The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods: A Tale of the Persian Wars

In this epic tale, lavishly illustrated by Cockcroft (A Song of Sun and Sky), Holland (Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age) mixes reality and mythology to tell of the Persian Wars through the eyes of Gorgo, the eventual queen of Sparta who grew up in a world teeming with violence and magic, where gods actively influenced the course of events and the tides of war. Via straightforward yet lilting narration, through which Gorgo ages from tweendom to adulthood, she shares stories of gods, heroes, mortals, and monsters, as told to her by the people in her life. Over the course of her storytelling, Gorgo finds herself embroiled in matters of politics and diplomacy, becoming instrumental in guiding her people through years of strife and uncertainty when the Persian Empire—led by Xerxes, the mighty King of Kings—threatens to conquer Sparta. Historian Holland draws from his subject-matter expertise to deliver an accessible, educational, and engaging reimagining of Herodotus’s Histories. Though it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of characters, events, and myths covered here, it’s a fascinating work and an ideal primer for curious readers and Greek history enthusiasts alike. Ages 9–12. (Nov.)