Review by Horn Book Review
This early chapter-book series by the Goddess Girl series creators is a Greek mythology/Wizard of Oz mash-up. Young Athena is swept up in a storm and transported to a land where her nemesis, Medusa, wants her magical sandals. Hestia, Zeus, and Persephone have supporting roles along the "Hello Brick Road." Energetic black-and-white illustrations match the text's lively tone. Glos. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Greek mythology meets The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Modern-day girl Athena, 8, is swept up in a sudden thunderstorm on the way home from school and lands "in Magical Mount Olympus" along the Hello Brick Road. The digital dog from her video game joins her, in the flesh, as the canine companion for her adventure. The first beings they encounter are friendlytalking owls who suggest she ask Zeus how to get home and the Glinda-like goddess Hestia. But when flying sandals zoom onto Athena's feet, she has a run-in with nasty Medusawho looks just like Athena's mean-girl classmate of the same name back homewho pursues her in an effort to take the sandals. While following the Hello Brick Road to find Zeus and get home, Athena encounters and helps unlucky Persephone, who tags along hoping to ask Zeus for some luck. The climactic showdown with Medusa involves facing a band of animals she's turned into stone and quick-thinking trickery on Athena's part. The plot feels recycled, the resolution might strike some readers as a bit too easy, and the worldbuilding rules are a bit inconsistent for the targeted age. It ends before the girls reach Zeus, so the adventures can continue. Athena and Medusa present white; Hestia presents black.Maybe it will inspire readers' interest in its sources. (cast of characters, glossary, discussion questions, author's note) (Fantasy. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
