Books Like Odysseus in the Serpent Maze
Families who loved Odysseus in the Serpent Maze by Jane Yolen often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Odysseus in the Serpent Maze by Jane Yolen often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by peers or siblings and needs to see that intelligence and quick thinking are just as heroic as physical strength. While most stories focus on the adult Odysseus of the Iliad, Jane Yolen introduces us to a clumsy, insecure thirteen year old version of the future king. This reimagining makes the legendary hero accessible to modern children who are navigating their own awkward transitions into adolescence. Through an adventure involving pirates and the famous Cretan Labyrinth, the story explores themes of self confidence, the value of friendship, and the discovery of one's unique talents. It is a perfect bridge for middle grade readers who enjoy mythology but crave a protagonist they can actually relate to. Parents will appreciate how the book humanizes historical figures and emphasizes that bravery often begins with a clever plan rather than a sharp sword.
