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Ancient Greece Topic

Books about Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece Topic Booklist

Welcome to the world where monsters and mortals collide! The Ancient Greece topic is full of intriguing stories of gods and heroes as well as the fascinating history of ancient daily life and epic battles. We’ve put together a list of the best children’s books all about the world of the Ancient Greeks…

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Chapter books about the Ancient Greeks

Maz Evans
Chapter book

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.

Geoffrey Trease
Chapter book
Historical fiction set during the battle of Marathon, in which the Persians landed near the Ancient Greek city of Marathon in order to attack. When news of the impending invasion reaches Athens, young Philip is sent on a mission across the mountains to warn his family before it is too late. History lovers in upper KS2 will enjoy this exciting adventure based on a key event in Ancient Greek history.
Saviour Pirotta
 & Freya Hartas
Chapter book

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.

Lucy Coats
 & David Roberts
Chapter book

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.

Rick Riordan
Chapter book

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 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.


Pamela Butchart
 & Thomas Flintham
Chapter book
Izzy LOVES all the stories the Ancient Greeks told! She can't wait to tell her friends about Icarus, who was a TOTAL NUMPTY, and the Trojan Horse, which ended a war and wasn't even REAL! So pull up a plinth and enjoy all the DRAMA of the original Greek myths, as told by Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham, in collaboration with the British Museum. Now with even more SANDALS!Laugh-out-loud fun from Blue Peter Award winners Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham.
Terry Deary
 & Helen Flook
Chapter book
From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories...Young Acheron is a liar. Everybody knows it. Troy is under siege and Acheron tells tales of Trojan bravery to entertain Prince Paris and the beautiful Helen at the palace. But when a stranger comes to the city to announce that the Greeks have departed, leaving a special gift of a wooden horse, Acheron is suspicious. He races to tell Prince Paris about the Greek plot, but will anyone at the palace believe him?Terry Deary's Greek Tales explore the world of Ancient Greece through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Greek settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Picturebooks and graphic novels about the Ancient Greeks

Joe Todd Stanton
Graphic Novel
This highly appealing text is a hybrid between picture book and graphic novel. It follows the story of young Leo, who finds himself on an Ancient Greek quest to slay a beast. This modern twist on the myth of Perseus and Medusa is full of all of the delights expected of Greek mythology - monsters, heroes, quests and challenges - while emphasising a new set of values around what it means to be a hero.
Marcia Williams
Graphic Novel
Discover the magical myths and legendary heroes of Ancient Greece with award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams .Travel back in time with goat-footed Pan to explore the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Meet the mighty gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and some of the worlds best-loved heroes and heroines. In this book you'll find the stories of Perseus, slayer of Medusa the gorgon; tragic lovers Orpheus and Eurydice; daring Heracles who fearlessly completed twelve Labours and many more. The lively text and humorous cartoon style make these stories accessible and fun for younger readers.
Christina Balit
Picturebook

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….

James Davies
Graphic Novel
The Greek myths are some of the oldest and most famous stories ever told.This striking comic book collection is the perfect introduction to the world of the gods - containing six tales full of love, loss, greed, envy and bravery.Journey down to the Underworld with Orpheus and join Theseus in his quest to defeat the dreaded Minotaur. Bursting with detail and humour, James Davies' retelling of the Greek myths will delight readers of all ages.
Geraldine McCaughrean
 & Emma Chichester Clark
Short story collection
This superb and beautifully illustrated collection contains 16 popular Greek myths retold in rich but accessible storytelling language. The Orchard Book of Greek Myths allows readers to follow the adventures of Jason, Theseus, Odysseus, Icarus, Arachne, King Midas and many more heroes and heroines of Ancient Greek mythology and features colour artwork throughout.

Imogen Greenberg
 & Isabel Greenberg
Graphic Novel
Imagine you made something that was so beautiful and powerful that everyone wanted to take it for themselves. And then you had to watch them destroy it. Would you fight for it? Meet Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess who created the Earth and the universe that stretched beyond it. She raised trees from their roots to the sky, sent waterfalls tumbling over cliffs and created the tides that sloshed on the shore. She gifted her creation to animals and mortals, and watched as they made it their home.But she also created a force she couldn’t control: the ambition of gods. Gaia watched as the gods fought brutal wars and manipulated mortals such as Hercules and Achilles, disturbing peace on Earth. Storms raged, fires blazed and people, animals and plants suffered. Gaia begged the gods to look after her creation, but no one listened. But Gaia never gave up fighting for a better world. This is her story. Written and illustrated by two remarkable sisters, Imogen and Isabel Greenberg, this story is an exciting and action-packed adventure, with a poignant environmental message at the heart of it: the pursuit of power damages our natural world, and we all have to work together to protect it.

Non-fiction books about the Ancient Greeks

Chae Strathie
 & Marisa Morea
Non-fiction

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.

Imogen Greenberg
 & Isabel Greenberg
Non-fiction

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.

Jhonny Núñez
Non-fiction
Travel back in time to Ancient Greece to discover the origins of the Olympic Games.Bright, bold and dynamic artwork bring to life the origins of the Olympic Games. Find out about the legend behind the games, the original events and the excitement that filled Olympia during the Olympic Festival. See how the competitors used to train and learn about each of the original events that took place, including chariot racing, wrestling, the discuss, javelin and boxing. Get the Olympic buzz from all the excitement of the hippodrome, Olympic ceremonies and celebrations, and learn about the importance of the Heraia - the competition for women organised by women.This book provides a brilliant and striking introduction to the Ancient Olympics for children aged 7+.

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