Heroes of Olympus by Philip Freeman –OPTIONAL

Freeman, Phillip and adapted by Calkhoven, Laurie and Illustrated by Willis, Drew Heroes of Olympus 352 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.74.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears);  Mature Content: PG13 ; Violence: PG13. (Adult sexual situations, grisly violence)

This book features a little bit about almost every character in Greek mythology. Its organized by Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Lovers. Each featured God is described and a few short stories are related. There are longer chapters with more detailed adventures on some of the heroes, like Hercules.

Although the summaries and even the chapters are short, because this book is presented as a fat novel with small text it has a very overwhelming feel. I would love this book if it was presented in a larger format, like yearbook size, with a ton of color illustrations. Students have been seeing a ton of Greek mythology in tv and movies for the past decade or so, so they are used to something flashier and more engaging. Despite my love of the writings from the adapter  Laurie Calkhoven, this book wasn't the best option for student readers. 

HS- OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.