greek mythology – Page 2

Hades Speaks! by Vicky Alvear Schecter/illus. by J.E. Larson, (Boyds Mill Press, Sept. 2014). $16.95, ISBN: 9781620915981

Recommended for ages 10-14

Greek mythology fans, Myth-O-Mania and Percy Jackson fans, this one is for your collection. Take a walk through the Underworld, with the man himself, Hades, as your guide. Learn all about the Fields of Elysim, the Hall of Judgement, and a lot of ancient Greek history, with some very tongue-in-cheek commentary (Romans – you may be a little put out).

Hades is the rock star of the Greek myths. He’s Poseidon and Zeus’ big brother, but he’s managed to find himself the black sheep – is it because of the dead thing? The final judgment thing? Whatever it is, Zeus isn’t thrilled, and he lets readers know all about it.

The book is written in a style that tweens will appreciate – written from Hades’ point of view, the god of the Underworld is full of snark as he takes the reader on a guided tour of his realm, and loaded with information that he imparts while always making sure the reader knows that he or she isn’t safe there. Not just about the Underworld, Hades gives details about “his people” – the Ancient Greeks – including the Greeks’ funeral rites, differences between Roman and Greek myths, various curses throughout ancient Greece, and famous ancient Greeks (who dwell in various areas of the realm), including Plato, and Aristotle, the guy responsible for homework.

The art, running throughout the book, is gorgeous, rendered in stark black and white with sharp angles (lest you find yourself relaxing!). There’s a map to guide you on your journey, complete with locations of the Titan’s Pit in Tartaros, Charon’s boat on the River Styx, and Persephone’s Grove. There are chapter heads and full-page illustrations of Hades, his black cape menacing and yet, drawing your eye to him. It adds a great vibe to the book: think Edward Gorey meets Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.

The book rounds out with a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. This is a solid addition to any library – personal, school, or public – with a population that’s interested in Greek myths. And fans of Rick Riordan’s Red Pyramid series, rejoice – Anubis, Egyptian God of the Dead, is writing a book next.

Myth-O-Mania: Get Lost, Odysseus! by Kate McMullan (Capstone, August 2014). $10.95, ISBN: 9781434291943

Recommended for ages 8-13

Kate McMullan’s got a great series going with her Myth-O-Mania series. Narrated by Hades, each Myth-O-Mania book offers up the God of the Underworld’s take on a Greek myth, with his hilarious commentary and points of view. This time out, McMullan/Hades offers up the tale of Odysseus, hero of the Trojan War, who angered Poseidon and ended up taking ten years to get home.

The book is great, in that it is The Odyssey, made accessible to middle-grade readers. Just about everything we grown-ups and teens read in high school and college is in here – the Cyclops, the Scylla and Charybdis, even his stints with Circe and Calypso are here, made readable for younger eyes. Odysseus’ bravado comes right through the pages here, and we see Hades losing patience with him. What’s even better, is that we get a glimpse of Hades’ home life, especially the relationship between Hades and his beloved, 3-headed dog, Cerberus, who howls whenever his poor master has to leave and check up on Odysseus one more time.

This is an action-adventure, packed with Greek mythology and humor. Kids who like Percy Jackson should pick the Myth-O-Mania series up, for sure. You don’t even need to start at the beginning – the beauty of this series is that each is a stand-alone adventure. These books are great to enhance any unit on myths and heroes. Ms. McMullan’s webpage offers some information about her books – including the Myth-O-Mania books – and links to social media.

Tag: greek mythology

Take a tour of the Underworld with Hades in Hades Speaks

Myth-O-Mania’s newest, ‘Get Lost, Odysseus’ – The Odyssey, for Kids!