Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, has stirred the imagination for thousands of years. The fantastical tale of one man's journey home has inspired big budget films and countless re-imaginings in literature. If your child loves heroic adventures, this list of books for fans of The Odyssey focuses on middle grade and upper middle grade/YA books and features adaptations, myths (and not just Greek!), heroic sea journeys and more.
(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)
Table of contents
Adaptations of The Odyssey
If you have a teen who is an advanced reader, they might want to tackle Homer's epic poems in full. Emily Wilson's The Illiad and The Odyssey are known for their modern language, which can make them more accessible to teens. But if they aren't keen on that they will enjoy these excellent illustrated versions of The Odyssey!
The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey by Nicolás Schuff, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson, translated by Lawrence Schimel
This is a terrific introduction to Homer's original tale, with its accessible and descriptive language (translated from Spanish). The modern, playful style of the full color illustrations works surprising well and carries the reader through the epic journey of the hero as he encounters strange and beguiling creatures. Occasional asides introduce key figures in the tale. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: Graphic Novel Adaptations of Classic Literature
The Iliad and The Odyssey, adapted by Gareth Hinds
Find The Iliad: Bookshop | Amazon
Find The Odyssey: Bookshop | Amazon
One summer I gave these two graphic novel adaptations of the Homeric classics to my teen because I wasn't sure he was going to have a chance to read the originals in school. Hinds is a master at adapting classics into graphic novel format and these are terrific. Both of these tales are full of illustrations of gory warfare (the kind that you'd have to imagine if you read the original epic poems) so they aren't for the faint of heart. In case you're wondering, his high school class did end up reading The Odyssey. Ages 10 and up.
MORE: Mythology Inspired Middle Grade Novels
Witchward Bound by Erin Bow, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
This is perhaps the wild card book on the list. Suitable for young readers, this tale of a cat and raven–Butter and Owl–who set out on a journey to find their missing witch deliberately draws on The Odyssey, although I wouldn't technically call it an adaptation. Fans of Homer's epic will recognize the sirens, an island with Nobody on it, a close call with a pig transformation spell, and other elements. Full page black and white illustrations add to the charm. Here's hoping there is a sequel! Ages 8 and up.
Greek Myths
Delve into the original Greek myths and then move on to fiction inspired by Greek mythology.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
This classic collection introduces your kids to as many ancient Greek gods, goddesses, monsters, heroes, and heroines that their young brains can absorb. Ages 7 and up.
Olympians (12 book series) by George O'Connor
Consider this a recommendation for O'Connor's entire Olympians series. I'm featuring this Dionysos book here because, let's face it, Dionysos is my favorite god. The god of theater? And wine? It's not even a contest. Dionysos is O'Connor's final installment in his 12 book Olympians graphic novel series (always save the best for last) but your kids will want to start at the beginning with Zeus! Ages 10 and up.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lighting Thief (series) by Rick Riordan
Most likely I can't tell you anything you don't already know about this perennial best-selling series! Percy discovers that he is the son of Poseidon and attends Camp Half-Blood with other demi-god kids. There are now deluxe versions, box sets, graphic novel versions, etc. etc. Enough versions for every god on Olympus to start their own book club. Feel free to read any of the myriad of Riordan's novels or those published by his Rick Riordan Presents line of books for a serious mythology fix. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books for Fans of Percy Jackson
Norse Myths
First, familiarize yourself with the hooligans of Norse mythology and then read novels inspired by their antics.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
This children's classic introduces kids to the original Odin, Loki and friends, and their spirited but questionable adventures. Trolls and Valkyries add to the fun. Of course you'll want the companion Trolls collection of myths. Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Scandinavian and Norse Folktales for Kids
Asgardians (series) by George O'Connor
O'Connor's dynamic four book graphic novel series includes titles featuring Odin, Loki, Thor and Ragnarök. As you might expect, there is conflict galore. Ages 10 and up.
Thor’s Wedding Day: By Thialfi, the Goat Boy by Bruce Coville, illustrated by Matthew Cogswell
Want a change of pace? Read this very funny adaptation of a classic tale from Norse mythology in which Thor must dress as a bride in order to get back his stolen hammer. I highly recommend it as a read aloud, and it holds a well-deserved place on my list of 100 of the funniest funny chapter books. Ages 7 and up.
Sea Journeys
Northwind by Gary Paulsen
Paulsen's final book is great for readers who want another sea-faring adventure. The setting is an unspecified northern location in an unspecified historical period, and is evocative of Norway in a pre-modern age. When a deadly illness sweeps through a ship crew's camp, young Leif leaves in a canoe with a few supplies. Instructed by one of the elders to voyage northward, he does so. As he travels, he learns self-reliance and revels in the solitude and natural world. Paulsen's beautiful prose sets the reader on a journey of struggle and triumph. Ages 9 and up.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
Set in 1832, this Newbery Honor book tells the absolutely riveting story of Charlotte, who sets out on a sea voyage from England to Rhode Island. Instead of being chaperoned by other families on the journey, she unexpectedly finds herself alone with the crew and becomes entangled in a nail-biting and dangerous adventure. Ages 9 and up.
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
In 1841, 14-year-old Manjiro and 3 other men are stranded on an island off Japan during a fishing trip. Eventually they are rescued by an American whaling vessel but instead of returning to Japan, Manjiro travels with the captain, attends school in America, faces the prejudice that comes with being an outsider, and heads to California during the gold rush. At the time, Japan was cut off from the world, and no one was allowed back into the country after leaving, but Manjiro risks his life to return. Ages 10 and up.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
If it's another classic you're after, pick up this 19th century novel. Just as in The Odyssey, not all the characters in this book are virtuous, hard working and self-sacrificing, but it is still loads of fun. Youngster Jim goes to look for treasure and gets mixed-up with pirates like the ruthless Long John Silver. Ages 9 and up.
Heroic Adventures and Journeys
I've included a small selection of titles in this "heroes" category but you can find a lot more, including chapter books for a younger audience, on my list of Books Inspired by Mythology.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (series) by Kwame Mbalia
Tristan Strong, grieving the loss of his best friend, reluctantly heads for Alabama to stay with his grandparents. While tussling with a strange creature, he punches a tree, opening up a passage between his world and MidPass. Adventures and struggles follow as Tristan meets persons and creatures from African-American and West African myth and folklore. Young readers who love epic adventures, wily foes and heroic legends will love this tale. Ages 9 and up.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
I love any book rooted in folklore, and this is no exception. In this page-turner, Hopson tells the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast origin story. Piŋa has grown up with the knowledge that his two brothers vanished on the mountain which he must now climb to collect obsidian. On the mountain he meets the eagle god, Savik, who presents him with an impossible choice. Pinja chooses to become Savik's captive, setting him on a journey that is terrifying but teaches him valuable lessons. Ages 8 and up.
Dragon Pearl (series) by Yoon Ha Lee
Korean mythology and science-fiction merge to create an exciting fantasy! Min's mother has forbidden her to use her fox-magic, but Min feels stifled by domestic life and longs to join the Space Forces. When something mysterious happens to her brother, Jun, Min goes in search of the truth, encountering adventure beyond her wildest imagination. Ages 9 and up.
Leave a Reply