Farmingdale Library Teens: Geek Out Over Greek YA Retellings

Press release from Farmingdale Library Teens:

March 18, 2022

Greek mythology is having a moment. Certainly, it’s been popular for a long time, but with the rise of dark academia as an aesthetic and interest among teens especially, Greek mythology falls in line with the ideas of private schools, classic stories, and slightly foreboding possibilities.

It’s also true that the youngest readers who grew up on Rick Riordan and his mythology are seeking out YA titles as they enter their late teens and early adulthood. That Riordan has his own imprint now, too, has only increased interest in these titles.

YA retellings have used Greek myths for decades, but inspired by the increased desire for these stories, let’s look at both some new books, as well as some from the backlist.

For readers who haven’t had interest in Greek mythology, these titles can be a great introduction. And in YA, we’re lucky — more and more of these retellings are being done by authors of color, adding something entirely new, fresh, and far more inclusive to mythology (which, of course, is what makes mythology exciting).

This is a Latinx take on Orpheus and Eurydice, and if this one really works for you as a reader, another clever take on this myth is All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry.

This press release was produced by Farmingdale Library Teens. The views expressed here are the author’s own.