Greece! Rome! Monsters!

Greece! Rome! Monsters!

By John Harris The J. Paul Getty Museum (2002) ISBN: 0892366184

This book portrays the monsters, creatures, and scary figures found in Greek and Roman mythology. With colorful, beautiful illustrations that capture the unique characteristics of these mythical beasts, students really gain an idea of how strange these beings were. This book doesn’t contain any plot, but rather describes each monster and provides references to where they appear both in Ancient mythology and in modern-day vernacular.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--N/A ; ATOS--5.0

Qualitative: According to Accelerated Reader, this book is best for middle grades--grades 4-8. I suspect it received this classification due to the Greek and Roman names of the creatures that would be difficult for younger students to pronounce or understand and the references to classical literature. Because of the content, this book can be used as young as 3rd grade or as old as the high school level depending on students’ reading ability or how it may deepen understanding of Ancient mythology.

Content Area: Social Science--World History; English; Art

Curriculum Suggestions: Since this book serves to inform students about the monsters of Ancient Rome and Greece, it can be used as an informational text in the lower grades and a supplemental text in the upper grades to help with literary allusions. For the lower grades, teachers could use it to connect to the Percy Jackson series. High school teachers might want to use this as a connection text for The Odyssey. It could also serve as the starting point to explore the myths, heroes, heroines, and authors mentioned in the text. Teachers could also use the book as inspiration for students to create their own monsters.

Common Core Standards: RL.4.3

Additional/Digital Content:

• ClassMyth blogspot--

http://classmyth.blogspot.com/2010/01/monsters-of-classical-mythology.html

• Theoi Greek Mythology--http://www.theoi.com/

• Introduction to Greek Gods--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oeh1NOJF3U

• The Odyssey Google Lit Trip--

http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/9-2/Entries/2006/9/15_The_Odyssey_by_Homer.html

Personal Thoughts: Mythology always fascinates students. Thematically, teachers could easily design outside reading lists that address the themes covered by the myths. Furthermore, digital material is endless. Any unit on mythology presents opportunities for teachers to get students creating their own stories and opinions online.

*Meets the “Picture Book on History Topic” requirement