Young Zeus

By: G. Brian Karas
Scholastic Press, 2010
Reading Level: 3.2 (Accelerated Reader)
Independent Read

Book Description: Picture Book, Mythology, Children's Choice Award

Young Zeus lives on an island in Greece, raised by a she-goat named Amaltheia.  However, Zeus is lonely.  He has no brothers or sisters to play with and does not understand where all the other gods have gone to.  When Zeus finds out that his brothers and sisters are being held captive, he undertakes a heroic mission to bring peace back to the heavens.  G. Brian Karas tells the tale of how Zeus came to power using picture book in Young Zeus.

* Teaching Resources for Young Zeus

Supporting Electronic Resources:
MythWeb
Use this site after reading to further research Zeus and examine his life as an adult.  This website can be used in extension activities.
PBS Kids
This website can be used before or during the story to map out Zeus's family tree.  Descriptions of each character can be added and students can map out the relationships of characters in the story.  Use this website as a comprehension tool.

Vocabulary:
enchanted, Titan, underworld, banish, murky, radiant, bicker, reign

Teaching Suggestions:
-Use this book to introduce mythology
-Have students create character maps for various characters in the story

Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading- Introduce the characters in the book using the cast of characters page in the beginning of the book.
During Reading- Use the online family tree to map out Zeus's family tree and identify characteristics of each family member.  This will help students understand how one character relates to another.

Writing Prompt:
Create a poem for two voices using Zeus and Cronus.  Students can compare/contrast Zeus and his father using the poem.