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Topic: Ancient Greece

Hercules

Chapter book

A diary-style book that merges modern life with Greek mythology.

Hercules Braver is desperate to live up to his name and sees starting high school as the perfect opportunity to assert both himself and his two friends, Pav and Hatty, as the coolest new kids in school.

Unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan, but just when things look like they couldn’t get any worse, a miracle occurs – Hercules’ birth dad shows up. He doesn’t just look like a Greek god; it turns out that he is a Greek God. On the plus side, he can grant wishes and make Hercules the coolest kid in town.

A funny, laugh-out-loud book which will appeal to fans of Wimpy Kid as well as those with an interest in Greek mythology. Easy-to-read text with illustrations by David O’Connell.

The Ancient Olympic Games

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+.

Myths, Monsters and Mayhem in Ancient Greece

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.

Greek Tales: The Boy Who Cried Horse

Helen Flook & Terry Deary

Chapter book

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.

Icarus Was Ridiculous

Pamela Butchart & Thomas Flintham

Chapter book

Few authors can make children squeal with delight quite so readily as Pamela Butchart. As a teacher, I appreciate the accessibility of the books too and always get a positive response when I recommend them to even the most reluctant of readers.

This story is about a girl who loves Ancient Greek myths and enjoys dramatically recounting them to her friends.

Thomas Flintham’s illustrations are easily recognisable and perfectly capture the chaotic, wonderful humour of the series. A must-read Ancient Greek story for younger KS2 pupils!

Greek Heroes: Top Ten Myths and Legends!

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.

So You Think You’ve Got it Bad? A Kid’s Life in Ancient Greece

Chae Strathie & Marisa Morea

Non-fiction

Published in collaboration with The British Museum, this children’s information book offers a humorous and informative introduction to daily life in 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 move beyond hard facts and begin to reflect on what life might have felt like for those living in ancient times.

The Orchard Book of Greek Myths

Emma Chichester Clark & Geraldine McCaughrean

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.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

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 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.

Athena: The Story of a Goddess

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.

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Topic: Ancient Greece

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