Live like a goddess Life lessons from legends and lore

Historian and podcaster Menzies encourages teens to look to mythological stories for emotional guidance in this approachable collection. In a brief introduction, she explains the importance of goddesses and how their stories help us learn more about ourselves and capabilities. Divided into three themed sections, the collection of retold stories from global mythology offers brief introductions to each goddess (such as Ame-No-Uzume, a Shinto goddess in Japan) before diving into one of her myths. Following each story, Menzies explains how teens can take the goddesses' experiences and apply them to their own lives to be braver, advocate for themselves, try new things, establish boundaries, and so on. Menzies' selections are impressively global in scope, including stories from cultures and religions in Africa (Bantu, Egyptian, and Ifá); the Americas (Cherokee, Inca, and Navajo); Europe (Celtic, Norse, Greek, and Roman); Asia (Buddhist, Chinese, Persian, Hindu, and Shinto); and Australia and the South Pacific Islands (Polynesian, Hawaiian, Samoan, and Gurindji). Black-and-white illustrations add visual interest to this inviting and thought-provoking volume.

A collection of myths and legends about goddesses around the world that impart empowering life lessons. This collection contains 21 depictions, each about 10 pages long, of goddesses from different world cultures and religions. Some, like Demeter and Isis, will be widely recognized, while others may be less familiar. Each tale is preceded by a description of the goddess's origins and concludes with a discussion of easy ways to apply lessons from her myth in everyday life. With morals as varied as the goddesses represented, the chapters offer readers advice on themes such as advocating for themselves, as in the story of Diné creation deity Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé, or inspiration to stretch their boundaries, as in the tale of Hawaiian fire goddess Pele. While each tale is distinct, Menzies presents most in ways that highlight overarching themes of confidence, independence, strength, and empathy. The writing style is accessible and engaging, and the entries are complemented by Dolan's bold, eye-catching, black-and-white artwork that resembles linocut prints. The self-help and mythology sections of each goddess's profile are well balanced, although the breadth of legends covered occasionally results in oversimplified retellings. However, the framing of the goddesses' stories will inspire many readers to learn more about them and incorporate lessons from their myths into their own lives. Equally entertaining and empowering; will appeal to readers seeking strong women role models. (resources, bibliography)(Mythology. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.