Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Welcome to the World of Myth!


In this virtual book talk, learn about the role that real-world mythology plays in the young adult fiction series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson & the Olympians. This is an excellent series for reluctant readers, particularly boys, who crave some action, adventure, and a hint of romance in a series rooted in classical mythology. The beings that Percy and his friends encounter in the series are accurately represented with additional back story that discuss the original myths.

So, what next?

Percy Jackson's adventures are limited to a five book series and only scratch the surface of Greek mythology. The second part of this book talk focuses on the study of classical mythology. Using the teases and adventures in the novel, students can then explore the full stories of these characters using online tools, references, and databases, as well as books like Classical Myth by Barry B. Powell which focuses on the nature of myth and its impact on cultures throughout history.

Powell's text bridges the gap between the classical and contemporary by talking about how myths have impact on artists and filmmakers today while presenting the history, context, and depth to the myths that an audience craving more knowledge would gratefully soak up.

All of the myths and legends hinted at during Percy's adventures are covered within Powell's text, making it the perfect companion piece and reference guide to help young readers to learn, explore, and grow.

In addition to the many stories both classical and contemporary, there is a full index, tons of pictures and images, and a handy table of contents to guide readers to the areas they're most interested in.

For now, let's explore each text and get a feel for their value as we watch a virtual book talk done by librarian Brian Wilkinson.

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