The Odyssey (A Classic Tale by Homer) Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean

What worked:

The book is based on Greek mythology, so young readers will be familiar with most of the gods mentioned. Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena are important to the story, as Odysseus’s behavior sometimes angers them, or he prays to them for help. Readers who enjoyed the Percy Jackson books or movies will recognize the Lotus Eaters, the cyclops, and the Sirens. The book offers aspects of mythology that young readers may not know, such as Odysseus blinding the cyclops, Polyphemus. The author’s retelling of Homer’s short stories makes them more understandable and faster-paced for a middle-grade audience.

Each chapter tells a different adventure where Odysseus and his crew struggle for their lives. They’ve been away from Ithaca for ten years, so they’re desperate and determined to return home to their wives and children. The first story finds Odysseus’s crew beguiled by the Lotus Eaters, as their food mesmerizes them into complacency without a motivation to leave. The second chapter introduces Polyphemus, and Odysseus’s decision to blind him changes the trajectory of the rest of the book. Poseidon is furious that his son can no longer see, so he finds all kinds of ways to punish Odysseus by impeding his progress or putting him in perilous situations.  

What didn’t work as well:

The book is a collection of short stories, and Odysseus is the only character connecting them all. Little time is spent developing characters, because there isn’t much of a reason. Everyone except Odysseus dies.

The final verdict:

The original Homer version of The Odyssey would intimidate young readers, but the author’s retelling makes it accessible. The collection of brief stories with life-threatening conflicts will appeal to all adventure lovers. I recommend you give this book a shot.