Quicksilver by Stephanie Spinner Date of Publication: 2006 ISBN: 0440238455 Number of Pages: 240

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Intermediate: Average
GENRES: Myths and Legends
THEMES : Good versus Evil - Life versus Death - Family
- Loyalty

SUMMARY:
Hermes isn’t just a figure from Greek mythology – he’s a pretty funny guy, too. He has many gifts, and wants nothing more than to impress his father, Zeus. He’s often called to active duty by his father, and these favours lead him into many interesting situations. He must travel to the depths of the Underworld to save a goddess' daughter, he assists a mortal in beheading Medusa, he helps to select a mortal who will judge a goddess beauty contest, and he even helps to end the Trojan war!

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- likes funny stories
- enjoys mythology
- enjoys contemporary takes on ancient stories
- likes sarcastic humour

This book is recommended for students in grades 7 and 8 only (Young Adult).

WHAT ELSE?
This is Greek mythology made modern! It's filled with traditional Greek myths, but they are presented in such a humourous way that it's a lot of fun to read. There are some elements in the book that make it better suited for intermediate The language (e.g. Hermes’ father often tells him "to go to hell," though he means it literally), and the scene where the goddesses strip down to try to win the "most beautiful" vote, make this a book for intermediate students only!