Schmidt, Gary D. Styx and Stones. Addl. Creator Ron Koertge. Clarion, 05/2026. 231pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-06-338097-4. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Simon has spent more than 2,000 years in the underworld after his entire family is killed in a war with Sparta, until he escapes and ends up in the present time at a middle school. The story alternates between the world of Hades and the world of Simon adjusting to middle school, in a clear metaphor of how both places can be hellish due to bullying. The contemporary scenes, with nerdy Zeke, who befriends Simon, are more compelling than the underworld scenes, which can be repetitive and may confuse readers who haven’t studied Greek mythology. Fans of Rick Riordan’s books, which also blend myths with contemporary characters, will enjoy the narrative due to the smooth writing, even though the story is not especially new or original.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool