.99.

STORRIE, Paul. Hercules: The Twelve Labors. illus. by Steve Kurth. 2007. ISBN 978-0-8225-3084-8.

_____. Perseus: The Hunt for Medusa’s Head. illus. by Thomas Yeates. 2008. ISBN 978-0-8225-7528-3.

FONTES, Justine & Ron.The Trojan Horse: The Fall of Troy illus. by Gordon Purcell.

ISBN 978-0-8225-3085-5.

Ea vol: Graphic Universe/Lerner. PLB $27.93.

HALAM, Ann. Snakehead. Random House. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84108-8; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84109-5.

SPINNER, Stephanie. Quiver. Laurel Leaf/Random. 2002. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-440-23819-5.

_____. Quicksilver. Knopf. 2005. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-92638-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-307-43364-0 (Laurel Leaf).

FRIESNER, Esther. Nobody’s Princess. Random House. 2007. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87529-8.

_____. Nobody’s Prize. Random House. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87531-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97531-8; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87532-8.

COONEY, Caroline B. Goddess of Yesterday. Delacorte. 2002. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73865-1.

WHITMAN, Emily. Radiant Darkness. Greenwillow. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-172449-7; PLB $17.89 ISBN 978-0-06-178035-6.

CHILDS, Tera Lynn. Oh. My. Gods. Dutton. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47942-0; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-142-41420-0(Puffin). 

_____. Goddess Boot Camp. Dutton. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN978-0-525-42134-4.

NORRIS, Shana. Troy High. Amulet. 2009. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-4647-7.

 

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