Hit and Myth: 5 Books for Kids Hooked on Mythology

Mini Myths: Brush Your Hair, Medusa!, by Joan Holub and Leslie Patricelli
This adorable series of board books covers the pantheon from Midas to Icarus. But as someone with out of control curly (err frizzy) hair myself, this Medusa book is definitely after my heart. The cover illustration speaks a thousand frizzies: it features a girl, arms defiantly crossed, with blonde curls sticking out in every direction. In this story Medusa does not want to brush her hair, no matter how many times her father asks her. Grandma does some reconnaissance and takes Medusa to a hair salon for a cute cropped cut, and all’s well that ends well. The last page summarizes the original myth of Medusa, snakes and all.

Olympians Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory, by George O’Connor
Much like superhero stories, myths seem to lend themselves particularly well to a comic format. And this action packed comic series by George O’Connor is as page turning as any Superman story I’ve ever read. I picked up the third in the series, which tells the story of Hera, mainly to dust off my knowledge of this goddess, which I had forgotten by now. It’s told in an engagingly cheeky modern style (sample dialogue: “Sigh…The things I put up with…Honestly, I almost broke a nail.”). I think I’ll stick with the ladies and move on to Athena next, but basically, the moral of this myth is, I’m hooked. Come for the awesome graphics, stay for the fascinating storytelling, as this author clearly did his research.

Loki’s Wolves (Blackwell Series #1), by K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr
Try to imagine that you live in a small town in South Dakota…and that you happen to be a modern-day descendent of Thor. Just a day in the life of 13-year old Matt Thorsen (get it?). Although perhaps the most surprising part of this set-up is that up until now, life for Matt has been pretty ordinary. But things are about to change, and life in Blackwell, South Dakota is about to get a lot more epic. In fact, the fate of the world may just rest in Matt’s capable hands. If you’ve got the Greek and Roman myths covered, this modern take on Norse mythology is the perfect next step for your eager reader (parent tip: get book 2 ready in the wings!).

Book of the Dead (TombQuest Book 1), by Michael Northrop
As Alex Sennefer languishes on life-support in the New York Times bestselling opener to the TombQuest Series, his Egyptologist mom uses the Lost Spells of the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead to pull him back from the brink. But in saving her son, she accidentally opens a gateway to the afterlife (although I’m sure she would say it was worth it). Five powerful evil beings known as the Death Walkers escape, and then she vanishes. Now Alex and his best friend Ren must embark on a magic—and mummy-filled—quest to find his mom, recover the Spells, and put the dead in their place.

The Demigod Diaries, by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan seems to have cornered the middle-grade market on myths. If you’ve already taken a deep dive into his oeuvre, then this is the book for you (and if you haven’t, start with The Lightning Thief and you won’t be disappointed). Divided up into three short stories that will give you a little background info on some of the characters from the other books, this book also features fun word games, character illustrations, and even an interview with Hermes’s snakes (two “VIS’s—Very Important Snakes”). In an extra special touch, Rick’s 16-year-old son Haley even contributed a story as well, aptly titled: “Son of Magic.”

Oh My Gods!: A Look-It-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology, by Megan Bryant
Once you’ve read through several modern interpretations of ancient myths, it’s fun to check in and get your facts straight with the original tales and history. This easy to read “mythlopedia” by Megan Bryant is the perfect way to do just that, and makes for an educational and fun addendum to any of these other novels. Illustrated, modern, and thoroughly addictive, open to any page of this book and learn something fascinating about ancient Greece. For instance, did you know that “In addition to being the first god of the sky and heavens, Uranus was also a personification of the sky. He wore a cloak that was covered with stars; at night he would come down to cover the earth…” Stylish!
What are your favorite books about ancient mythology?