August 24, 2023
For this month’s blog post, the team has decided to focus on some books that are inspired by mythology and folklore.
While some mythology and folklore is well known, there are so many others that aren’t. We want to highlight those diverse tales and bring them to the readers.
All the titles mentioned are inspired by mythology from around the world.
Check out the list below to find titles for all ages and the books’ Accelerated Reader quiz information.
The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr
LY | Quiz # 236679 | BL 4.1 | Lincoln Children’s Books
In this book, readers learn how every animal earned its place in the Chinese zodiac by taking part in the Great Race! Discover who will come first to win the ultimate prize, and find out why.
Yokki and the Parno Gry by Richard O’Neill, co-authored by Katherine Quarmby
LY | Quiz # 242273 | BL 3.9 | Child’s Play
When a Traveller family experiences a run of bad luck, an imaginative boy called Yokki lifts their spirits with tales of a mythical white horse.
The Battle of Kupe and Te Wheke: A Maori Tale by Leonie Agnew
LY | Quiz # 231349 | BL 4.4 | Collins
No one on the island of Hawaiki had seen Muturangi for years. But when the fish disappeared from the sea and famine struck the village, Kupe knew the old magic man was somehow at the bottom of it. Could Kupe defeat him and save the village?
The Golden Carpet by Mairi Mackinnon
LY | Quiz # 237364 | BL 3.3 | Usborne
This Armenian folktale tells the story of Ani the shepherd girl who won’t marry Prince Aram until he learns a useful skill. The skill Aram learns turns out to be even more useful than he expects!
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
MY | Quiz # 237813 | BL 4.8 | Disney * Hyperion
Tristan Strong tumbles into the MidPass and, with allies John Henry and Brer Rabbit, must entice the god Anansi to come out of hiding and seal the hole Tristan accidentally ripped in the sky. This first book in a series is based on African American folktales and West African mythology.
Any Day with You by Mae Respicio
MY | Quiz # 240186 | BL 4.6 | Random House
During the summer before seventh grade, Kaia, who enjoys living in Southern California and creating movie make-up effects, is devastated when her great-grandpa decides he will return to his homeland in the Philippines.
Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom by Sangu Mandanna
MY | Quiz # 241329 | BL 5.3 | Hodder Children’s Books
Kiki uses her drawings as an escape from her worries. But when she’s sucked through the pages of her sketchbook, she finds herself drawn into a world of Hindu legends where only she can save the day.
Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo
MY | Quiz # 241242 | BL 5.4 | Simon & Schuster Children’s
Steeped in Hispanic folklore since childhood, schoolboy Charlie Hernandez learns the stories are true when, shortly after his parents disappearance, he grows horns and feathers and finds himself at the heart of a battle to save the world.
Aarti and the Blue Gods by Jasbinder Bilan
MY | Quiz # 242922 | BL 5.8 | Chicken House
Aarti has lived on the island with Aunt for as long as she can remember. One day, Aarti enters a room and begins to suspect that Aunt hasn’t been truthful about who Aarti really is. This story strongly draws on Indian mythology.
Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin
MY+ | Quiz # 242428 | BL 5.4 | Walker Books
When the shikigami destroy Kurara’s home, she joins an airship crew to become a spirit hunter. But her ability to bend paper to her will means so much more, and she’s soon involved in a bigger battle. This first part of a trilogy is influenced by Japanese mythology.
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P. Rose
MY+ | Quiz # 243885 | BL 5.0 | Andersen Press
When Tyrese goes to Jamaica following a tragedy, he and his friends must uncover the history of the Shadow Man to save their families and Tyrese’s mind.
Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard
MY+ | Quiz # 236841 | BL 4.9 | Scholastic Children’s Books
Half-mortal Helen has just moved in with her dorky dad and siblings, who just happen to be the ancient Greek gods! Can she keep her family’s identity secret or is she fated to be banished to Mount Olympus?
The Night Itself by Zoë Marriott
MY+ | Quiz # 227574 | BL 5.2 | Walker Books
When 15-year-old Mio ‘borrows’ her grandfather’s sword to liven up a fancy-dress costume, she unleashes an ancient evil onto the streets of modern-day London. Only by controlling the katana’s powers, can she and her life be saved. This book is based on Japanese mythology.
An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan
UY | Quiz # 243832 | BL 5.4 | Orion Children’s Books
As Hunter and Luna uncover hidden secrets and navigate the feud between their families, everything around them begins to fall apart. Based on Chinese mythology this book draws in the reader.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
UY | Quiz # 242795 | BL 5.7 | Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Inspired by pre-Columbian American civilisations and woven into a tale of prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic. First book in a trilogy.
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
UY | Quiz # 243382 | BL 5.3 | Levine Querido
Nina is a Lipan Apache living in Texas, and Oli is a cottonmouth from the Reflecting World. Their lives intersect when Oli journeys to Earth to find a cure for his ailing friend.
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
UY | Quiz # 240785 | BL 5.4 | St. Martin’s Press
Sixteen-year-old Maya’s arranged marriage turns out much better than expected, but her husband’s magic and her curiosity may threaten more than her life. This book is based on Greek mythology mixed with Indian folktale.
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