Kirkus Reviews

Countering the notion that our language just sprang into existence from nowhere, a respected storyteller offers quick notes on the Classical backgrounds behind several dozen words or expressions in common use. Arranging her 17 main choices alphabetically from "Achilles Heel" to "Victory," Lunge-Larsen supplies for each a use-quote, retells or paraphrases a Greek or Roman myth that explains the term's usage then closes with quick references to several related gods or other figures whose names are still embedded in English. While "Pandora's Box" and some other entries feature fully developed tales, others do not. The story of Achilles (whose role and death in the Trojan War are encompassed in one sentence about how, after the "Battle of Troy [sic] broke out ... one fateful arrow pierced his heel") and others are sketchy at best. Adding occasional dialogue balloons graphic-novelist, Hinds presents expertly drawn but similarly sketchy watercolor scenes of fully-clothed or discreetly posed mortals and immortals on nearly every page. While pulling modern use-quotes from current literature for kids has the potential to spice up the presentation, some works are relatively obscure (River Boy, by Tim Bowler) or above the natural audience for this text (The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney). A quick skim of the subject—readable, but unsystematic and not well served by either the art or the dusty closing bibliography. (Nonfiction. 10-12)

Horn Book

From Achilles' heel to victory, Lunge-Larsen explores how words have been derived from myths. Each entry begins with a definition plus a quote that incorporates it. Next comes the relevant myth, along with graphic novelstyle art, its pencil and watercolor renditions enlivening the straightforward text with eloquent gestures and expressions. The classic tales and lively pictures make an effective lure to etymology's dramatic possibilities. Bib., ind.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Lunge-Larsen and Hinds explain what words like echo, grace, hypnotize, and janitor have in common, tracing the origins of common words and expressions to Greek and Roman myths. Readers may know that -arachnid- derives from the story of Arachne and that modern-day -sirens- have mythical antecedents, but this collection has plenty of surprises, too, such as the roots of -nemesis- (the goddess of justice) or -tantalize,- after doomed Tantalus. Lunge-Larsen provides additional context, including dictionary definitions, and quotes from children-s literature. Hinds incorporates graphic novel-style elements into his dynamic illustrations, including dialogue balloons and filmic perspectives. A treat for myth lovers and language lovers alike, this smart and well-executed compilation should provide readers with a deeper understanding of the ways in which language evolves and of the surprising symbolism behind certain words. Ages 9-12. (Oct.)

ALA Booklist

Lunge-Larsen introduces readers to 17 words and phrases whose origins can be traced to classical mythology. Using appropriate character names (depending on the Greek or Latin origins of words), she provides definitions, short excerpts from a children's text that includes the term, longer retellings of the relevant myths, and follow-up discussions that incorporate related expressions. A few terms (Achilles' heel, Pandora's box) have clear connections to mythology, but most (echo, fate, fortune, janitor, panic, tantalize) are less obvious. Hinds' computer-enhanced pencil-and-watercolor illustrations appear on every page, depicting key moments from the tales and adding subtle details to the text: Leonardo da Vinci is shown painting the Mona Lisa in the section "Genius," while Homer recites the opening lines from the Odyssey in "Muse." Appended with author and illustrator notes, a bibliography, and a chart of the immortals (including Greek and Roman names and spheres of influence), this makes a good resource for mythology units, history classes, or English or Latin teachers hoping to perk up vocabulary lessons.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7 Mythology meets etymology in this handsome collection that introduces words derived from the gods, goddesses, and humans featured in Greek and Roman tales. From "Achilles' Heel" to "Victory," 17 terms are presented along with the stories of the characters that inspired their origins. Each section begins with a page containing a definition and a quote from a well-known children's book that makes lively use of the featured word, all attractively bordered by a thematic frieze (round eyeballs for "Hypnotize" or emblems of the arts for "Muse"). Clearly and vividly written, the subsequent tales range in length from quick summations (a two-page entry for "Genius") to more detailed recaps of myths (Arachne and Athena's weave-off for "Arachnid"). Entries end with additional notes about the highlighted word and its uses and variations. Hinds's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations have a classical feel, showing statuesque characters girded in golden armor or draped in graceful clothing, frightening beasts (the Furies, set against a crimson background, are particularly haunting with their dripping-with-blood eyes and batlike wings), and an array of human emotions. A thoughtful author's note and a chart listing the Greek and Latin names for the characters are appended. The colorful artwork and brief chapters make this volume ideal for classroom sharing. Use this unique offering to launch a discussion about the elemental power of story and its influence on modern-day language. Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal