Step into the whimsical world of Heroes in Training, where young Greek gods embark on epic adventures before they become the mighty Olympians of legend! This delightful chapter book series, crafted by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, reimagines Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and their divine friends as ten-year-old heroes discovering their powers while battling fearsome Titans. Perfect for young readers aged 6–9, Heroes in Training blends humor, action, and mythology into a kid-friendly saga that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
With its fast-paced plots and charming characters, the series invites kids to explore the magical realm of ancient Greece, where gods face relatable challenges like overcoming fears and working as a team. It’s a gateway to Greek mythology that sparks imagination and leaves readers eager for more.
How Heroes in Training Began
The Heroes in Training series sprang from the creative minds of Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, who first collaborated on the wildly popular Goddess Girls series. Inspired by their love for Greek mythology and a desire to craft stories for younger readers, they launched Heroes in Training in 2012 with Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom. The authors wanted to make mythology accessible and fun, imagining the gods as kids with big personalities and even bigger challenges. Their partnership, rooted in a shared passion for storytelling, has since produced multiple series, but Heroes in Training stands out for its action-packed plots and boy-friendly appeal, while still captivating readers of all genders.
The Heart of Heroes in Training
The series kicks off with Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom, where a young Zeus pulls a magical thunderbolt from a stone, setting him on a path to confront the Titan king, Cronus. In Poseidon and the Sea of Fury, Poseidon faces his fear of water—ironic for a future sea god—while battling sirens and the Titan Oceanus. Hades and the Helm of Darkness follows Hades as he braves the Underworld and a terrifying three-headed dog, Cerberus. Apollo and the Battle of the Birds sees Apollo teaming up to fend off angry birds and find a mythical shield. Each book weaves classic myths into kid-friendly adventures, with short chapters and cartoon-style illustrations that keep young readers hooked.
Themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery run through the series, as the young Olympians learn to harness their powers and work together. The setting—an ancient Greece filled with monsters, magical artifacts, and scheming Titans—brims with excitement. Holub and Williams infuse humor, like the Oracle’s foggy glasses or Zeus’s cheesy one-liners, making the stories lighthearted yet meaningful. The series’ serialized format, with cliffhangers between books, keeps kids racing to the next installment.
Why Heroes in Training Resonates
Heroes in Training has carved a niche as a go-to series for introducing kids to Greek mythology. Parents and educators praise its ability to blend learning with fun, teaching mythological figures and concepts in a way that feels like a thrilling cartoon episode. Fans, especially young boys, love the action and humor, while the inclusion of strong female characters like Hera ensures broad appeal. With 18 books and counting, plus graphic novel adaptations, the series has built a loyal following and inspired countless kids to dive deeper into mythology, often leading them to more complex series like Percy Jackson as they grow.
Its lasting charm lies in its accessibility—short, engaging books that make ancient stories feel fresh and relatable. By showing gods as kids with flaws and fears, Heroes in Training empowers young readers to embrace their own potential, making it a timeless addition to children’s literature.
- First Published: 2012
- Number of Books: 18, plus graphic novels
- Reading Level: Ages 6–9, Lexile 491–690
- Awards: Nominated for Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Massachusetts children’s book awards
Grab Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom and dive into the action-packed world of Heroes in Training today! Whether you’re a mythology fan or just love a good adventure, this series is your ticket to ancient Greece’s wildest tales!