Greek Mythology for Teens

by Zachary Hamby

Overview

"Greek Mythology for Teens" takes classical mythology to a new level by relating ancient stories to the culture, history, art, and literature of today. The book uses the innovative approach of reader's theater to teach mythology to teens, asking them to act out the stories and become engaged in a common learning experience. By looking at topics instrumental to both mythology and modern culture, teens are encouraged to question topics such as heroism, foolishness, love, and more. Each chapter builds on a particular theme found in the central myth and includes activities, discussion questions, and exercises that connect the myth to the modern world and everyday life. Visually appealing sidebars also give background on Greek and Roman mythology and culture. "Greek Mythology for Teens" takes the classic myths taught in school and turns them into an engaging, interesting, and modern way of looking at old material.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781593638788
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	07/01/2011
Series:	Mythology for Teens
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Zachary Hamby is a high school communications arts teacher from Nixa, Missouri, where he teaches English, World Literature, and Mythology. He also serves as a consultant for the National Writing Project. His passions include teaching teenagers new ways of looking at literature and mythology through a cultural lens.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 7 Up—This follow-up to the author's Mythology for Teens (Prufrock, 2009) takes a unique approach to introducing ancient tales. Ranging from "Orpheus & Eurydice" to "Daedalus and Icarus" to "The Golden Touch," various myths are presented in the form of reader's theater-crisply scripted and ready to act out in the classroom. Nine chapters are organized according to a broad theme (e.g., "The Power of Music," "Wisdom vs. Intelligence," "Greed"). Each one includes a play designed to run between 25 and 40 minutes. In addition, a wealth of background information provides additional insights into the characters and ideas, highlights examples of Greek history and culture, and makes connections to other works of art as well as modern-day perceptions. While the organization works well for exploring thematic units, individuals wanting to know if a specific myth is included will be frustrated as the tales are not listed in the table of contents and there is no index. Hamby also includes quotes from ancient sources-Ovid and Hesiod, for the most part-and summations of related myths, neatly tying the package together and encouraging youngsters to read further. Sidebars offer topics for additional discussion and analysis, writing prompts, ideas for further research, fun facts, and more, all intended to stimulate creativity and active learning. The scripts present adequate retellings of the myths, souped up with touches of contemporary language and eye-rolling humor just right for a teen audience. All in all, a great way to bring these stories to life.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

School Library Journal