Myths and Legends (Story Library)

Thirty-five ancient myths and legends, including lesser-known tales from Polynesia, North and South America, the Far East, Europe, and Africa, as well as some of the best stories from Greece, are gathered together in this far-ranging anthology of the tragedies and triumphs of the ancient world.

Grade 6 Up-A collection of myths and legends from around the world, about half of which are from Greece. While the specific details of each tale echo traditional versions, Horowitz has injected his retellings with fresh, sly humor that YAs should heartily enjoy. For example, St. George admonishes the dragon by telling him that eating humans is bad for his health; and Thor, the Norse thunder god, dresses in drag as "Thora" in an attempt to retrieve his stolen hammer. Other selections reflect a similarly tongue-in-cheek attitude. The characters speak in modern vernacular. Zeus, worried that human knowledge is expanding too quickly, mourns, "Where will it all lead to?...Today the rudiments of geometry, tomorrow it could be genetic surgery." The overall result is a book that is a delight to read. Ideal for use in the classroom, it will also appeal to lovers of mythology.
Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District, IL
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