Reading Guide

Best Mythology Books for Kids

4 sections - Updated June 2026

Kids love mythology, and there has never been a better time to feed that interest. This guide covers the best mythology-based fiction for young readers, organized by which mythology they want to explore.

Greek mythology

The most popular entry point. Gods, heroes, and monsters.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief2005

The gold standard. A boy discovers he is the son of Poseidon. Funny, fast, and mythology-accurate.

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus)
The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus)2010

The sequel series adds Roman mythology. Read after Percy Jackson.

Lore Olympus (graphic novel)
Lore Olympus (graphic novel)2018

A webcomic retelling of Hades and Persephone. For teens 14+. Modern art style.

Egyptian mythology

Less explored, equally rich.

The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles)
The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles)2010

Rick Riordan's Egyptian series. Two siblings discover they are descended from pharaohs. Dual narrators.

The Shadow Crosser
The Shadow Crosser2020

J.C. Cervantes. Maya mythology meets modern adventure. Part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Norse mythology

Vikings, gods, and the end of the world.

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase)
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase)2015

Riordan's Norse series. A homeless teen dies and ends up in Valhalla. Lighter and funnier than Percy.

Odd and the Frost Giants
Odd and the Frost Giants2008

Neil Gaiman. A short, illustrated Norse adventure. Perfect introduction for ages 7-9.

Norse Mythology
Norse Mythology2017

Also Neil Gaiman. Retellings of the original myths. Not fiction, but accessible and engaging for ages 10+.

Other mythologies

Beyond Greece, Egypt, and Scandinavia.

Aru Shah and the End of Time
Aru Shah and the End of Time2018

Roshani Chokshi. Hindu mythology. A girl accidentally wakes the Sleeper of Death. Rick Riordan Presents.

The Storm Runner
The Storm Runner2018

J.C. Cervantes. Maya mythology. A boy discovers a volcano near his home is a gateway to the underworld.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. Greek mythology is the most accessible, and Riordan's humor makes it effortless for young readers.

Most Riordan books suit ages 8-14. The myths involve violence and death, but it is presented at a middle-grade level. Norse Mythology by Gaiman is best for ages 10+.

Greek. Percy Jackson is the strongest starting point and the foundation for Riordan's entire universe.

Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026