Are you a 3-7th grade teacher or homeschooling parent who has Percy Jackson, Greek myth-loving kids? Of course, you are! Kids love the Greek myths and, in many schools, learning them is a part of the Common Core, which is not my favorite pedagogy, but there are ways to enliven the standards.

I wrote Medusa: The Myth of Monsters for two reasons: 1) To get more upper elementary and middle-grade students reading with a fast-paced adventure series. 2) To give girls especially, but also other marginalized readers, a chance to find their voices and central roles in the Greek myth universe. (Like my National Book Award Finalist, The Lost Year, Medusa is about who gets to tell the story.)

All six of my husband’s close relatives are—or were (miss you, Donna)—K-12 teachers. I was briefly one myself. I even taught The Odyssey, and The Iliad! So, I’m excited to share some fun classroom activities for Medusa. These activities teach active reading and analytical and creative writing skills. They also help students think about point of view, influence, storytelling, and perspective.

Explain to students that since ancient times, writers have reinvented older stories to reflect their own eras, identities, cultures, and values. Ask your students: What is Katherine Marsh updating through her Medusa story? [Answer: Women’s and girls’ roles, voices, and representation.]

Then have your students rewrite a myth:

With your students, create a bestiary of monsters from the Greek myths. In one column, write the monster’s name; in the next, its power. Like this:

Then, have students write a paragraph answering the questions: Which monster would you be and why? How would you use your superpower in your everyday lives? What clever uses can you come up with for your power?

Alternatively, if you were a god or goddess, what traits and special powers would you like to have? Why those? How would you use them? What are some potential positives and negatives that might come with those traits and powers?

Added bonus- use artwork to portray your physical characteristics, traits, and powers.

On a final note, please email any stories or artwork that come out of these Medusa activities to nighttourist@gmail.com and I will write your kiddos back! If you’re interested in a school visit, I’m also available through How Now Booking. The Myth of Monsters Book 2 will be out in 2025!