I'll be posting themed book lists with book giving ideas for a variety of ages and interests every day Dec. 1 - 12. Check the label Twelve Days of Giving for all the lists. I'm an IndieBound affiliate, so if you purchase books through the links on my site you're not only supporting an independent bookstore, you're supporting me, too!
The popularity of Percy Jackson and Rick Riordan's many other series has tipped off an explosion in mythology-based books. If you have a reader who loves mythology and mythology-based novels, this is the list for you.
First of all, you have to know about the series from Rick Riordan's new imprint, Rick Riordan Presents. He's publishing #OwnVoices authors writing about mythology from their cultural heritage. The first series starter that came out this year was
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (Disney Hyperion, 2018). This first book in the Pandava Quartet (second book due out this spring) is an action-packed adventure based on Hindu mythology. This is the best Percy Jackson readalike that I've ever read - it gets the tone right with plenty of humor amid the non-stop action.
This fall, the second series from Riordan's imprint debuted with
The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes (Disney Hyperion, 2018). This series starter is based on Mayan mythology. I haven't read this one yet, but I would not hesitate to hand it to Percy Jackson fans.
Those are both sure bets for Riordan fans, but there are lots of other mythology choices for your readers.
The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta (Scholastic, 2018). Here's another action-packed tale based on Indian mythology. It's wacky and funny and just a lot of fun. The second book in the series is due out this spring.
Your mythology buff might like a nice mythology tome for their collection. You could go with a classic like Edith Hamilton's Mythology (1942).
I personally like Donna Jo Napoli's Treasury series:
- Treasury of Greek Mythology (National Geographic, 2011)
- Treasury of Egyptian Mythology (National Geographic, 2013)
- Treasury of Norse Mythology (National Geographic, 2015)
What about these You Choose Interactive Mythological Adventure books from Capstone? Combine mythology with the ever-popular choose your own adventure format and you have a sure winner on your hands. The You Choose books are super popular with elementary school kids at my library and they're out in paperback so you can pick up a handful without spending a ton.
Keep your young mythology buff reading this winter with one (or lots!) of these great books.