Athena Grey-Eyed Goddess

School Library Journal Best Books Winner 2010

Citation:

Athena Grey-Eyed Goddess by George O’Connor.  (First Second A Neal Porter Book, 2010).  77p. Graphic Novel Junior Book.

Summary:

Athena, a descendant of the Fates, life and relationships are explored visually.

Critique:

a.        The pictures engage the reader in the story of the Greek Goddess, Athena.

b.        The frames and speech bubbles give a comic book feeling to the story which assists in engaging the student in reading the learning the history of the Greek Gods.  The information pages at the culmination of the book are also written with young readers in mind with limited words and brief explanations.

c.         Athena’s battle with Pallas over the affection of Zeus altered Athena’s life in a way she could not have envisioned at the start of the fight (p. 20 – 24) expresses her anger, determination, and sorrow within the context of individual frames.  Information pages include sacred symbols and legacy and other key information.

Curriculum Connection:  

Athena Grey-Eyed Goddess is a story that will engage young readers and peak their interest.  This would be a good book to use in the third grade study of ancient Greece or in the introduction of mythology.