The Widely Unknown Myth of Apple & Dorothy

Haydu (One Jar of Magic) ponders on heartfelt insights surrounding loss in this modern fantastical retelling of classic Greek myths. To remain immortal, the inhabitants of Our Hill—all descendants of Greek gods—must climb a silver ladder to Olympus each winter solstice and take a bite of a golden apple. When Dorothy Hardy’s mother refuses, she becomes human and dies soon after. Because of her lineage as a descendent of Pandora, community members blame the goddess’s curious nature for Dorothy’s mother’s actions, shunning Dorothy as a result. The gods soon send an ultimatum: upon the next winter solstice, everyone in Our Hill must choose between returning to Olympus as gods forever or remaining on Earth as humans. As the solstice nears, Dorothy’s “nearly perfect” best friend Apple Montgomery, a descendent of Zeus and Hera, grows concerned over Dorothy’s burgeoning understanding of her mother’s choice, worried that she might lose her friend. Haydu’s worldbuilding is suffused with playful details and rich juxtaposition between the strict demands of Olympus and Earth. Through Dorothy and Apple’s alternating perspectives, the author explores grief’s impact to deliver a spirited, invigorating take on familiar legends. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)