Why are myths so timeless and consuming? Perhaps because there is something just too tempting about delving into a book where the characters—and sometimes their fates—are known even when the reader is unsure as to how the author will reframe the tale. Cultures and traditions dance around their mythology, even our annual calendars still reflecting the Roman gods. And what better genre to explore and push the boundaries of mythology than young adult fiction? Myths fit very neatly within YA. The genre is already full of powerful historical fiction, fantasy, and contemporary tales about teens coming of age and completing impossible feats. There is hope in the voices of characters who are not wearied by the world, but eager to stare down gods and fight against fate. YA characters harbor endless hope, a weapon that strikes down many monsters. The mythology included in the books in this quiz do not solely come from Greek and Roman cultures. There are traditional tales from India; supernatural teenagers of color roaming modern cities; and a collection of retellings from East and South Asia by authors who wished they had access to such stories when they were growing up. Each book provides insight into the magic that may have been, and the magic that is yet to come. Don’t wait another moment. Take the quiz below to find out what YA mythological tale you should read next.
Looking for more to read? Check out 6 YA Fantasy Novels by #OwnVoices Authors, or the other YA mythological tales included in this quiz:
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Ellen Oh, Elsie Chapman, Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, Alyssa Wong The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi Lovely War by Julie Berry The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow (June 2020)
