The Nat Geo Kids “Greeking Out” Series Brings Greek Gods to Life

If you’re seeking captivating graphic novels with educational benefits for your classroom, consider the Nat Geo Kids’ “Greeking Out” series. Inspired by the widely acclaimed “Greeking Out” podcast, these books are crafted for children aged 8 to 12. They offer lively, humorous retellings of classic Greek myths, enriched with accurate historical insights into ancient Greece. Here’s what sets them apart:

• The series: The collection includes Greeking Out: Epic Retellings of Classic Greek Myths, Greeking Out: Heroes and Olympians, and Greeking Out: Tales from the Underworld.
• Content: Each volume features around 20 Greek myths, from well-known tales like Persephone’s descent into the Underworld and Heracles’ 12 Labors, to lesser-known stories of cunning gods, brave mortals, and mythical creatures.
• Style: The series has a playful and engaging tone, offering laugh-out-loud narratives and dynamic illustrations. Modern references, like the “Oracle of Wi-Fi,” make the myths relatable for young readers.
• Educational value: Beyond storytelling, the books provide factual information on Greek culture and mythology, ensuring they are both entertaining and informative.

Adam Peterson, an Illinois teacher with 13 years of experience, shares our enthusiasm for this series. Here’s his perspective on using the books in the classroom:

For which grade levels and subject areas do you think the “Greeking Out” books are best suited?

These books are ideal as read-alouds or for independent reading for students in grades 2 to 5. They provide an excellent introduction to Greek Mythology, Gods, and Goddesses, sharing stories that many students may not be familiar with. Additionally, they serve as a lighthearted resource for older students studying Greek Mythology.

Does this product align with any specific standards or curriculum guidelines?

While “Greeking Out” is intended to be an engaging storytelling series for ages 7 to 10 (approximately grades 3–7), it’s not part of a formal standards-aligned curriculum. However, an Educators’ Guide accompanies the series, offering discussion questions and activities adaptable for classroom use. These focus on:

• Character analysis
• Motivation and conflict
• Setting and theme
• Connections to the natural world

These elements align well with Common Core ELA standards for literature, such as:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K–5.1 (Ask and answer questions about key details)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K–5.2 (Determine theme, recount stories)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K–5.3 (Describe characters, settings, events)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K–5.4–6 (Vocabulary, point of view, structure)

The guide doesn’t explicitly list Common Core codes, but its suggested activities are clearly aligned with these standards for reading literature and comprehension.

How did you (or would you) use this product in your classroom?

I primarily use these books as read-alouds, and students have already started asking if they can take them home! One student, in particular, is eager to borrow a book.

Besides utilizing the free downloadable guide, some engaging activities could include:

• Create your own mythological story with a fictional hero or heroine.
• Design and illustrate a mythological creature.
• Transform your classroom into a mythological realm with art projects and decorations to retell Greek myths uniquely.
• Rewrite the myths with alternative endings.

How did your students react to the books?

Their curiosity was ignited right away! As soon as they saw the covers and I flipped through some of the graphics, they were eager for story time. After reading a few pages of the first book, they were captivated and asked if they could take them home to read! 🙂

How would you sum up your overall experience with “Greeking Out”?

I’m genuinely enthusiastic about these books. They’re accessible and easy to teach, even for someone not deeply versed in Greek mythology. I’m looking forward to sharing more stories with my students and exploring additional projects from the Educators’ Guide.

How easy was it to use and implement in your classroom?

Extremely easy! The children were thrilled when they saw the vibrant graphics. These books are not just great for read-aloud sessions but also for students to explore independently. The vivid images truly bring the stories to life.

The engaging graphics and narrative style make the series an excellent tool to capture students’ interest. My students were intrigued from the moment they saw the covers.

What were the top two features you liked most about “Greeking Out”?

1. The graphics—stunning illustrations that aid younger readers in understanding and retelling the stories in their own words.
2. The Educators’ Guide, complete with extension activities and writing prompts, is fantastic. It’s a time-saver, providing ready-made activities to extend learning beyond reading.

What makes “Greeking Out” special or unique compared to other books or series you’ve used?

I’ve never encountered Greek mythology books for kids that are this enjoyable to read and share. The term “Greek mythology” used to bring to mind the dry textbooks and study guides from high school, but not anymore! The “Greeking Out” series makes these myths easy to understand with its gorgeous graphics that vividly bring the stories to life.

How will “Greeking Out” save you time or make teaching easier?

These books simplify teaching new concepts by immediately capturing students’ interest. The Educators’ Guide, packed with discussion questions, writing prompts, and extension activities, allows for easy implementation with minimal preparation.

How do you plan to use “Greeking Out” again in the future?

The students are already eager to continue reading, so I plan to share more stories from the series soon. I also intend to engage students in writing responses and creative writing activities as we delve further into the series.

Teacher Picks is a sponsored program available from We Are Teachers. All opinions shared in the review are honest and based on the teacher’s direct experience. To learn more about our guidelines and review process, click here.