Terrifying monsters and fearsome beasts? Courageous and quick-witted heroes? Thrilling adventures and dangerous quests? These tales have it all, plus the unforgettable characters, timeless themes, and range of human emotion that have drawn people to Greek myths for eons. Included here is a spectacular array of offerings guaranteed to tempt myriad tastes and reading abilities. Spanning in age range from elementary level through young adult, the titles are presented in user-friendly sections: picture books, inviting collections of tales each with a unique approach and style of artwork, graphic novels, novel-length recountings or imaginative reinterpretations, and browser-tempting guidebooks. Assuming that tried-and-true titles such as D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths (Delacorte, 1992) and Rosemary Sutcliff’s works still grace your shelves, this list showcases newer books that represent a variety of formats and storytelling approaches. For the most part, the focus is on traditional stories set in ancient times (sorry, Percy Jackson) though many of the tellings have a modern-day flair, and all appeal to 21st-century sensibilities.

Educators will find much inspiration here for classroom explorations, as these books are ideal for introducing the Greek pantheon, launching discussions of literary genres, and forging links to other areas of the curriculum, including history, culture, and art. Contrast different authors’ takes on these well-known characters and tales, and talk about how a book’s format, illustrations, and narrative tone affect each interpretation. Take a pop-culture approach and make comparisons between today’s comic-book-based superheroes and their just-as-amazing ancient antecedents and help your students ascertain why hero tales remain storytelling staples.

Share these books with youngsters and tempt them into a world of wonders that will amuse, amaze, entertain, and inform.

Picture Books

BYRD, Robert. The Hero and the Minotaur: The Fantastic Adventures of Theseus. illus. by author. Dutton. 2005. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47391-6. Gr 3-6—Masterfully intertwining several myths, Byrd presents a drum-tight recounting of the quick-witted Theseus’s exploits as he journeys to meet his royal father, routs a trio of giant-size rogues, and vows to vanquish the dreaded “half-man, half-bull” monster. A tale of triumph and tragedy, splendidly illustrated with sun-drenched paintings steeped in classical motifs.

CLAYTON, Sally Pomme. Persephone. illus. by Virginia Lee. Eerdmans. 2009. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-8028-5349-3. Gr 3-6—When Persephone is “plucked” from a flower-filled field by Hades and carried off to the Underworld, a distraught Demeter mourns for her daughter, and the very Earth feels the effects. Imagery and detail in the lyrical language and terracotta-toned paintings eloquently convey this beguiling tale’s deep-felt emotion and enduring circle-of-life themes.

HARRIS, John. Strong Stuff: Herakles and His Labors. illus. by Gary Baseman. Getty. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-892-36784-9. LC 2004007904. Gr 2-6—From vanquishing the Nemean Lion to rounding up the Golden Apples, this exuberant picture book recounts Herakles’s “super-difficult jobs” with campy humor and visual élan. Depicting a brawny hero sporting a loincloth, lace-up sandals, and perpetual five-o’clock shadow, Baseman’s revved-with-colors cartoon artwork is a perfect fit for Harris’s tongue-in-cheek text.

KARAS, G. Brian. Young Zeus. illus by author. Scholastic. 2008. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-439-72806-5. LC 2009010148. Gr 2-6—In this spirited imagining of the all-powerful god’s early days, Zeus leaves behind an idyllic boyhood to defeat his fearsome father, release his swallowed-down siblings, conquer the Titans, and assume his place as “boss” of Mount Olympus. This accessible tale is illustrated with dynamic earth-toned artwork and infused with a playful childlike perspective. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

O’MALLEY, Kevin. Mount Olympus Basketball. illus. by author. Walker. 2003. RTE $16.85. ISBN 978-0-802-78845-0; pap $6.95. ISBN 978-0-802-77728-7. Gr 2-6—The Gods (including a smugly smiling Zeus and a rough-and-tumble Athena) take on the Mortals (captained by a hearty Hercules) in a “Mediterranean meltdown” on the court. Color-saturated cartoon artwork depicts the hilarious slam-dunking, elbows-flying action while two sportscasters provide the droll play-by-play—along with fun-to-follow-up-on allusions to many well-known myths.

Collected Tales

KIMMEL, Eric A. The McElderry Book of Greek Myths. illus. by Pep Montserrat. S & S/McElderry. 2008. RTE $21.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1534-8. K-Gr 5—From “Prometheus” to “Perseus and Medusa,” Kimmel presents 12 favorite legends, streamlining events into selections concise enough to share with a class and enticing enough to whet appetites for more. Blending ancient motifs and patterns with modern-looking textures and hues, the stylized paintings grandly depict characters both mortal and divine.

LUNGE-LARSEN, Lise. Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology. illus. by Gareth Hinds. Houghton Harcourt. 2011. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-15229-5. Gr 3-7—Mixing mythology and etymology, Lunge-Larsen introduces 17 “ancient words” derived from classical characters. From “Achilles’ Heel” to “Victory,” the terms and their tales are presented in vividly written, handsomely illustrated entries. Ideal for classroom sharing, this unique offering can launch discussion about the power of story and its influence on modern-day language.

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters. illus. by Christina Balit. National Geographic. 2011. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0844-4; PLB $33.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0845-1. Gr 5 Up—Wise, witty, worldly, and thoroughly entrancing, this collection presents 25 tales showcasing the Greek pantheon’s major players. At once eloquent and elemental, poetic and contemporary, these deftly written selections gloriously regale the characters’ legendary adventures while vivifying them with personality. Balit’s stunning paintings feature luminous colors, rich patterns, and star-infused motifs.

RYLANT, Cynthia. The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold. illus. by Carson Ellis. Harcourt. 2009. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-15-206184-5. Gr 6-9—Writing with an eye toward the grand spectrum of the human experience, Rylant introduces readers to Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche. Themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and courage are presented with quiet wisdom, honest emotion, and a touch of romance. Ellis’s sophisticated, soft-edged illustrations echo the text’s intimate tone. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

TOWNSEND, Michael. Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders. illus. by author. Dial. 2010. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3308-4; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-1011-9557-4. Gr 3-8—Townsend reels out comic-book-style renditions of nine legends including “Pygmalion and His Rocky Relationship,” “Arachne Gets a Big Head,” and “The Short Flight of Icarus,” eye-poppingly illustrated with neon-bright cartoons. Abounding with zany antics, clever reinterpretations of familiar tropes, and 21st-century tweaks, these riotous retellings will wow readers while conveying the essence of the originals.

TURNBULL, Ann. Greek Myths. illus. by Sarah Young. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-763-65111-4. Gr 4-8—Divided into three thematic sections, Turnbull’s articulate retellings of 16 tales flow lyrically from one to the next, helping readers to make connections (e.g., “The Minotaur” is followed by “Ariadne on Naxos”). Young’s opulent mixed-media artwork balances tantalizing textures with formal-looking figures to add detail and enhance the mood of majesty and wonder. Audio version available from Brilliance Audio.

WILLIAMS, Marcia. Greek Myths for Young Children. illus. by author. Candlewick. 1992. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-564-02115-1; pap $8.99. ISBN 978-0-763-65384-2. Gr 1-6—Eight tales featuring non-divine protagonists (Pandora, Orpheus, etc.) are retold in color-saturated kid-pleasing comic strips. Williams doesn’t shy away from the violence inherent in these stories, but her knack for interjecting bawdy visual humor or an offbeat dialogue-balloon aside maintains a buoyant tone. The intricate artwork and pithy narratives demand repeated readings and guarantee wide appeal.

Graphic Novels

FORD, Christopher. Stickman Odyssey: An Epic Doodle. Bk. 1. illus. by author. Philomel. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25426-0. Gr 5-9—Banished from Sticatha by an evil witch, “far-wandering” Zozimos embarks on a voyage home filled with heroic battles, manic monsters, and heaps of irreverent humor. Ford’s lithe-lined stick-figure characters run amok in a tale that incorporates a mishmash of myths, a delightfully meandering plot, and a tempting taste of the real McCoy.

HINDS, Gareth. The Odyssey. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4266-2; pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4268-6. Gr 7 Up—Heroism, hubris, and heady emotion boil to the surface in this masterful retelling of Homer’s epic poem. Deftly detailed and regally paced, Hinds’s lyrical language and lavish watercolor artwork present the heart-pounding high points of Odysseus’s trial-and-tribulation-filled journey while allowing readers to soak up the tale’s subtleties and universal themes. Gritty, grand, and just right for teens.

MUCCI, Tim, adapt. The Odyssey. Bk. 3. illus. by Ben Caldwell & Rick Lacy. (All-Actions Classics Series). Sterling. 2010. pap $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4027-3155-6. Gr 6 Up—Concise and briskly paced, this dynamic comic-book version streamlines Homer’s plot and zooms in on the all-out monster-trouncing, enchantress-encountering, death-defying action. The exploits of the square-jawed Odysseus are resplendent in bold lines and jewel tones while the fickle gods and goddesses shimmer in translucent hues. A reader-grabbing intro to the epic.

O’CONNOR , George . Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess. Bk. 2. 2010. ISBN 978-1-59643-649-7; ISBN 978-1-59643-432-5. — Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory. Bk. 3. 2011. ISBN 978-1-59643-724-1; ISBN 978-1-59643-433-2. — Zeus: King of the Gods. Bk. 1. 2010. ISBN 978-1-59643-625-1; ISBN 978-1-56943-431-8. ea. vol: illus. by author. (Olympians Series). First Second. Tr $16.99; pap. $9.99. Gr 5 Up—These riveting graphic novels balance carefully researched retellings with strong characterizations, satisfying humor, and superhero-style action. Stunning artwork and compelling scripts relate five thrilling stories about the headstrong Athena; provide fresh perspective on Hera and her role in the fraught-with-trials tale of Heracles; and introduce world-shaking Zeus, from sheltered boyhood to Titan-toppling mêlées to ascendance to the throne.

STORRIE, Paul D. Perseus: The Hunt for Medusa’s Head. illus. by Thomas Yeates. (Graphic Myths and Legends Series). Graphic Universe/Lerner. 2008. PLB $27.93. ISBN 978-0-822-57528-3; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-580-13888-8. Gr 4-8—Beginning with a visit from Athena, who bestows upon the troubled hero magical gifts and a sense of hope for completing his “terrible task,” this gripping graphic novel relates Perseus’s ancestry and his spine-tingling adventures via concise dialogue and packed-with-kapow artwork. Check out other entries in the series for first-rate renditions sure to captivate comics fans.

Novels

BARRETT, Tracy. King of Ithaka. Holt. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8969-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-4769-5. LC 2009050770. Gr 8 Up—Accompanied by his two best friends, a centaur and a runaway girl, 16-year-old Telemachos goes in search of his long-missing father, a dangerous quest that involves a puzzling prophecy, monsters and miscreants, and eye-opening revelations about himself and others. This coming-of-age odyssey abounds with exciting escapades, tangible details of ancient life, and hard-won insights.

COLLINS, Ross. Medusa Jones. illus. by author. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2008. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-90100-0. LC 2007017199. Gr 3-5—Snake-haired Medusa and her best buddies—a centaur and a minotaur—are constantly picked on by Acropolis Academy’s popular crowd, but when disaster strikes during a school trip, the “freaks” prove that they are truly heroes. This fast-reading romp features sprightly sketches, snicker-inducing humor, and timeless issues of self-image and bullying.

COONEY, Caroline B. Goddess of Yesterday: A Tale of Troy. Delacorte. 2002. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-385-72945-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90051-5; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73865-1; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-307-48549-6. Gr 5-8—After Siphnos is sacked by pirates, 12-year-old Anaxandra takes on the identity of Callisto, the princess for whom she had served as companion, and soon finds herself before a ruthless Helen as the tragic events of the Trojan War unfold. Cooney places a believably created fictional character in the heart of a well-known tale. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

FRIESNER, Esther. Nobody’s Princess. (Princesses of Myth Series). Random. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87528-1; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97528-8; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87529-8; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84984-8. Gr 6-9—Harking back to the girlhood of Helen of Troy, Friesner introduces a tomboyish teen more interested in warrior training than feminine pastimes. The protagonist’s adventure puts her alongside famed heroes while winning over readers with her free-spirited nature. The page-turning escapades continue in Nobody’s Prize (2008) as a disguised Helen joins the quest for the Golden Fleece.

HALAM, Ann. Snakehead. Random/Wendy Lamb. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84108-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94108-5; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84109-5; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89533-3. Gr 8 Up—Though set in ancient times, this tale has modern sensibilities, believably delineated characters, and an enchanting romance as Perseus, accompanied by his beloved Andromeda, embarks on a quest to slay Medusa. Themes of destiny, self-sacrifice, and remaining true to one’s beliefs are skillfully interwoven into this adventure.

HENNESY, Carolyn. Pandora Gets Jealous. (Mythic Misadventures Series). Bloomsbury. 2008. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-59990-196-1; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-291-3. LC 2007023975. Gr 5-8—When the box that Pandy has brought to Athena Maiden Middle School for her annual project accidently opens, releasing seven great plagues, a furious Zeus insists that she round them up. Helped by her two BFFs, she sets out to save the world and find her place in it. Hennesy reinterprets the myth with humor and present-day panache. The quest continues in Pandora Gets Vain (2008), Pandora Gets Lazy (2009), and Pandora Gets Heart (2010).

HOLUB, Joan & Suzanne Williams. Athena the Brain. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-1-4169-8271-5; ISBN 978-1-4169-9912-6. LC 2009019170. ————. Persephone the Phony. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-1-4169-8272-2; ISBN 978-1-4169-9913-3. LC 2009019176. ea. vol: (Goddess Girls Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2010. pap. $5.99; ebook $5.99. Gr 3-6—Mythology meets middle-school angst as preteen “goddess girls” navigate the ups and downs of social life at Mount Olympus Academy. New student Athena can’t wait to rise to fresh challenges but must first deal with the ultimate mean-girl, Medusa; all-too-agreeable Persephone finds herself “going along to get along” until she meets school bad boy Hades. Contemporary concerns are cleverly interwoven into the Greek pantheon in these frothy, funny fantasies.

MCCAUGHREAN, Geraldine, retel. Hercules. (Heroes Series). Cricket. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-812-62737-4. Gr 5-9—The action launches with a memorable moment—baby Hercules effortlessly dispatching two deadly snakes in his cradle—and never slows down as the ill-fated hero atones for an impetuous act by attempting 12 seemingly impossible tasks. Starring a multidimensional protagonist, this spellbinding novelization zings with vividly delineated daredevil deeds and lyrical language. Steer fans toward the author’s equally scintillating Odysseus (2004), Perseus (2005), and Theseus (2005). Audio version available from Full Cast Audio.

OSBORNE, Mary Pope. Tales from the Odyssey: Part One. ISBN 978-1-423-12864-9. ____. Tales from the Odyssey: Part Two. ISBN 978-1-423-12610-2. ea. vol: illus. by Troy Howell. Hyperion. 2010. pap. $5.99. Gr 3-6—Colorfully adorned with reader-grabbing covers, these two volumes collect all six installments of Osborne’s thrilling chapter-book series about this lauded-by-Homer hero and his far-flung adventures. Straight-arrow plotting, simply phrased yet elegantly crafted language, and supercharged suspense make for a first-rate read-aloud or read-alone introduction to the epic.

SPINNER, Stephanie. Quiver. Knopf. 2002. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-375-81489-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-91489-8; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-440-23819-5; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-0-307-43365-7. Gr 7-10—Though 16-year-old Atalanta, the fastest mortal alive, has made a vow of chastity, her father insists that she marry. She proposes a contest: she will wed the man who can outrun her in a race, with defeat meaning death to the challenger, but events—and emotions—quickly spin out of control. Recommend the author’s Quicksilver(Knopf, 2005) for an equally engrossing—and exhilarating—look through Hermes’s eyes.

WHITMAN, Emily. Radiant Darkness. Greenwillow. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-172449-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-178035-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-185831-4. LC 2008029148. Gr 9 Up—Persephone describes her confining life with her overbearing mother, her growing passion for mysterious and charismatic Hades, and a difficult choice that reverberates far beyond her own existence. A romantic, compelling, and sensual coming-of-age story.

Guidebooks

BRYANT, Megan E. Oh My Gods!: A Look-It-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology. ISBN 978-1-60631-026-7; ISBN 978-1-60631-058-8. LC 2009017169. ____. She’s All That!: A Look-It-Up Guide to the Godesses of Mythology. ISBN 978-1-60631-027-4; ISBN 978-1-60631-059-5. LC 2009017168. KELLY, Sophia. What a Beast!: A Look-It-Up Guide to the Monsters and Mutants of Mythology. ISBN 978-1-60631-028-1; ISBN 978-1-60631-028-3. OTFINOSKI, Steven. All in the Family: A Look-It-Up Guide to the In-laws, Outlaws, and Offspring of Mythology. ISBN 978-1-60631-025-0; ISBN 978-1-60631-057-1. LC 2009020999. ea. vol: (Mythlopedia Series). Watts. 2009. PLB $39.; pap. $13.95. Gr 5-9—These A-to-Z guides to the denizens of Mount Olympus deftly sum up each figure’s origins, career highlights, and associated myths. Humorous monologues, full-color reproductions of artworks (often amusingly decorated with modern-day bling), and cheeky cartoons add to the lighthearted tone.

CURLEE, Lynn. Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. 2008. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1453-2. LC 2006016980. Gr 3-8—Curlee introduces an array of strange beings and fearsome beasts, including Polyphemus, the Harpies, and the Chimera. Handsome portraits are paired with text that gracefully touches on the pertinent myths, fueling further reading.

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 Gr 5-8—Comic-book artwork and vigorous rap-style rhymes highlight each Olympian’s attributes and realm of power. The text regales aspects both heroic and terrifying as a furious Poseidon crumbles buildings and a jealous Hera proves “that the goddess supreme/can be the coldhearted/queen of mean.” Punch-packing spreads portray appropriately idealized immortals and nasty-looking creatures.

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Author Information

Joy Fleishhacker is a librarian, former SLJ staffer, and freelance editor and writer who lives in Colorado.

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On the Web

For Teachers:

Windows to the Universe: Mythology. www.windows2universe.org/mythology/mythology.html. National Earth Science Teachers Association. (Accessed 9/19/11). Emphasizing “the historical and cultural ties between science, exploration, and the human experience,” this site introduces ancient deities and myths and their association with aspects of the Earth, sky, and physical world (constellations, planets, etc.). The text is written for three reading levels (changed via tab) and packed with artworks, star charts, maps, and more.

For Students:

Encyclopedia Mythica: Greek Mythology. pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/greek. Encyclopedia Mythica. (Accessed 9/19/11). Gr 6 Up—Clearly written, signed articles introduce the gods, heroes, and monsters of Greek mythology. A page listing deities (and their Roman counterparts) makes for easy searching, and links within the essays allow readers to explore relationships and related tales. A solid resource for reports.

Hercules: Greece’s Greatest Hero. www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles. Perseus Project/Tufts University. (Accessed 9/19/11). Gr 3 Up—From his labors to his loves, this museum-exhibit-style site introduces the life and times of Hercules. Dynamic and delightfully detailed, the content is illustrated with vibrant images painted on ancient Greek vases, photos of archaeological sites, maps, and quotes from classical texts.

Winged Sandals. www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/default_lowband.htm. ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and the University of Melbourne. (Accessed 9/19/11). Gr 1-6—Lively, easy to navigate, and informative, this inviting site includes animated versions of stories, myth-themed online games, craft projects, and historical tidbits. An accessible “Who’s Who” of gods, mortals, and monsters offers quick bios, family trees, descriptions of major events, and audio pronunciations.