Hades Speaks!

Gr 3–6—Hades guides modern readers through the Ancient Greek underworld of the dead. Bitter, alienated, and unremittingly snarky because his younger brother Zeus has taken over the world and Hades himself gets no respect, the God of the Dead takes readers on a tour of his bloody, gory, and monstrous (literally) realm of darkness. His particular aversion to heroes such as Herakles or, for that matter, any of the many sons of Zeus offers an amusing perspective. Greek philosophers and funeral rites are also examined through the jaded eye of Hades. Back matter, including a pronunciation guide and "bio" of gods and goddesses, help support the well-researched material. The acerbic tone and sometimes disconcerting oxymorons (references to baseball, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson; Hades referred to as "Grumpy McGrouchstein") are an acquired taste. Adults may be put off by such statements as "homework—useless, boring, and stupid" or "then everyone would panic about global warming," but it is likely that younger readers will not notice. For many, this may be a fun introduction that will spark further interest in mythology.—Katherine Koenig, The Ellis School, PA