Step into the enchanting world of the Goddess Girls series, where Greek mythology meets the drama and dreams of middle school! Written by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, this delightful series follows four young goddesses—Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis—as they navigate friendship, first crushes, and mythical adventures at Mount Olympus Academy. With a modern twist on ancient tales, Goddess Girls captivates young readers with its blend of humor, heart, and divine challenges.
Perfect for ages 8–12, the series reimagines classic myths as relatable coming-of-age stories. Whether it’s Athena inventing olives for a science fair or Medusa grappling with her reputation as the school’s mean girl, these books offer a fresh, accessible introduction to Greek mythology while tackling universal themes like self-discovery and belonging.
How Goddess Girls Began
The Goddess Girls series was born from a dinner conversation between co-authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, sparked around the time Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series ignited a craze for Greek mythology. Holub, with her shelves brimming with mythology books, and Williams, a former librarian with a knack for children’s stories, saw an opportunity to create a mythology-based series tailored for young girls. They pitched their idea to Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), blending ancient myths with modern tween life, and the first book, Athena the Brain, hit shelves in 2010.
The authors decided to keep the tone light and conversational, with characters speaking like “regular kids” sprinkled with godly exclamations like “Yegods!” Their collaborative process involved rewriting each other’s work to craft a seamless voice, ensuring the series felt like it was penned by a single author. This teamwork, paired with their love for mythology, laid the foundation for a series that’s now spanned over 30 books.
The Heart of Goddess Girls
At Mount Olympus Academy, where Zeus is the principal and teachers include Mr. Cyclops, the Goddess Girls series centers on four best friends. Athena the Brain introduces Athena, a brainy goddess discovering her divine heritage while facing off against mean girl Medusa. In Persephone the Phony, Persephone learns to embrace her dual nature, splitting time between the Underworld and Mount Olympus. Aphrodite the Beauty explores jealousy and self-worth as Aphrodite navigates love and rivalry, while Artemis the Brave showcases Artemis’s courage as she tackles challenges in the hunt.
The series weaves themes of friendship, self-esteem, and personal growth into its mythical framework. Each book tackles relatable issues—like fitting in, handling jealousy, or standing up to bullies—while staying true to the gods’ and goddesses’ mythological roots. The setting, a magical academy atop Mount Olympus, brims with whimsical details like Waterworks Parks and divine science fairs, making ancient myths feel fresh and fun. Reviewers praise the series for its “clever take on Greek deities” and its ability to blend “middle-school woes with life as a deity,” making it a hit with young readers and educators alike.
The books’ lighthearted tone and short, humor-filled chapters make them perfect for tweens, especially those not yet ready for denser series like Percy Jackson. With standalone stories, readers can jump in anywhere, though the evolving friendships reward those who follow the series in order.
Why Goddess Girls Resonates
Goddess Girls has left a lasting mark on middle-grade fiction by making Greek mythology accessible and relatable for young readers, particularly girls. Its focus on strong, diverse female characters who learn to embrace their unique powers resonates with fans, sparking curiosity about ancient myths and history. The series’ success, including Scholastic Book Club bestseller status and graphic novel adaptations, reflects its broad appeal. Readers love how it balances frothy fun with meaningful lessons, encouraging self-confidence and teamwork.
Parents and educators appreciate the series’ educational value, with many noting how it inspires kids to ask questions about mythology and explore related topics. Its enduring popularity, with new books still releasing over a decade later, proves that the Goddess Girls’ blend of myth and modernity continues to enchant.
- Publication Years: 2010–present
- Number of Books: Over 30, plus graphic novels
- Target Age: 8–12
- Publisher: Aladdin (Simon & Schuster)
Grab Athena the Brain and dive into the magical, myth-filled world of Goddess Girls today! Whether you’re a mythology buff or just love a good story about friendship and adventure, this series is sure to spark your imagination.