Easy to understand ( and delicately worded) explanations of mythology. ( )

I was not impressed overall with this book. The questions after each myth weren't too bad, and the prose description and discussion of the myths was also tolerable. But every time I read one of the "modernized" plays, I just wanted to roll my eyes. Not only do they rely on tired, cringe-worthy stereotypes rather than the usual (though admittedly also cringe-worthy) portrayal of the gods and (especially) goddesses, they're also written in the kind of "adults trying to relate to teens by sounding cool" language that is in itself, again, cringe-worthy. ( )

i really enjoyed this book. as a future teacher who will work with teen/preteens who is getting a masters in mythology and legends, i thought this was a good book to get a quick glimpse into myths and legends and not delve too into each subject as to confuse kids. i recommend this book to anyone who finds myths enjoyable and would like to dive into the shallow end of the mythology pool. :) ( )

Hamby's version of Greek mythology was thoroughly enjoyable, even to me as an adult. He did an excellent job of distilling the spirit of the original stories, and rendering it into updated form. I can easily envision his scripts becoming the basis of school plays as well as classroom readings.

I have only two criticisms about this book, and they are actually more guidelines for use than actual detriments. Because of the modern language, the ancient Greek flavor is lost. The reworked myths communicate the stories but remove much of the context. Again, this isn't a criticism per se, just a warning of what to expect.

Secondly, Hamby did a very good job in making the language timeless, but in places, I could potentially see it becoming dated in another ten years. He avoids slang, preferring to use casual language rather than make cultural references about the "modern" world that would quickly wear out. Still, I would consider this book to be best used when fresh, and to consider making emendations later on if a particular turn of phrase is no longer current.

Overall, this book would be an excellent resource for getting kids interested in mythology, but should be presented alongside the original material, or with the original available for curious students. ( )

Hamby's book includes jazzed-up-for-teens scripts for some major Greek myths. There are supplementary discussions about themes, in a similar we're-all-cool-here style and some background. It's a solid book, and I like the idea of the reader's theatre approach. The style & level would be appropriate for an advanced Gr. 7 or 8 class, or a more average group of Gr. 9s, or even 10s if you wanted a break.

I only had one little caveat - it's troublesome, having students act out some of this material, even in a simple reading. The women are huffy or dippy stereotypes, mostly, and while this isn't entirely out of spirit for the ancient myth, I got tired of it fast. Also, the dramatization of the story of Zeus & Io was uncomfortable for me - I don't plan to put any student in the position of having to refer to another student's large "udders", and I'd have to think carefully about the whole "you hussy" quickie-in-the-grass dramatic situation. Some groups might be able to handle it maturely, but others... not so much. ( )