These 3 novels will captivate young readers who love mythology
With rich tales of triumph and defeat as well as moral teachings and lessons, Greek mythology is a sprawling genre of literature. Not only do these stories enhance your child’s knowledge of history, they are also incredibly captivating with their enthralling plots which are usually interspersed with the modern-day narratives as well. Here are a few novels based on Greek mythology which are sure to enthral young readers.
The Percy Jackson series
Author: Rick Riordan
Arguably one of the most popular modern-day book series, not merely related to Greek mythology, but just in general, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series is a hit amongst young readers. Now made into movies as well, the plot uniquely brings the gods of Olympus to the 21st century. They intermingle with normal human beings as well, and also fall in love with them and have families. This series follows Percy Jackson, the son of the Greek God of the Seas, Poseidon who discovers his fate one day after realising that he is no ordinary human. Along with his friends, he helps his father avert a war among the gods.
Shadow of the Minotaur
Author: Alan Gibbons
The interesting plot line of this book follows a boy named Phoenix, whose father is a computer geek who loves creating virtual reality games. One of these games becomes a little too real, though and Phoenix finds himself within it. Although he was bullied in school and considered to be an outcast, he realises that he can be a hero within this virtual world. The world itself is full of characters and places prominent in Greek mythology. One day, he could be fighting a tarrying Minotaur as Theseus, the popular Greek hero or Medusa, the snake-haired woman as Perseus. The game transports him into a world much more fascinating than the one back home.
Iris, messenger
Author: Sarah Deming
This exciting story stars Iris Greenwold, an ordinary girl going about with her mundane life. Her parents are divorced, she does not have many friends and attending her middle school is a chore. But, things drastically change for her on her 12th birthday when she mysteriously receives a copy of a book named ‘Bulfinch’s Mythology.’ It does not take long for her to discover that the entire community of Greek gods are actually residing in Philadelphia, the United States, very close to where she lives. Interestingly, these gods have ordinary jobs, but which are related to their powers. For example, Poseidon, the God of Seas is running a clam shack while Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty is giving people makeovers. Pretty soon, Iris’ world completely changes from what it was- dull and boring to thrilling and exciting when she interacts with them.