Medusa (The Myth of Monsters, 1) by Katherine Marsh

On February 20, 2024, Medusa arrives in the world. It is the first book in a new middle grade series called The Myth of Monsters written by Katherine Marsh. (She also wrote The Door by the Staircase, Nowhere Boy, and The Lost Year, which was a National Book Award finalist and Jane Addams winner.)

First of all, I’m already a HUGE fan of her writing, so I was really excited to read this book.

She didn’t disappoint. Excellent writing hooked me from the first page to the last.

What’s more, I’m also a fan of stories that flip the monster/hero trope on its head –where monsters aren’t bad, and the villains are the so-called “good guys.” This book surprised me with its take on monsters not being monsters and I love to be surprised when I read. Don’t you?

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Medusa (The Myth of Monsters, 1) by Katherine Marsh

This book is a twisty, exciting feminist mythological adventure that will make you think twice about accepting the stories you are told without question. You’ll have plenty to discuss during and after reading — especially about the patriarchy and who controls the narrative. I recommend this book for readers in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Plot

Ava and her brother are forced to attend a special boarding school, Accademia del Forte, for descendants of the Greek monsters meant to reform the monstrous students so they’re compliant and well-behaved. When the school takes away Ava’s new friend Fia’s voice, Ava, who guesses she’s a descendant of Medusa, starts to question who the monsters really are…and if the stories of the gods and goddesses are even true. To help her friend Fia get back her voice, Ava and their fury friend Arnold travel to meet Medusa, then Hecate, Hestia, and Metis. They learn that Zeus retold the stories to favor him and to oppress powerful women and learn the truth about Medusa.

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Medusa Discussion Questions

1. Think about Fia losing her voice. What could this symbolize in the story? What about in your own life? Have you ever lost your voice, even symbolically?
2. Ava worries about her monstrous ancestor making her bad. Do you think that our parents or grandparents make us who we are? Why do you think this?
3. What surprised you about Medusa’s true story? What about the other monsters’/goddesses’ stories?
4. Why do you think Zeus retold the stories?
5. Who tells the stories in our world today? Who has the loudest voice and the most influence? What about throughout the last 100 years?
6. Do you have a prediction for what might happen in book 2?

KEEP READING

Middle Grade Books About Immigration
(featuring another Katherine Marsh book)

Baba Yaga in Children’s Books
(featuring another Katherine Marsh book)

Greek Myth Books for Kids