We’re gearing up to study Ancient History this year in our homeschool and one of the big units of the year is the study of Ancient Greece. I love this unit! So, I’ve been pulling all my Ancient Greece living books off the shelf, buying a few new treasures, and just had to share my list with you! These books are a fabulous mix of historical fiction, non-fiction informational texts, and biographies about the people of Ancient Greece.
Learning about Ancient Greece is so intriguing!
Let’s break them down by grade levels. And remember – you want to choose a book a bit above your child’s grade level to use as a read aloud. Another idea? Download an audio book to listen to in the car. Plus, don’t be afraid to let your kids read books that might seem a tad too easy. They’ll get more out of the content if the books are not a struggle.
Disclaimer: Each book featured in the list is hyper-linked to Amazon where I can earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. It’s no additional cost for you, but helps me and my family. I only promote books and products that I’m familiar with and truly believe in. So, please click through and know you are helping out another homeschooling family!
ANCIENT Greece PICTURE BOOKS
The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki
Book type: illustrated historical mythology
Pages: 48
The awesome Olympians of Greek mythology come to life as Aliki skillfully weaves many of the tales that have fascinated children for generations. Long, long ago in ancient Greece, people began telling wonderful stories to explain the mysteries of life. These myths featured gods and goddesses, mighty beings who look human but have amazing powers and live forever. Now you can meet these extraordinary characters and hear their legends, brought to life again by Aliki in this splendid, panoramic look at the amazing stories and characters of Greek legend. In these pages you will meet the great immortals: Zeus, the powerful king of the gods, and Hera, his beautiful but jealous wife. You will meet Athena, who sprung from Zeus’s head fully grown, and the lovely Aphrodite, who rose out of the sea on a cushion of foam. You will hear the story of the fierce battle fought to earn them their golden thrones.
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky
Book type: picture book biography
Pages: 48
This colorfully illustrated biography of the Greek philosopher and scientist Eratosthenes, who compiled the first geography book and accurately measured the globe’s circumference, is just right for budding mathematicians, scientists, historians, and librarians! Filled with fascinating details about Eratosthenes’s world (and in print since 1994), kids are sure to flip through the pages time and again.
What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras? By Julie Ellis
Book type: picture book biography math adventure
Pages: 32
Children can test their math skills and learn the Pythagorean Theorem alongside young Pythagoras in this STEM adventure. Pythagoras’ curiosity takes him from Samos to Alexandria, where he meets a builder named Neferheperhersekeper, who introduces him to the right angle. While building, Pythagoras uses geometry to learn how to measure angles and discovers all he needs to know about right triangles. With playful puns and wordplay Ellis creates the perfect STEM/STEAM resource for introducing young readers to a fundamental mathematical equation. A fun and accessible way to get young minds asking “what’s your angle?”.
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The Corinthian Girl by Christina Balit
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
“It was time for the first race to begin. The crowd gasped as the Corinthian girl exploded from the starting point!” The Corinthian girl has no name…abandoned as a baby, she is now a slave in Athens. But her Master is a famous Olympic champion. He spots the amazing athletic talent of the Corinthian girl, and realizes she could be a star at the Games in Olympia. From dawn till dusk she trains – running, jumping, throwing the javelin and the discus. And one year later she is at the great Olympic stadium for the race of her life. Can the Corinthian girl win the crown and find a name and a home at last? Based on the real-life Heraean Games for women and girls, held at Olympia, this is a thrilling story of one girl’s athletic achievement against all the odds.
King Midas: The Golden Touch by Demi
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48 pages
King Midas is a proud and foolish king who loves gold above all else. In return for helping him one day, a satyr grants the king his dearest wish — all that he touches will turn to gold. For a time, the king enjoys his gift. But then the food he puts to his mouth turns to gold so he cannot eat. And the horse he mounts turns to gold so he cannot ride. And everyone he touches turns to gold so he no longer has any family or friends. He has all the gold he could ever want, but he’s not at all happy.
How King Midas learns his lesson and finds happiness is the heart of this classic Greek myth, brought to new life by award-winning artist Demi’s own golden touch.
5 Minutes Read Aloud: 101 Aesop’s Fables for Children by Wonder House Books
Book type: picture book
Pages: 120
The timeless Aesop’ s Fables have been a part of our lives for generations, imparting valuable lessons to children, young and old. Continuing the magic of these insightful stories, 101 Aesop’ s Fables For Children are retold in an eloquent language accompanied by gorgeous illustrations. These classic tales have an impact and continue to have their hold on us such that we fall back on them to learn something new each time we hear or read them.
Ancient Greece Books for Grades 2-4
Magic Treehouse Ancient Greece and the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Treehouse Fact Tracker)
Book type: non-fiction informational
Pages: 128
Chapters: 10
No girls allowed at the Olympic Games! That’s the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #16: Hour of the Olympics, they had lots of questions. What did the ancient Greeks wear? What did they do for fun? Where were the very first Olympics held? How are our modern Olympics similar to the ancient Olympics? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts. Filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures.
Magic Tree House #16: Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne
Book type: historical fiction
Pages: 96
Chapters: 10
No girls allowed at the Olympic Games! That’s the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to ancient Greece. But when Annie tells jack to go to the games without her, he knows she’s up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games? Or will she get herself—and Jack—into Olympic-size trouble? Find out in Hour of the Olympics.
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
Book type: fiction
Pages: 128
Chapters: 12
In this zany twist on the Greek legend of King Midas and his golden touch, a boy acquires a magical gift that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate! Kids will eat this up for summer reading or anytime! Can you ever have too much of your favorite food? John Midas is about to find out…. The Chocolate Touch has remained a favorite for millions of kids, teachers, and parents for several generations. It’s an enjoyable story that pulls in even reluctant readers.
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Beast Keeper #1: Beasts of Olympus by Lucy Coats
Book type: historical fiction illustrated chapter book
Pages: 144
An illustrated chapter book, the first in a series, set in magical Ancient Greece where strange things still walk the Earth. Beast Keeper tells the story of Pandemonius (a.k.a. “Demon,” the half-god son of Pan) who, on his tenth birthday, is called upon to look after all the mythical creatures that belong to the stables of Olympus.
Aesop’s Fables for Children by Milo Winter
Book type: illustrated fables
Pages: 112
For centuries, children and adults have treasured the stories handed down by Aesop, a slave who lived in ancient Greece approximately six centuries B.C. Known for their charm and simplicity, these simple tales feature brief adventures of animals, birds, and beasts — with a message hidden in each narrative. Every child should meet up with “The Hare and the Tortoise,” “The Ants and the Grasshopper,” “The Goose and the Golden Egg,” “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” and other characters. This splendid gift edition features more than 130 of Aesop’s beloved fables, enhanced with full-color illustrations and downloadable MP3 recordings of forty-two of the most popular stories in the book.
The Boy Who Cried Horse by Terry Deary (Read-It! Chapter Books Historical Tales)
Book type: historical fiction
Pages: 64
“Acheron is the best liar in Troy. In his stories, he can make King Paris and the Trojan heroes sound like gods. But when a stranger arrives in the city with news that the Greek enemy army has left without a fight, Acheron is suspicious. But when he finds out the truth, will anyone believe his latest story?”
Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans
Book type: historical fiction
Pages: 368
lliot’s mum is ill and his home is under threat, but a shooting star crashes to earth and changes his life forever. The star is Virgo – a young Zodiac goddess on a mission. But the pair accidentally release Thanatos, a wicked death daemon imprisoned beneath Stonehenge, and must then turn to the old Olympian gods for help. After centuries of cushy retirement on earth, are Zeus and his crew up to the task of saving the world – and solving Elliot’s problems too?
Usborne Greek Myths for Young Children by Heather Amery
Book type: Greek myths
Pages: 126 pages
This illustrated book is a retelling of Greek myths, full of brave heroes, terrifying monsters, powerful gods and goddesses, battles and great adventures.
The Trojan Horse: How the Greeks Won the War by Emily Little (Step into Reading Level 5)
Book type: history
Pages: 48
Chapters: 6
The Trojan War is one of the most important events in Greek mythology. It comes to life in this exciting Step 5 leveled reader about the Greeks’ clever use of the Trojan Horse to wage a battle inside the walls of the city of Troy.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Lynn Curlee
Book type: illustrated historical informational text
Pages: 40
In the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Lynn Curlee ponders the questions that have fascinated researchers and archaeologists for decades: What purpose did these structures have for the societies that built them? How did they achieve the means necessary to construct such intricate and innovative temples and statues? Mr. Curlee investigates and illustrates how these Seven Wonders must have appeared at their peak. With extraordinary paintings and a moving narrative, Mr. Curlee tells the story of some of man¹s greatest feats and explores the timeless desire of cultures to leave a permanent mark on the Earth.
Where Were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? By Yona Z. McDonough
Book type: historical informational text
Pages: 112
Chapters: 10
More than 2,000 years ago, travelers wrote about the incredible sights they saw while on their journeys. They told tales of hanging gardens that were built for a Babylonian queen, and a colossal statue that guided ships through the harbor of Rhodes in Greece. These writers compiled a list of the very best of these sights that are now known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Author Yona Zeldis McDonough takes the readers on a trip to the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Pyramids in Egypt (the only Wonder still standing), the Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Colossus of Rhodes in ancient Greece, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Temple of Artemis, detailing the creativity and skill that these early civilizations possessed.
The Iliad (Kingfisher Epics) retold by Nick McCarty
Book type: illustrated epic Greek tale
Pages: 165
Chapters: 13
Vivid illustrations by noted artist Victor Ambrus brings to life this new retelling of Paris’ doomed love for Helen and the years of siege that roiled the ancient city of Troy.
Tales from the Odyssey, Part 1 and Part 2 by Mary Pope Osborne
Book type: Greek mythology
Pages: 288
Giants and Cannibals! Wonders and Witches! One Amazing Hero.
Brave Odysseus is far from home, tossed by stormy seas, and cursed by an angry one-eyed giant. If he ever wants to see his family again, he will have to face hungry cannibals, outwit a beautiful witch, and sail past a six-headed serpent. His journey is the ultimate test of endurance and courage. In this exciting series, best-selling author Mary Pope Osborne retells Homer’s Odyssey, one of the most thrilling adventure stories of all time.
The Usborne Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths & Legends by Cheryl Evans & Anne Millard
Book type: illustrated Greek mythology
Pages: 64 pages
Exciting stories of Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes vividly retold for young readers. Includes stories about fascinating characters such as Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, Hermes, Zeus, Heracles, and the Trojan War.
Mark of Cyclops Ancient Greek Mystery by Saviour Pirotta
Book type: historical fiction
Pages: 224
Chapters: 24
Athens, 434 BC. Nico’s new friend Thrax has a strange knack of figuring things out. And when a valuable wedding vase is broken Thrax’s special skills might just come in useful. Can the boys prove that slave girl Gaia is innocent, and discover what the mark of the cyclops means? Join Nico and Thrax for a mysterious adventure set in ancient Greece.
Who Was Alexander the Great? By Kathryn Waterfield
Book type: biography
Pages: 112
When Alexander was a boy in ancient Macedon, he already had grand ambitions. He complained that his father, the great king of Macedon, wasn’t leaving anything for him to conquer! This, of course, was not the case. King Alexander went on to control most of the known world of the time. His victories won him many supporters, but they also earned him enemies. This easy-to-read biography offers a fascinating look at the life of Alexander and the world he lived in.
Planning for next year?
Check out these grade-by-grade book lists of engaging, clean, living books to add to your plans:
- 1st Grade Books List
- 2nd Grade Books List
- 3rd Grade Books List
- 4th Grade Books List
- 5th Grade Books List
- 6th Grade Books List
- 7th-8th Grade Books List
- 100 Must-Read Classics for Kids: The Complete Elementary Reading List
Ancient Greece Books for grades 5-7
Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick
Book type: biography
Pages: 142
Chapters: 14
Summary: With such inventions as the compound pulley and the Archimedean screw he provided the foundation for the sciences of mechanics and hydrostatics. And his original work as a geometrician gave modern geometry many of its basic tools. In a biography full of lively incidents, Bendick introduces Archimedes, mathematician, inventor, and great pioneer of modern scientific method. Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, manages to bring to life this famed mathematician who so influenced all later science.
I don’t teach math anymore! Nicole does that for me and it’s amazing. Read my honest, full review and discover a new way to do math!
The Trojan War by Olivia Coolidge
Book type: historical epic tale
Pages: 272
Chapters: 6
In this retelling of the Trojan War, Olivia Coolidge crafts heroes and gods into real, multidimensional characters, not just the figures of legend. Vibrant storytelling and finely wrought action have made her version of the classic tale of the Fall of Troy accessible to generations of young readers.
The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1 by Rick Riordan
Book type: historical fiction
Pages: 416
Chapters: 22
The first in a series of five exciting books. Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse – Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena – Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
Heading into Homeschool by Amanda Wilson
Book type: How-to non-fiction
Pages: 170
Is homeschooling right for your family? If you’re ready to jump into homeschooling for the first time, this how-to guide by experienced homeschooling mom of four will provide you with ALL THE KNOW-HOW YOU NEED to get started confidently and stress-free. This easy read will walk you step-by-step through your homeschool preparation.
Psst – Pin this page for later when you’re ready to plan!
