Children's Book Suggestions | Mythology & Folklore

Thanks to The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, young readers are obsessed with mythology. This list features some of our favorite fiction books for young readers that incorporate mythological themes. You can view more mythology and folklore-themed fiction in the library catalog.

Our definition of mythology for this list is fairly broad. In addition to ancient polytheistic religions that are no longer widely practiced, we included other ancient religions still being practiced today (like Hinduism and Indigenous religions) as well as folklore and traditional tales passed down through oral storytelling traditions. Fairy tales, including written European folklore popularized by the Grimm brothers and Middle Eastern tales from the 1001 Nights, are covered in our Fairy Tale book lists.

For nonfiction books on mythology and world religions past & present, check out the 290s.

Updated June 6, 2024
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Oregon City Public Library
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Kiki Kallira breaks a kingdom
Mandanna, Sangu
Paper Book
Kiki Kallira is more of a worrier than a warrior - but today she will learn to be a hero. The mythical beasts she loves to draw have come to life, and she is the only one who can defeat them. A middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own...

A fast-paced fantasy adventure inspired by southern Indian folklore. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

The storm runner
Cervantes, Jennifer
Ebook

A middle school boy discovers his disability is linked to his heritage as the son of a Mayan god. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Loki : a bad god's guide to being good
Stowell, Louie
Paper Book

Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets the MCU in this hybrid graphic novel chronicling the many indignities the Norse god Loki experiences after being sent to Earth in the body of a young teen boy as punishment for his bad behavior in Asgard. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

The lightning thief
Riordan, Rick
Ebook
Coming soon to Disney+! Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is the first bestselling book in Rick Riordan's phenomenally successful Percy Jackson series. Half boy. Half God. ALL Hero. Look, I didn't want to be a...

The OG mythology-inspired fantasy adventure series! Percy Jackson discovers he's actually the son of a Greek god and is sent to a camp for other half-human demigods. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
Zhao, Xiran Jay
Paper Book
'Fast-paced, furiously funny and utterly fantastic.' A.F. Steadman 'Culture and technology clash as Zachary Ying takes adventure to a new level!' Kwame Mbalia Percy Jackson meets Yu-Gi-Oh in this hilarious, action-packed fantasy adventure. Zachary Ying has never had...

A Chinese American middle schooler must cross the underworld to save the mortal realm in this story featuring figures from Chinese folklore. (Young Teen Fiction Grades 5-7)


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