Parents' Guide to

Goddess Girls: Athena the Wise

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Greek goddesses go to high school in clever classic update.

Book Joan Holub , Suzanne Williams Folklore 2011
Goddess Girls: Athena the Wise Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

m H.
m H. Parent
May 21, 2013
age 7+

Goddess Girls

I like Goddess Girls because my brother says the only reason he doesn't like them is because it makes me better at Greek mythology than him!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lawyermom
Lawyermom Adult
May 4, 2012
age 8+

Normalizes bad behavior among peers

My daughter is addicted to this series and I thought, it can't be too bad for her to love books and learn about Greek mythology. After finding her in bed up late reading with a nightlight, I took the book and began reading it myself. It is disappointing in how caddy, manipulative, backstabbing, gossipy, and stereotyped (particularly for the girls) it is. They are very mean to each other and wield their power to reek havoc on others carelessly. I realize that is how the Greek Gods were depicted in any case from a historic perspective, but to see that behavior played out in a high school, very relateable setting, is disturbing. It smacks of bullying and harassment in a way that I would like to help my children learn is OK, not entertainment.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When Heracles transfers to Mouth Olympus Academy, Principal Zeus asks his straight-A daughter Athena to befriend the "hotheaded" mortal during a trial period at the school. But then Athena learns Heracles needs to complete 12 tasks in order to get a permanent place at the school -- and Athena soon finds herself helping him fight a many-headed hydra and clean out King Augeas's poop-filled stable. How much will Athena risk for the new heartthrob student -- especially when she has her own problems to deal with, including a rude mortal who challenges her to a weaving contest.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (8 ):

This fun, lively book will resonate best with readers already somewhat familiar with the Greek gods and some of their myths. Knowing something about Athena, Heracles, and the 12 labors will make the story easier to follow -- and will make it easier to get some of the book's jokes (the students at Mount Olympus Academy eat yambrosia stew and have a one-eyed Hero-ology teacher named Mr. Cyclops, for example). Even so, even readers new to Greek mythology will get quite an education in this clever update -- though they may get a bit bored as Heracles works through his many tasks. Kids will find a spirited, strong heroine in Athena -- and a surprisingly thoughtful message as she struggles with revenge and forgiveness. In the end, this series has a clever premise and provides a good mix of educational and entertaining elements.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Greek myths. How much did you know about Zeus, Athena, or Heracles before you read this book? Parents may want to encourage their kids to check out D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths and compare it to the stories here. Why have these characters and stories endured?

  • This is the fifth installment in a series about the gods and goddesses at Mount Olympus Academy. What's fun about reading a series? Why would authors want to write a series -- or publishers want to publish one?

Book Details

  • Authors: Joan Holub , Suzanne Williams
  • Genre: Folklore
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Aladdin
  • Publication date: April 5, 2011
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
  • Number of pages: 256
  • Last updated: August 17, 2018

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