Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes

The demigod son of Poseidon offers his take on 12 figures from Greek myth in this irreverent and informative follow-up to Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (2014). Jokey contemporary references appear in quick succession (“We know you have a lot of options when choosing a directional wind, and we appreciate your business,” Zephyrus, god of the west wind, tells Psyche); Rocco takes a comparatively old-school approach with his moody portraits of Hercules, Atalanta, and others. Percy’s existing fans and newcomers will be equally delighted. It’s worth it just to watch Riordan/Percy squirm through the myths’ ickier details, such as Pasiphaë’s seduction of a bull: “This is a good time for all of us to put down the book again, run around in circles screaming, ‘Ewww!’ and wash our eyes out with Visine.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Nancy Gallt, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Aug.)