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New Percy Jackson fan seeking Greek myths book recommendations

15 replies

standingonlego · 14/03/2016 12:29

DS is currently devouring the first Percy Jackson book. My Greek myths are a bit rusty (keep mixing up with the roman lot!) and I need a crash course.

Can you wise folk recommend a good book for him and/or me with the main stories in?

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oneofthegiantsisme · 14/03/2016 12:32

Rick Riordan has done a couple, presumably for that very reason - try Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods, which has a rundown on the basics (big PJ fans here!).

There's probably an Usborne one - they're usually pretty good.

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LeonardoAcropolis · 14/03/2016 12:37

I found a lovely DK hardback in TK Maxx, by Philip Wilkinson and it's called Myths & Legends. It includes European myths as well as ones from around the world. It isn't a children's book but it's full of great pictures. My Ds age 7 loves it. Before I bought this I was eyeing up a Greek Myths for children, by orchard and I think Usborne have one too.

My DS got into Greek mythology through watching the original Clash of the Titans. Looks like I need to introduce him to Percy Jackson!

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Somerville · 14/03/2016 12:55

Geraldine McCaughrean's Greek Myths is my favourite for DC/ quick crash course for adults. Beautifully written, and covers all the important ones.

If you even half remember the Roman deities then it's easy to pick up the Greek ones, tbh. The Romans based theirs on the Greeks, so the character traits are similar. comparison chart

If DS wants more Greek mythology after PJ then I'd recommend the Pegasus series by Kate O'Hearn. Which might then lead him on to her Valkyrie series and the fascinating realm of Norse mythology in which case you'll want to buy Kevin Crossley-Holland's brilliant adaptation of the Norse Myths. Or something else DS might like are the Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence, which are set in Ancient Rome.

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standingonlego · 14/03/2016 17:10

Thank you all, off to amazon I go :)

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standingonlego · 14/03/2016 17:12

That comparison chart has really helped too...it is all coming back to me now!

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EElisavetaOfBelsornia · 14/03/2016 17:15

The Usborne one is fab, I have given it as several birthday presents.

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Somerville · 14/03/2016 19:41

standingonlego HTH. I'll take any chance to turn a child into a future classicist Smile


EElisavetaOfBelsornia - It took me a few seconds, but then I placed your name Grin Love the Chalet girls.

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LeonardoAcropolis · 14/03/2016 19:51

Is Percy Jackson suitable for a seven year old?

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Somerville · 14/03/2016 22:30

Not really, Leonardo
It's marketed for 9-12. Similar reading/interest level as first three Harry Potter books.

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Cataline · 14/03/2016 22:34

My DS started reading the first one just as he turned 7 and has now read everything by Rick riordan! There's plenty to keep your DS going if he gets into them!

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SlinkyVagabond · 14/03/2016 22:37

I cut my teeth on Robert Graves at 12, but I was an advanced reader precocious brat Wink

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standingonlego · 16/03/2016 21:58

My DS is 7 and has been enjoying,...we have not done Harry potter yet. I bought the book for his big brother (9) but he read it instead [comfused]

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Somerville · 17/03/2016 14:20

Of course it's fine if a child who is younger than the recommended age enjoys something, Lego. But answering that question, I always keep an average 7 year old and the recommended age in mind. Smile
I suggest the reasons they're marketed at 9-12 is that PJ is 12 at the start of the story. There is quite a lot of violence, though mostly cartoonish as between mythical beings, I suppose. But at the end of the first book PJ discovers that his mum is being beaten up my his stepfather. And there's also a burgeoning romance... I haven't read the later ones in the series but DD1 said he and Annabeth get together properly and are kissing and dating (they're 16 at this stage) by the last book in the series. Some of that is potentially upsetting or bemusing to some 7 year olds; depends on the child.

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standingonlego · 17/03/2016 16:06

That is useful info somerville.

I read PJ1 to the end yesterday (DS about 2/3rd now) and the DV was mentioned which did surprise, and prompted me to wonder where story was going to go as it was a bit darker than I expected. I had just ordered the rest of the set to read ahead with "suitability" in mind so you have saved me some time, thank you !

I had also ordered the Osborne myths book (will hopefully be here by the weekend) so will divert him to that for now and save the other Percy'S for later.

Maybe I will point him to Harry Potter now :)

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schmalex · 18/03/2016 08:45

There are some fab Greek beasts & heroes books by Lucy Coats that might be more age appropriate.

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