Athena the Brain

Athena the Brain
(Goddess Girls #1)
Written by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1416982715
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of publication: April 6, 2010
Age: Grades 3 - 6
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: Greek mythology, intelligence, friendship, enemies

Athena has just learned that Zeus is her dad. Zeus! And not only that, be he's the principle of Mount Olympus Academy—and wants Athena to start attending immediately. Athena knows she's pretty smart, but will she have what it takes to succeed as a goddessgirl? Some quick new friends and her quick intelligence certainly helps. But how is she supposed to handle Medusa?

After reading and enjoying the first in Heroes in Training from these authors, it only makes sense to try out Goddess Girls. And it did not disappoint! It's a bit thicker, with no illustrations, and a more substantial in story. Which is a good one: who knew Athena's story could work out so well in a middle school? I love the details these authors include that keep it true to the mythology, but also the writing and style that keeps it modern and fun for young readers. It's a high recommendation for sure.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
(Heroes in Training #1)
Written by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Illustrations by Craig Phillips

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1442452633
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of publication: August 7, 2012
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: Greek mythology, Olympians, origins, heroes, prophecies

Ten-year-old Zeus doesn't mind chilling in his cave on Crete, enjoying goat's milk and the company of nymphs—except for the constant thunderstorms that try to strike him with lightening. Some adventure or excitement might be more fun... But when some Cronies (half-giant soldiers of King Cronus) come traipsing through and kidnap him, Zeus is about to learn his destiny: a hero in training. Cool! After half-giants, harpies, oracles and other such dangers, Zeus now has a lightening bolt in hand and a hero's quest to save... Poseidon? Who's that?

So while it doesn't follow Zeus' origin story exactly (well, who really knows the story perfectly, anyway?), the book provides an excellent juvenile perspective on history of the king of gods with just enough true elements to make it useful. In this version, Zeus is a little bit clueless and a little bit brave, providing just the right amount of humor and exciting adventure. There's an illustration for each chapter that is really well done; they each tie-in well with the story and look rather Greek, in style (if that makes sense). Really, this book is awesome. With the huge success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this book provides a fantastic introduction into the ever-popular world of Greek mythology. It's perfect for younger readers.

Find it at your library or on Amazon