Athena the Wise - Goddess Girls Book 5
Athena the Wise is the fifth installment in the popular Goddess Girls series, bringing Greek mythology to life for middle grade readers. This chapter book follows Athena and her friends at Mount Olympus Academy as they navigate divine social life with a contemporary twist that resonates with today's tweens.
Story Overview
In this adventure, Principal Zeus asks Athena to help Heracles (known as Hercules in the Roman pantheon) complete his twelve labors. The story takes an unexpected turn when Heracles begins borrowing things from Athena's friends without permission. Athena must find a way to help him understand boundaries while supporting him through his legendary tasks. This relatable conflict teaches readers about friendship, respect for others' belongings, and problem-solving.
The Goddess Girls Series
The Goddess Girls series reimagines classic Greek myths through a modern lens, making ancient stories accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. The series follows four goddesses-in-training—Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis—as they attend Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon develop their mythical abilities. Each book addresses real-life challenges tweens face, from dealing with bullies like Medusa to experiencing first crushes, all within the framework of Greek mythology.
Perfect for Young Readers
Designed for ages 9-12, this paperback chapter book provides an ideal reading level for middle grade students. The combination of familiar mythological characters with relatable modern situations creates an engaging reading experience that encourages both entertainment and learning. The story promotes themes of friendship, empowerment, and social responsibility while introducing readers to classical mythology.
About the Authors
Joan Holub has authored and/or illustrated over 140 children's books, including the Goddess Girls series, the Heroes in Training series, the New York Times bestselling picture book Mighty Dads (illustrated by James Dean), and Little Red Writing (illustrated by Melissa Sweet). She lives in North Carolina and is online at JoanHolub.com.
Suzanne Williams is a former elementary school librarian and the author of over seventy books for children, including the award-winning picture books Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) and My Dog Never Says Please (illustrated by Tedd Arnold), and several chapter book and middle grade series. She also coauthors the Goddess Girls and Thunder Girls series with the fantastic Joan Holub. Visit her at Suzanne-Williams.com.
Book Details
This Aladdin Paperbacks edition offers quality storytelling at an accessible price point, making it an excellent gift for girls who enjoy fantasy fiction, mythology, and stories featuring strong female characters. The book combines educational content about Greek mythology with entertaining narrative, making it suitable for both recreational reading and educational purposes.
