Have a Hot Time, Hades!

Shocking!

McMullan, Kate. Have a Hot Time, Hades! New York ; Volo/Hyperion, 2002.

Plot: Hades, Lord of the Underworld, is actually an avid reader. However, he becomes irate when he reads his brother's published description of the Olympians' rise to power. Determined to reveal the truth, he writes this text. Zeus, he reveals, was rescued and guided by his mother. His siblings, including Hades, actually provided order and organization to the formation of the Age of Olympians. Zeus just uses his children to vote himself as overall leader. Additionally, the titans fell to a ten-year ballgame, the organization of the universe depended on a round of poker, and the heroic actions of Zeus were anything but.

Genre: Humor, Myth

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Phone Home, Persephone!, It's All Greek to Me

Personal Thoughts: Written three years before Percy Jackson, the series focuses on Greek myths through both a humorous and modern tone. According to modern sensibilities, much of the Greek gods' behavior was...questionable. Throwing in modern references and ample humor, the title offers a funny and oddly relatable story.

Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws

Yoda, Hiroko and Alt, Matt. Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws. New York : Kodansha International, 2010.

Plot: Yoda and Alt make a solid attempt to separate fact from fiction in this history book. Ninjas, they explain, were not the black-clad shinobi recognized today. Instead, ninjas provided information and assassinations, usually for a price or for country, disguised as "plainsclothes" - farmers, servants, and other, normal, people. Yet, ninjas enjoyed a mythical status even early in their creation. As a result, the two authors discuss factual ninjas, mythical ninjas, non-ninjas (with ninja-like behavior), and Oda Nobunaga, the ultimate ninja killer.

Genre: History, Ninjas, Myth, Folktales

Reading Level: Most of the writing is fairly high-brow, but information about assassins, spys, and femme fatales may not be suitable for younger readers.

Similar Titles: Ninja: The Shadow Warrior, 101 Great Samurai Prints

Personal Thoughts: I would definitely recommend this to any ninja (and even most non-ninja) fans. The book considers both the modern view and influence of ninjas as well as the actual origins of the so-called dark warriors in a comprehensible manner without being patronizing. Additionally, the illustrations attract attention while adding to the stories of the larger-than-life individuals.

As a side note, there is nothing special about the photo. It is just a standard mosasaur in a woven jewelry box.