PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK HEROES

Riordan, R., & Rocco, J. (2015). Percy Jackson's Greek heroes. White Plains, NY: Disney-Hyperion


This is definitely not Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.  Riordan’s collection of myths is narrated by his demi-god Percy Jackson.  His protagonist sarcastic and witty comments make for fun read.  

The twelve Greek heroes that are featured in this book are Perseus, Psyche, Phaethon, Otrera, Daedalus, Theseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, Cyrene, Orpheus, Hercules, and Jason.  Riordan’s inclusion of female heroes is to be commended.  Percy points out that they were plenty of strong women during this time but due to Greek society they were often overlooked or villainized.  


This is book that would not probably be best used in a traditional classroom setting due to some material that might be deemed questionable by parents. Riordan, however does a stellar job of lightly glossing over the heroes’ sexuality with humor.  For example, in Otera’s story he explains that the Amazon’s had parties and nine months later there were babies.  The implication of sex is there, but 1. it is not explicit and 2. it will go over the heads of most young readers.

Riordan’s heavy use of anachronisms such as reference to cell phones and pop culture icons like JayZ, helps connect millennial readers to these ancient stories.  



Before one thinks that Riordan has published a piece off fluff, it must be noted that although Percy’s irreverent, the core basis of the stories remain untouched.  Riordan’s humor also serves to starkly point out the bad choices, malice and violence that resulted in poor outcomes for the majority of these heroes.   Choices and results that hopefully the reader can avoid in their day-to-day lives.