Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Zeus' students have fun adventures at Mount Olympus Academy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The GODDESS GIRLS series starts when Athena gets a scroll inviting her to Mount Olympus Academy, and discovers that 1) she's immortal, and 2) Zeus is her father. As if that isn't enough for a kid to bear, she feels out of place and inadequate. After she arrives at MOA, she meets other immortals her age: Artemis, Persephone, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Eros, and more. Each book is written from the perspective of a goddess girl, and deals with both the specific -- for example, how do you stop a goddess whose gift is gossip to stop gossiping when it hurts people? -- and the more general questions about fitting in and building up your own special gifts.
Is It Any Good?
The Goddess Girls series might seem light, with many references to hair, makeup, and crushes, but it's surprisingly deep when it comes to lessons in self-acceptance. Navigating insecurities is a big theme in these books, as is learning to see differences as strengths and to appreciate everyone's individual talents. Young readers who might be trying to figure out the social scene at school or wonder about their own "weird things" might start seeing those things as strengths, or at least noticing that everyone is odd in their own way. There's a little social maneuvering at MOA, which will be familiar to most readers, but the godboys and goddess girls learn that being open and honest is best.
Readers fascinated by Greek mythology will enjoy seeing their favorite gods and goddesses as kids their own age, and there's a strong message about seeing the big picture when making decisions and doing the right thing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Goddess Girls relate to each other. The students at MOA don't always get along, but they live at school together. Do you think it would be hard to live with your classmates?
Which goddess girl or godboy would you like to be, and why?
What other books about gods and goddesses have you read?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : April 6, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 176
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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