Why We Think Rick Riordan Presents is Supercool

“Rick Riordan Presents” is a brilliant concept, and we think it's super cool. For those of you who haven’t come across it yet, you are going to be thrilled you finally have. We are so excited to give you the low-down on Rick Riordan and his imprint. So no long introductions, we’re jumping straight in.

Who is Rick Riordan?

Although we are sure this renowned American author needs no introduction, we can’t help but write about this fabulous author who brought us the incredible Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. He is a New York Times #1 best-selling author of over twenty novels for young readers, and his books have been translated into forty-two languages. And if that wasn’t enough to impress you, there are over 190 million of his books in print!

If you’ve ever wondered how he brilliantly connects with tweens, it can perhaps be attributed to the fact that he was a middle school teacher for 15 years before becoming a full-time writer. He initially wrote mystery novels for adults and thankfully delved into tween fiction when he wrote The Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his son. 

We love how his books blend contemporary settings with Roman, Egyptian, and even Norse mythologies. Aside from Percy Jackson and the Olympians, here are a few of our other favorites:

The Kane Chronicles: When ancient Egyptian gods are unleashed, siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover their magical heritage and must use their newfound powers to restore balance to the world.

Magnus Chase: Set in the realm of Norse mythology, this series introduces Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager from Boston who discovers his demigod identity and embarks on an epic journey with the gods of Asgard.

The Trials of Apollo: After being cast down from Olympus by Zeus, the god Apollo is transformed into a mortal teenage boy. Stripped of his powers, he must survive in modern-day New York City and undertake perilous quests to regain his godly status.

What is “Rick Riordan Presents”?

We don’t think we can say it any better than he does! 

“Basically, our goal is to publish great books by middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, to let them tell their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage. 

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions from my fans: “Will you ever write about Hindu mythology? What about Native American? What about Chinese?” I saw that there was a lot of interest in reading fantasy adventures based on different world mythologies, but I also knew I wasn’t the best person to write them. 

Much better, I thought, to use my experience and my platform at Disney to put the spotlight on other great writers who are actually from those cultures and know the mythologies better than I do. Let them tell their own stories, and I’ll do whatever I can to help those books find a wide audience.” - Rick Riordan

Must-Read Titles from "Rick Riordan Presents"

Winston Chu vs. The Whimsies by Stacey Lee

We loved this enchanting story about Winston Chu, a young boy who discovers a mysterious shop in Chinatown filled with magical whimsies. As Winston navigates the challenges of school and family, he finds himself entangled in a fantastical adventure that tests his courage and wit. 

Luckily we still have a few of our exciting book boxes left featuring this amazing novel alongside 3 fabulous gifts that bring this book to life, the Once Upon a Book Club way!

Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee

Meet Pahua Moua, a lonely Hmong girl with the ability to see spirits. When she accidentally frees a soul-stealing demon, Pahua must embark on a daring quest to save her brother’s soul. This novel weaves Hmong folklore into an action-packed adventure, highlighting themes of bravery, family, and self-discovery. You will just love the magical and heartfelt storytelling of this exciting story!

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real, the student council president, it's under less-than-ideal circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in a week after a fight with Yasmany, Gabi's friend. Gabi, also the school paper's editor, is determined to prove Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker despite the lack of evidence. 

Sal's sleight of hand skills conceal a greater secret: the ability to conjure objects, including his deceased mother, from other dimensions. Gabi, intrigued and unphased, becomes his ally. Together, they navigate the risks of manipulating time and space, with their adventures featuring a quirky cast of characters, Cuban cuisine, and endless laughter.

Carlos Hernandez has packed this one with a delightful mix of Cuban culture, humor, and science fiction!

The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi

Roshani Chokshi's The Spirit Glass invites readers into a world of Filipino folklore and supernatural intrigue. The story follows Corazon as she eagerly anticipates beginning her training as a babaylan (a mystical healer and spirit guide) under the guidance of her powerful guardian, Aunt Tina. She dreams of awakening her magic to resurrect her parents, so she won't have to rely on a soul key for brief visits with their ghosts every Saturday night.

However, when a vengeful ghost steals her precious soul key, the delicate balance between the human and spirit worlds is disrupted. Aunt Tina explains that for Corazon's magic to awaken, she must lay the ghost to rest by creating a new soul key.

Joined by her fierce gecko companion, Saso, Corazon sets off on a quest through the spirit realms. Time is of the essence, for if the ghost breaches the spirit glass, all hope will be lost.

And if Roshani sounds familiar, you are 100% correct, as her adult book, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride, was featured in our “Dangerous Fairy Tales” book box.

Conclusion

"Rick Riordan Presents" is more than just an imprint; it's a celebration of diversity and cultural heritage. By giving a platform to underrepresented voices, it enriches the literary landscape and provides young readers with stories that reflect the world’s rich tapestry of cultures. Whether you're a fan of mythology, fantasy, or just great storytelling, these books are sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into these adventures and discover the magic of "Rick Riordan Presents"! For more information, check out the full collection on the Rick Riordan Presents page.

Pssst… our Tween book boxes are guaranteed to bring your young readers endless hours of fun and are the ideal way to get your middle grade readers excited about reading! Make sure to check out our blog on our new and improved Tween Boxes!

If you’re looking to get your tween off the screen, you may want to check out our blog 7 Ways To Get Your Kids Off Electronics and Into Books!