This fast-moving narrative with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments is a huge hit, especially with upper KS2. The story is based on the exploits of a boy called Elliot, who falls into an adventurous mission and calls on the help of the Olympian gods. Full of comedy scenes and sad parts too, we think this is an excellent story to read aloud for a light-hearted take on how Greek gods would fare in the modern world. There are also chapter-by-chapter reading resources available to download from the publisher.

The Ancient Greek Mysteries are fun and action-packed stories that are perfect for introducing readers in KS2 to the topic of Ancient Greece. Steeped in historical detail, the series follows the adventures of a scribe called Nico and his friend Thrax, who is a slave, as they work together to solve mysteries. This series adds a new and welcome dimension to the bank of stories used in schools for the Ancient Greek topic, with a focus on everyday life rather than mythology. The four stories in the series are: Mark of the Cyclops, Secret of the Oracle, Pirates of Poseidon and Shadow of the Centaurs.

This action-packed novel is the first in the popular Beasts of Olympus series. It serves as a fun introduction to the gods, goddesses and creatures of Greek mythology. Complete with link illustrations by David Roberts, this is a humorous page-turner to be read out loud or for independent reading in lower KS2. It also comes with a handy glossary to orientate readers in the world of Greek mythology.

This is a multi-million-selling series that has also been televised with Disney and is hugely popular among fans of action and adventure. Percy Jackson’s modern world is turned upside down when he finds out he is descended from Greek gods. What follows is battles with monsters and epic quests in an action-packed series that merges Greek mythology with the modern world. There are also Teachers’ Notes available to download from the publisher.

In Ancient Athens, a young slave is known only as ‘The Corinthian Girl’ in a reference to where she had been found, left by her father who couldn’t afford to keep her. She grows up learning to serve her new Athenian family by fetching, carrying, cleaning and scrubbing. Girls were unimportant; slave girls even less so. Very occasionally, she is able to play with the youngest son and her athletic talents are noticed by the master of the house, himself a famous athlete. He forms an ambitious plan for her – will it succeed?

This inspiring short story is based on the Heraean Games, a real event held every four years in honour of Hera and only open to female athletes. It is accompanied by gorgeously subtle but graphic watercolour illustrations that suit the subject matter perfectly both in style and colour palette. Readers who have enjoyed Escape from Pompeii – which has been used in classrooms for years alongside the Romans topics – will immediately recognise Christina Balit’s distinctive style.

I was pleased to see these lesser-known Greek games brought to light to counterbalance the male perspective which dominates the study of Ancient Greece. Although as a story it is plausible rather than likely, it’s stirring, and the factual pages at the back address potential misconceptions by explaining the context and introducing the small number of key sources. Much has to be imagined because of the limited evidence for the lives of women in Ancient Athens.

A highly recommendable picturebook to share alongside study of Ancient Greece.

Through words and pictures, the book compares modern-day life to different aspects of daily life for the Ancient Greeks, including clothing, education, jobs, pets, food and pastimes, viewing each topic through the eyes of a child. An enjoyable information text that would appeal to children in KS2, this is the kind of book that helps young readers to move beyond hard facts and begin to reflect on what life might have felt like for those living in ancient times.

This illustrated story brings into spotlight the Greek goddess Athena. Beginning with the surprising story of her birth and going on to detail her interactions with gods, goddesses and mortals as threads from a number of key Greek myths are woven together to tell her story. Many Greek myths focus on male protagonists, but her the determined and fearless Athena is given centre stage among graphic style bold illustrations. Teaching notes are also available to download from the publisher.