The Aftermyth

Gr 5–In Wolff’s intriguing middle grade debut, 13-year-old Penelope begins her education at Anaximander Academy, a boarding school where students learn about Greek mythology. Both Penelope and her twin brother, Paris, are expecting to be placed in Athena Hall, like their parents before them. Penelope constantly compares herself to the ideal Athena Girl, as described and demonstrated by her mother. A series of mishaps makes Penelope late to the opening ceremony and she ends up being placed in Aphrodite Hall, where outgoing Fifi and kind Arjun quickly befriend her. As classes begin, Penelope seeks to get accepted to Athena Hall while she continues to experience odd and magical happenings that only add to her feeling out of place. The school’s focus on the myth of Pandora for the year involves a scavenger hunt and leads to interesting discussions by the teens about the stories we’re told, and if Pandora really is the villain. Visions of an unknown woman add an additional layer of mystery to the happenings at the school. Though pacing drags during the initial setup and getting to the opening ceremony, and the constant string of mishaps strains credulity, the rest of the story pays off for those willing to persevere. Penelope and Paris are both described with red hair; Fifi and Arjun are described with brown hair and skin.