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Reviewed by: Heather Maneiro, High School Librarian Title: Hera Author: Jennifer Saint Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: 9-Adult Genre/Type of Book: Mythology
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Zeus being Zeus Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Book of the Month selection If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Hera's retelling shows us why girls really should rule the world.
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Review:
In the beginning, together siblings Zeus and Hera overthrew their parents to take over the heavens with the understanding Zeus would rule as king and Hera as queen. Soon, however, we see Zeus will not give up his philandering ways consorting with the humans as he always has. Rather then be the bitter sidelined wife viewed as a weak, patsy of a queen, Hera determines that pairing her strength with Zeus she can perhaps create children to help her truly take her place among the Olympians.
Verdict: This retelling by Saint weaves in countless myths, providing a more contemporary, humanized side to many of these stories. Personally, I found myself swapping between the book and then going back to review some of the myths. Just the type of story I love – one that encourages me to seek out and learn more.
Fans of mythology and retellings will certainly want to pick this one up. Since mythology is often presented in grade 9, but this is written as an adult text, may not be appropriate to tie directly to lessons and standards, but definitely worth recommending and providing to students asking and wanting for more who are reading adult content.
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For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website