Styx and Stones: A Funny, Page-Turning Fantasy Adventure with Greek Mythology, for Kids (Ages 8-12)($15.20Value)

Description

Percy Jackson meets The Labors of Hercules Beal in this hilarious, page-turning fantasy adventure with a heart of gold from two award-winning authors. Simon expected more from life than being orphaned in ancient Greece and stuck in the Underworld for eternity. Determined not to forget who he is, he commits himself to escaping Hades. Along the way, he faces the monster Cerberus, befriends the tormented Sisyphus, and becomes Persephone’s favorite servant. Then, after centuries of failed attempts, he is finally thrust into modern times—and into the stall of a middle school bathroom. Naked. With the help of Zeke, a nerdy rich kid on the social fringes, Simon learns to navigate this amazing and bewildering world. And with Simon’s help, Zeke begins to question his comfortable life and understand the true meaning of friendship. Everything seems to be going great . . . until the god of the Underworld sends a demon girl to bring Simon back. And suddenly, it’s not just the secret of Simon’s past that’s threatened, but their very lives—and everyone’s around them, too. Is their friendship strong enough to withstand the Will of Hades and save St. Nikolaos Academy Middle School? From two-time Newbery honoree Gary D. Schmidt and two-time PEN Award winner Ron Koertge, Styx and Stones is an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure about friendship, courage, and identity, brimming with Greek mythology and high-stakes action. "Chortle-worthy events will sweep readers along [and] young audiences will come away as profoundly affected . Moving and thoughtful, while making a strong case that the classics are cool." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A refreshingly different novel." - Booklist (starred review) "This grabs ­readers from page one and takes them on a witty, heartfelt, and memorable ride. An essential purchase." - School Library Journal (starred review) "Schmidt’s and Koertge’s comic juxtapositions work wonders [and] the authors’ bright wit and deep appreciation for the humanities create a context for understanding the vulnerability in bereavement." - The Horn Book (starred review) "An introspective story of unlikely connection across an action-adventure plot with Percy Jackson appeal. Emotionally rich [with] warm messaging that highlights myriad paths toward healing." - Publishers Weekly An utterly delightful blend of Greek mythology and middle school drama! Simon and Zeke will make you see both the ancient world and our own with new eyes. - Gene Luen Yang, National Book Award Finalist and Printz Award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints Ron Koertge and Gary Schmidt are a match made in Hades! Who knew hell and middle school were so alike? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll gasp, you’ll sigh, as the story races to its deeply satisfying conclusion. - Sonya Sones, award-winning author of What My Mother Doesn’t Know Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author of The Labors of Hercules Beal ; Just Like That ; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now ; Pay Attention, Carter Jones ; Orbiting Jupiter ; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy ; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars . He is also coauthor, with Ron Koertge, of Styx and Stones. He lives in rural Michigan. Ron Koertge is the author of many acclaimed novels for young people, including Stoner & Spaz and Shakespeare Bats Cleanup , and most recently is coauthor, with Gary D. Schmidt, of Styx and Stones . A two-time winner of the PEN Award, Ron lives in South Pasadena, California, where he is currently the city’s poet laureate.