For me, mythology isn’t only about gods fighting each other or controlling a hero’s fate. Mythology is about the essence of being human. Myths tap into something universal — they help us understand how to show up in the world. That’s why we come back to them time and again.

But often, myths bear the style and idiosyncrasies of the particular time and culture in which they were created. That’s where contemporary retellings come in. Young adult mythology reimaginings help readers find new ways to connect with these archetypal stories and their powerful themes.