Parents' Guide to

Quiver

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Greek myth has some intense aspects; OK for older kids.

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This is a straightforward retelling of the Atalanta myth in novel form, and it's enjoyable and action-packed. Though it lacks the humor and cleverness of author Stephanie Spinner's other novelized myth, Quicksilver, Atalanta was never as witty and snarky as Hermes, so the tone fits the subject. This book hews closely to the original stories (and even including an obscure episode that comes after the traditional ending of the myth), making it useful for classes studying mythology.

What humor there is, is provided in the arch commentary of the gods and goddesses that appear from time to time. Spinner also resolves one of the more troubling aspects of the original myth -- that Hippomenes seems to win the race by cheating. In this version, Atalanta clearly knows what he is doing.

Book Details

  • Author: Stephanie Spinner
  • Genre: Folklore
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
  • Publication date: November 6, 2005
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 12
  • Number of pages: 177
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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