Book Review: Greek Mythology

WEIRD BUT TRUE: GREEK MYTHOLOGY by Sarah Wassner Flynn is a rich resource for mythology fans.

This colorfully illustrated reference book features information about each Greek god along with connections to classic stories from Greek mythology. Fascinating trivia is woven throughout each entry. Of particular note are the pages on topics such as nymphs, muses, and unsung heroes. The book concludes with activities, lists, and a glossary.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with young fans of mythology. The table of contents and index provide easy access to information about each god. The short chunks of information and connections with topics such as movies, constellations, artwork, animals, and global locations will appeal to young researchers. Pair this book with novels featuring Greek mythology. Use this title to introduce readers to the popular WEIRD BY TRUE series.

Published on September 1, 2019 by National Geographic Kids. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Mark of the Thief

MARK OF THE THIEF by Jennifer A. Nielsen is the first book is an exciting new middle-grades fantasy series.

Set near the end of the Roman Empire, a young slave named Nic becomes involved in a dangerous conflict that reaches the highest levels of Roman government. Along the way, Nic acquires a griffin’s powerful mark, Caesar’s bulla, and the ability to perform magic. His journey leads to the heart of Rome where he discovers friends, enemies and family secrets.

This well-written, fast-paced story weaves together a fascinating array of characters that will engage readers from beginning to end.

Youth who enjoy Greek mythology and the Percy Jackson books are sure to enjoy this work of historical fiction fantasy. Librarians and teachers will find this book a great jumping off spot for a discussion of the fact and fiction of the Roman Empire. Both girls and boys are likely to enjoy the characters and plot.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.jennielsen.com/.

Published by Scholastic.

Book Review: Ares: Bringer of War

ARES: BRINGER OF WAR by George O’Connor is the latest addition to the popular OLYMPIANS graphic novel series designed for middle grades and young adults.

Although each of the graphic novels in the OLYMPIANS series stand alone, those new to Greek mythology may want to read them in order because ARES assumes that readers are familiar with the backstory of the gods. Each volume focuses on one of the gods in the Olympic pantheon including Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite. In addition to the story, each book contains an afterward, family tree, discussion questions, and source notes.

The fast-paced, action-packed stories are drawn from primary documents. The seventh book in the series, Ares: Bringer of War, focuses on the gods’ interference in the Trojan War. This book is a great way to jumpstart an exploration of classics like the Iliad. Although the classic story is filled with violence, O’Connor keeps the gore to a minimum so it’s unlikely to bother readers.

George O’Connor is known for his beautifully illustrated graphic novels with historical themes. In Ares, he does an excellent job helping readers visualize the relationship between the gods and humans through the use of shape and color.

For those students who enjoy the historical aspects of the graphic works, suggest O’Connor’s first graphic novel titled Journey Into Mohawk Country based on to a seventeenth-century historical journal.

Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series will be attracted to this graphic novel series. Use Riordan’s website to explore the Greek Gods and explore mythology. Go tohttp://goo.gl/Gfj82N.

To learn more about the OLYMPIANS series and background information about the Greek Gods, go to http://www.olympiansrule.com/. To extend the Ares reading experience, explore the online activities at http://www.olympiansrule.com/the-books/ares/.

NetGalley ARC used for review