I love compiling lists of books my children can read when we are studying a certain part of the world or time period. What’s amazing about homeschooling, is they can be inspired by something in Greek History, and I can take out some living books and they are all set! They love to read, study, and teach themselves! And what a rich childhood to be able to take an interest in a topic, and be able to learn more about it. Certainly, we have times when we are studying these parts of the world or times in history together, but there are always other times when their experiences will bring them to other topics. Let’s cultivate that and encourage their interest in learning!

Here is our list of Living Books for Greek History!

GREEK MYTHS

D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths by Ingri & Edgar Parin D’Aulaire is the most wonderful book to introduce your child to Greek Mythology. All of the D’Aulaire volumes are gorgeously illustrated and written.

A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne includes Greek myths in this living book for ages 9-12: The Gorgon’s Head, The Golden Touch, The Paradise of Children, The Three Golden Apples, The Miraculous Pitcher, and The Chimæra.

Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the follow-up to A Wonder Book and includes the myths of: Theseus and the Minotaur, Antaeus and the Pygmies, Dragon’s Teeth, Circe’s Palace, Proserpina, Ceres, Pluto, and the Pomegranate Seed, and Jason and the Golden Fleece.

Greek Myths & Legends is an illustrated reference guide detailing about Greek gods, heroes, and monsters.

Book of Greek Myths is an illustrated treasury of many of the Greek gods and goddesses stories with lovely illustrations!

Illustrated Stories from the Greek Myths is for the younger child, with beautiful artwork — this volume makes the stories of Medusa and Hercules accessible!

Greek Myths: Jason and the Argonauts: Young Jason has been set a seemingly impossible task — to retrieve the legendary Golden Fleece from the clutches of a deadly, fire-breathing dragon.

The Odyssey: The timeless Greek legend of gods and monsters comes to life in this action-packed graphic novel adaptation.

The Story of Pegasus: Imagine if you were told to kill a terrifying monster. That’s just what happens to Bellerophon and he’s in despair… until he finds Pegasus, a magnificent flying horse.

 

ANCIENT GREEKS (HOMER, PYTHAGORAS, SOCRATES, ARCHIMEDES)

The Trojan Horse by Emily Little: A lovely step into reading book that your child can read to you.  A lively account, yet shortened sentences and vocabulary makes it accessible to a younger reader.

The Spartan Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins: A simple, wholesome story, with wonderful writing, of twin siblings that live in ancient Greece. Greek mythology is referenced. Ages 9 and under.

The Trojan War by Olivia E. Coolidge: An exciting and readable version of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, a thrilling saga of heroism and magical adventure.

The Children’s Homer by Padraic Colum: This classic Homer rendition of The Iliad and The Odyssey is appropriate for 10 and up, or with discretion, for younger children. Does have some nudity, but is a lovely narrative of the classic stories.

Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick: This biography of Archimedes in Ancient Greece, shows his work in physics, astronomy, and mathematics. This book shows how exciting Archimedes found truth and ideas, and in exploring those ideas, allows the reader to experience some of the excitement for himself. Also includes information on daily life in Greece and anecdotal stories about Archimedes. A fun and interesting book.

The Children’s Plutarch: Tales of the Greeks by F. J. Gould: Twenty-one stories of the ancient Greeks adapted for the younger reader from the biographies of Plutarch. Great introduction to the characters that figured prominently in the history of ancient Greece. Includes black and white illustrations by Walter Crane. Ages 9 and up.

Our Little Spartan Cousin of Long Ago by Julia Darrow Cowles: Engaging account of the life of children in ancient Sparta — where young boys train to be Spartan soldiers through rigorous physical and mental exercises. In addition to wrestling, running, and throwing the discus, we watch them foraging for their food, gathering reeds for their bedding, singing patriotic songs, and eating at mess with their elders. Emphasis is on the true nobility and rugged simplicity of the Spartan character. Ages 8 – 10.

Our Little Athenian Cousin of Long Ago by Julia Darrow Cowles: Portrayal of the civic and home life of children in Athens, when the art and architecture of ancient Greece were at their height. Through the eyes of Duris, son of the architect Phorion, and Hiero, son of the sculptor Hermippos, we experience the Greek culture of the times as we accompany them on their journey from home to market-place, wonder at the Acropolis, visit schools and studios, observe festivals, and participate in the Olympic games. Ages 8 – 10.

 

How did I do? What should I add or omit from my list of Living Books for Greek History? What should I add? Have you read any? Which have you loved or wanted to leave?