One of the most formative learning experiences in all of my schooling was the month-long unit on Greek mythology we were taught in third grade. I immediately fell in love with the gods and goddesses, researching their powers, and reading anything I could get my hands on about them. Upon returning to elementary school as a librarian 15 years later, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Greek mythology is still a a part of the curriculum. The Greeks came up with these tales and characters to explain what was happening in the world around them, and I think they are a great tribute to the natural inclination humans have to tell stories.

During the pandemic, I devoured Madeline Miller’s “Circe” and “Song of Achilles,” reading through the night like I did as a teenager. I forgot how much I loved these classic tales that inspired my love for symbolism and finding patterns in new and old stories. Authors have been taking the original lore and revamping them to highlight the viewpoints of secondary or minor characters while examining classic tales through a fresh lens. The new stories have all the original elements, characters, and familiar settings, while contributing to a narrative that paints a more comprehensive picture of how events happened and who was impacted. The viewpoints of women and villains are being highlighted in ways they never have before.

Young adult and children’s authors have also joined the fun by telling renditions through graphic novels and book series set in modern times. The relationship between Hades and Persephone is explored in bright, colorful illustrations in Rachel Smythe’s graphic novel series “Lore Olympus.” Readers get to follow along on the adventures of Poseidon’s son in the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Hermes and more are featured in both series and it is fun to see how each writer interprets them differently.

If you are interested in reading Greek Mythology fiction, here are some titles from unique perspectives:

”Ariadne” by Jennifer Saint

Ariadne is the Princess of Crete whose brother is a minotaur that lives below the palace and requires blood sacrifices. When Theseus arrives in Crete to slay the beast, she decides to help him in hopes of escaping from her life, but events do not turn out as planned.

”Medusa’s Sisters” by Lauren J.A. Bear

We’ve all heard of Medusa, but did you know she has two sisters? The gorgon sisters are each dangerous in their own right and are stepping into the spotlight to tell their stories.

”Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

One of my favorites! Gorgeously written and told from the perspective of Patroclus, readers get a whole new take on the relationship he has with Achilles, his childhood, and the Trojan War.

”Lore Olympus” by Rachel Smythe (Young adult, graphic novel)

A colorful and chic graphic novel series about Hades and Persephone! Persephone is new to Olympus and must navigate the politics of the gods and goddesses while discovering powers of her own. Primarily focused on the romance between the young goddess of Spring and the King of the Underworld, Lore Olympus delves deep into a forbidden relationship.