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Goddess Girls #2
Persephone the Phony
In Persephone the Phony, Persephone develops a crush on bad-boy Hades. Her mom (Demeter) and friends don’t approve, and Persephone finds herself sneaking around to see him. Hades convinces her to tell the truth, and it’s revealed that he isn’t all that bad, just misunderstood!
137 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2010
274 people are currently reading
3188 people want to read
About the author
Joan Holub
347 books1,236 followersNY Times bestselling children's book author:
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
February 17, 2020
This series is beyond adorable!
I liked this even more than the first book 👌
Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I liked this even more than the first book 👌
Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 5, 2010
I really loved this installment of the series. I think it deals with a really important tween issue for girls-standing up for yourself. This is an age where girls really start to feel pressure to be like everyone else and it's hard to remember to speak up.
Persephone is always agreeable, she wants to go along with everything just so she won't make anyone mad. She drags along to the mall when she would rather be home. She always agrees with her group of friends, even when she thinks differently. She even buys things she doesn't want in order to fit in and please others. For this reason, Persephone feels like a phony.
When she gets to know "bad boy" Hades, Persephone knows her friends and her mother don't approve. But for the first time, she wants to do what she wants, not what everyone else wants her to do. Persephone finds herself in danger by ignoring too many rules and she finally realizes there needs to be a balance between always agreeing and being too wild.
I think this age is when girls start submitting to peer pressure and start to lose themselves. This book could really be a helpful tool in teaching girls that they can still speak up for themselves and be an individual. Speaking up seems to be praised in boys but not girls, so I'm glad to see it addressed in a book targeted to girls. I can identify with Persephone even now and I hope I can learn to try to be less of a people-pleaser like she did.
Hades and Persephone's romance was just too adorable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship continue to blossom in the third book.
Persephone's story was another great addition to the Goddess Girls series, with fantastic elements of young love, friendship, family, and most of all learning about yourself.
this book was sent by the author in exchange for an honest review
http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
Persephone is always agreeable, she wants to go along with everything just so she won't make anyone mad. She drags along to the mall when she would rather be home. She always agrees with her group of friends, even when she thinks differently. She even buys things she doesn't want in order to fit in and please others. For this reason, Persephone feels like a phony.
When she gets to know "bad boy" Hades, Persephone knows her friends and her mother don't approve. But for the first time, she wants to do what she wants, not what everyone else wants her to do. Persephone finds herself in danger by ignoring too many rules and she finally realizes there needs to be a balance between always agreeing and being too wild.
I think this age is when girls start submitting to peer pressure and start to lose themselves. This book could really be a helpful tool in teaching girls that they can still speak up for themselves and be an individual. Speaking up seems to be praised in boys but not girls, so I'm glad to see it addressed in a book targeted to girls. I can identify with Persephone even now and I hope I can learn to try to be less of a people-pleaser like she did.
Hades and Persephone's romance was just too adorable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship continue to blossom in the third book.
Persephone's story was another great addition to the Goddess Girls series, with fantastic elements of young love, friendship, family, and most of all learning about yourself.
this book was sent by the author in exchange for an honest review
http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
May 20, 2010
Persephone the Phony is my favourite of the first two books, as I liked Persephone slightly more than Athena, and this one even had a little sprinkling of romance, with none other than bad boy Hades! Well, he's not bad really, everyone just thinks he is. Instead, he's a sweet, thoughtful guy with an interest in Persephone, and a kick-ass black stallion that he rides around on. Life's great if you're a God of the Underworld, eh?
I really like how these books incorporate Greek mythology into the everyday trials and tribulations of growing up. It's such a cool way to learn about history, and I wish there had been something like this when I had to snooze my way through boring lessons in primary school. Although each story seems quite short to me, I think they're just the right length for tweens, and would be a great pick for reluctant readers.
I'm looking forward to reading the other 2 books in the series later in the year, and then I think I'll move on to Percy Jackson. These Greek types are cool!
I really like how these books incorporate Greek mythology into the everyday trials and tribulations of growing up. It's such a cool way to learn about history, and I wish there had been something like this when I had to snooze my way through boring lessons in primary school. Although each story seems quite short to me, I think they're just the right length for tweens, and would be a great pick for reluctant readers.
I'm looking forward to reading the other 2 books in the series later in the year, and then I think I'll move on to Percy Jackson. These Greek types are cool!
June 12, 2022
This book is an adorable middle grade series that spins up some new and exciting stories about everyone's favourite Greek gods and goddesses.
Persephone is friends with the other goddesses, but she always finds herself presenting in a way that makes everyone else happy. Her Mom is also uber strict, which is super annoying. She meets Hades, and finds herself a new friend that she doesn't have to pretend around. The two bond, but her friends and Mom think he's trouble. Persephone will learn the values of being herself in this wonderful read.
This series is a delight and I now need to read every single book. It's positive, teaches morals and good lessons, and puts a super fun spin on Greek mythology. I highly recommend this super incredible series if you're looking for a middle grade book to get hooked on.
Four out of five stars.
Four out of five stars.
Persephone is friends with the other goddesses, but she always finds herself presenting in a way that makes everyone else happy. Her Mom is also uber strict, which is super annoying. She meets Hades, and finds herself a new friend that she doesn't have to pretend around. The two bond, but her friends and Mom think he's trouble. Persephone will learn the values of being herself in this wonderful read.
This series is a delight and I now need to read every single book. It's positive, teaches morals and good lessons, and puts a super fun spin on Greek mythology. I highly recommend this super incredible series if you're looking for a middle grade book to get hooked on.
Four out of five stars.
Four out of five stars.
August 15, 2024
So cute!! I can't believe I still remember these books so vividly.
This installment follows Persephone who has finally found solace in a godboy named Hades. Hades actually listens to her and sees her, while Persephone puts on a front and people pleases when it comes to her mom and her best friends.
The lil romance storylines in these books are so cute. I am so pleasantly surprised that this series still holds up as an adult!
This installment follows Persephone who has finally found solace in a godboy named Hades. Hades actually listens to her and sees her, while Persephone puts on a front and people pleases when it comes to her mom and her best friends.
The lil romance storylines in these books are so cute. I am so pleasantly surprised that this series still holds up as an adult!
April 20, 2010
This was such a cute book! I am so happy that I won this (yes I won it off the internet - for FREE)!
It was so adorable! Though it was definitely for younger audiences. The plot was rather simplistic and, although it gave good thought to the question of idenitiy, it was over almost before it began.
I had problems with the fact that Hades was in school and Zeus was already grown up (Hades is the oldest!) but all in all the myhtology stuff was more acurate than I thought it would be.
I realize that I am much more hard on people who write retellings of Greek Mythology than most people probably would be for the simple fact that it is already so good that there is not much you can change to make it better (the Persephone myth - which gives Hades such a bad rap - being the exception.)
However if a young adult wants to read a variation on the story of Persephone I would not recommend this book because of its sweet simplicity. Rather I would recommend Radiant Darkness.
This book was a very viable choice for children.
It was so adorable! Though it was definitely for younger audiences. The plot was rather simplistic and, although it gave good thought to the question of idenitiy, it was over almost before it began.
I had problems with the fact that Hades was in school and Zeus was already grown up (Hades is the oldest!) but all in all the myhtology stuff was more acurate than I thought it would be.
I realize that I am much more hard on people who write retellings of Greek Mythology than most people probably would be for the simple fact that it is already so good that there is not much you can change to make it better (the Persephone myth - which gives Hades such a bad rap - being the exception.)
However if a young adult wants to read a variation on the story of Persephone I would not recommend this book because of its sweet simplicity. Rather I would recommend Radiant Darkness.
This book was a very viable choice for children.
March 4, 2022
Rating: 5 / 5
A charming addition to this series, and one that takes its research seriously when it comes to Persephone. Here, she's rightfully not just the goddess of spring, but she's also extremely compatible with the Underworld as well as Hades.
Now, maybe it's just because I love this couple no matter how many retellings I read about them...
..Or maybe it's because I'm becoming a fan of this series and how cute and yet well-researched it is...
...But I have a feeling that 5 stars is all that I can really give. Not one iota less.
I just love this series.
I'm...sunk for it, I guess?
Hee hee hee.
A charming addition to this series, and one that takes its research seriously when it comes to Persephone. Here, she's rightfully not just the goddess of spring, but she's also extremely compatible with the Underworld as well as Hades.
Now, maybe it's just because I love this couple no matter how many retellings I read about them...
..Or maybe it's because I'm becoming a fan of this series and how cute and yet well-researched it is...
...But I have a feeling that 5 stars is all that I can really give. Not one iota less.
I just love this series.
I'm...sunk for it, I guess?
Hee hee hee.
Read
May 14, 2023now what if I said this was the best romance I’ve read in a year
August 15, 2024
ate this up
December 22, 2022
saw these at smith family and was sent into a violent flashback to the only scholastic book fair my dad let me buy something at and that something was the masterpiece that is goddess girls: athena the brain
March 2, 2024
I adoree Persephone sm 🤧
May 15, 2015
En cuanto vi este libro en el catálogo de la editorial DiQueSí, supe que tenía que leerlo. Me encanta la Mitología Griega y todo lo relacionado con ella. Y este libro no podía faltar entre mis lecturas del tema.
Es cierto que es un libro más bien infantil, enfocado a enseñar a los más peques de la casa el mundo de los mitos antiguos, los Dioses del Olimpo y todo lo que gira en torno a ello. Pero eso no me ha impedido disfrutar del libro. Porque he de decir que ¡me ha encantado!
Este es el segundo de una serie de libros (creo que son unos 15, aunque traducidos de momento 3), cada uno centrado en un Dios Griego, que se pueden leer de forma independiente.
Para empezar, la edición es preciosa. En cada página encontramos pequeños detalles que hace que te guste todavía más. El libro se divide en capítulos cortos, y es muy fácil y rápido de leer. Y lo que a mi ha acabado por convencerme, en la solapa de la parte de atrás, se puede recortar el marca páginas a juego con el libro. Es un detalle precioso que yo personalmente agradecí mucho (sí, que pasa, soy una de esas personas a las que les gusta tener marca páginas a juego con el libro J ).
La forma en que este libro nos presenta a los Dioses es bastante curiosa y diferente a lo que estábamos acostumbrados hasta ahora. Nos encontramos con unos personajes jóvenes, estudiantes en la Academia del Monte Olimpo. Como personaje principal tenemos a Perséfone, y si os lo estáis preguntado, si, es la misma de la leyenda de Perséfone y Hades. Y hay muchos personajes secundarios, como su madre, Deméter, la diosa de la agricultura. O sus amigas, Atenea, Artemisa o Afrodita. Y por supuesto, también nos encontramos con Hades. Un Hades muy diferente al que solemos conocer, con una fama de chico “malote” dentro de la Academia, cosa que me ha parecido muy muy graciosa.
Me ha encantado ir leyendo y descubriendo a los Dioses que conoces de siempre como simples estudiantes, con los problemas “típicos” de esa edad.
Por supuesto, al estar enfocado a un público más viene infantil, la forma de describir a los Dioses es mucho más amable que en los mitos originales, ya que todos conocemos que Zeus es un Dios vengativo, que Hades secuestró a Perséfone y la llevó al Inframundo, o que Poseidón, embravecía los mares como simple diversión (entre muchos ejemplos que conocemos).
Resumiendo, Perséfone la impostora es una lectura muy divertida, fácil y rápida, y perfecta para pasar un buen rato y desconectar de libros mucho más pesados. Otra forma de conocer a los Dioses Griegos, y obligatoria para los amantes de la Mitología.
Es cierto que es un libro más bien infantil, enfocado a enseñar a los más peques de la casa el mundo de los mitos antiguos, los Dioses del Olimpo y todo lo que gira en torno a ello. Pero eso no me ha impedido disfrutar del libro. Porque he de decir que ¡me ha encantado!
Este es el segundo de una serie de libros (creo que son unos 15, aunque traducidos de momento 3), cada uno centrado en un Dios Griego, que se pueden leer de forma independiente.
Para empezar, la edición es preciosa. En cada página encontramos pequeños detalles que hace que te guste todavía más. El libro se divide en capítulos cortos, y es muy fácil y rápido de leer. Y lo que a mi ha acabado por convencerme, en la solapa de la parte de atrás, se puede recortar el marca páginas a juego con el libro. Es un detalle precioso que yo personalmente agradecí mucho (sí, que pasa, soy una de esas personas a las que les gusta tener marca páginas a juego con el libro J ).
La forma en que este libro nos presenta a los Dioses es bastante curiosa y diferente a lo que estábamos acostumbrados hasta ahora. Nos encontramos con unos personajes jóvenes, estudiantes en la Academia del Monte Olimpo. Como personaje principal tenemos a Perséfone, y si os lo estáis preguntado, si, es la misma de la leyenda de Perséfone y Hades. Y hay muchos personajes secundarios, como su madre, Deméter, la diosa de la agricultura. O sus amigas, Atenea, Artemisa o Afrodita. Y por supuesto, también nos encontramos con Hades. Un Hades muy diferente al que solemos conocer, con una fama de chico “malote” dentro de la Academia, cosa que me ha parecido muy muy graciosa.
Me ha encantado ir leyendo y descubriendo a los Dioses que conoces de siempre como simples estudiantes, con los problemas “típicos” de esa edad.
Por supuesto, al estar enfocado a un público más viene infantil, la forma de describir a los Dioses es mucho más amable que en los mitos originales, ya que todos conocemos que Zeus es un Dios vengativo, que Hades secuestró a Perséfone y la llevó al Inframundo, o que Poseidón, embravecía los mares como simple diversión (entre muchos ejemplos que conocemos).
Resumiendo, Perséfone la impostora es una lectura muy divertida, fácil y rápida, y perfecta para pasar un buen rato y desconectar de libros mucho más pesados. Otra forma de conocer a los Dioses Griegos, y obligatoria para los amantes de la Mitología.
May 31, 2020
I love the little life lessons thrown in here. Don't judge someone based on rumors and how to diffuse a situation without violence. I love these books. They are so nice to read after all the darker books I've read
December 6, 2023
Frowning, Hades waved a hand toward the cemetery. "Most goddessgirls wouldn't step foot in a place like this. Doesn't it creep you out to be here?"
Persephone tossed her curly head. "Not a bit," she replied. "I like it here. It's peaceful."
maybe it's an unfair judgement since this is literally a childrens' series imagining Greek gods and goddesses in junior high, but they would not fucking say that. also "nectaroni and cheese" is THE vilest thing i have ever pictured
Persephone tossed her curly head. "Not a bit," she replied. "I like it here. It's peaceful."
maybe it's an unfair judgement since this is literally a childrens' series imagining Greek gods and goddesses in junior high, but they would not fucking say that. also "nectaroni and cheese" is THE vilest thing i have ever pictured
February 10, 2023
I think I'm hooked on this cute little series and I have no shame about it. I've always been a fan of Greek mythology and these put such a fun twist on the classics. I loved the portrayal of Hades in this one and so far I think Persephone is my favorite of The Goddess Girls!
January 13, 2022
It was such a cute read. It's a retelling of Persephone and Hades.
August 24, 2024
Cute! I'll always ship Hades and Persephone and this was a very cute story for them.
February 6, 2022
THIS BOOK WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!! read in grade 7
June 18, 2021
Cute kids' book
February 3, 2011
With a mother that is always telling her to 'go along to get along', Persephone rarely gets to do what she wants or say what she means. She just tries to make everyone feel comfortable and doesn't want anyone's feelings to get hurt.
She even pretends to like the same things as her best friends at the Mount Olympus Academy. She goes shopping with Aphrodite, pretends to like knitting for Athena, and says Artemis' dogs don't bother her at all, even though they are kind of smelly.
So, when she meets bad-godboy Hades, she's surprised that he actually likes to hear what she has to say. And thought their friendship is new and everyone else thinks he's bad news, Persephone feels like she has finally found the person with whom she can stop being a phony and just be herself...
I love, love, love Persephone! She's my designated goddessgirl best gal pal. As a young girl, I so often found myself in the same possition as she: trying to please my friends and going along with their schemes even though sometimes I didn't want to, so for me it was an instant connction to this girl who always means well but loses herself a little in the process. I loved seeing her find her way.
And Hades was so cute! I know, I know he's the godboy of the underworld, but he was cute. I could see the shyness underneath it all.
Persephone the Phony is such a lovely story about seeing beyond appearances and asserting oneself. And I can't wait to read the next installment of the Goddess Girls.
Favorite Quote: "So? Just because someone comes from the wrong side of the world, it doesn't mean they aren't worth knowing" - Persephone.
She even pretends to like the same things as her best friends at the Mount Olympus Academy. She goes shopping with Aphrodite, pretends to like knitting for Athena, and says Artemis' dogs don't bother her at all, even though they are kind of smelly.
So, when she meets bad-godboy Hades, she's surprised that he actually likes to hear what she has to say. And thought their friendship is new and everyone else thinks he's bad news, Persephone feels like she has finally found the person with whom she can stop being a phony and just be herself...
I love, love, love Persephone! She's my designated goddessgirl best gal pal. As a young girl, I so often found myself in the same possition as she: trying to please my friends and going along with their schemes even though sometimes I didn't want to, so for me it was an instant connction to this girl who always means well but loses herself a little in the process. I loved seeing her find her way.
And Hades was so cute! I know, I know he's the godboy of the underworld, but he was cute. I could see the shyness underneath it all.
Persephone the Phony is such a lovely story about seeing beyond appearances and asserting oneself. And I can't wait to read the next installment of the Goddess Girls.
Favorite Quote: "So? Just because someone comes from the wrong side of the world, it doesn't mean they aren't worth knowing" - Persephone.
May 19, 2017
I liked this book a lot for the themes it talked about (being true to yourself, being honest with those you care about, don't judge others when you don't know all the facts), BUT I could not bring myself to give it a 5 star because I've read Joan Holub's younger series, Heroes in Training. While this might seem like nitpicking, the Heroes in Training series is a lot closer to the origin myths in Greek Mythology. This series is very cute (and some of the classes sound awesome, Hero-ology anyone?), but in this book Hades and Poseidon are godboys at school while Zeus is the principal - I just can't get past the fact that they are supposed to be SIBLINGS (which has so far not been mentioned).
So far, there has been no mention of Cronos or the Titans; yet, a lot of minor characters in mythology have appeared (Pandora, Medusa, etc.). It's fun and light, but I have to make the mythology side of my brain settle down and not point out all the problems while I read.
Still going to read the next book though!
So far, there has been no mention of Cronos or the Titans; yet, a lot of minor characters in mythology have appeared (Pandora, Medusa, etc.). It's fun and light, but I have to make the mythology side of my brain settle down and not point out all the problems while I read.
Still going to read the next book though!
May 10, 2021
Okay so I caved at the library last week and got like 7 of these books (all out of order) just to have options, and so I thought why not try this one since I do like Persephone and Hades. And this being my very first Goddess Girls book, and despite it taking me a bit longer than planned, I'm actually glad I decided to FINALLY give this a chance because it was absolutely adorable and now I kinda feel invested in others' *laughing* So I'm going to actually rate this a 5 star which normally I would do a 3 or 4 star for elementary books like this, but this was just too much fun and too adorable and I'm now wondering where the heck I was for these! Even though I'm only 30 and have no kids and never married, these are definitely books I'd love to read to my kids regardless being a boy or girl and introduce them to the Greek Mythology gods and goddesses (*add Percy Jackson to that too). Overall, I can't get enough of how much I ended up actually LOVING and enjoying this one and my very first Goddess Girls book.
April 8, 2024
➳ 4 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
ok, i think i liked this book even more than the first one. rhis is my third time reading this book in my most recent reread and i enjoyed it a lot!
persephone is a relatable, fun main character and i enjoyed her pov this book. these books are just so quick and easy and fun and i am really enjoying them. in this one we get a little more romance and maturity but it still had the same young feel and while the morals maybe aren’t the best for impressionable younger readers compared to the first book, it still has great messages and the mythology is still great.
highly recommend for younger readers or older readers looking to sit back and relax with a fun, simplistic book and learn about greek mythology 🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
ok, i think i liked this book even more than the first one. rhis is my third time reading this book in my most recent reread and i enjoyed it a lot!
persephone is a relatable, fun main character and i enjoyed her pov this book. these books are just so quick and easy and fun and i am really enjoying them. in this one we get a little more romance and maturity but it still had the same young feel and while the morals maybe aren’t the best for impressionable younger readers compared to the first book, it still has great messages and the mythology is still great.
highly recommend for younger readers or older readers looking to sit back and relax with a fun, simplistic book and learn about greek mythology 🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
July 27, 2011
I really love this series for quite a few different reasons. First off, girls can easily identify with it and it covers issues commonly found in middle school, well in this case Mount Olympus Academy. This particular book illustrates that you can't judge a godboy just because they are from the Underworld and are slightly shy and moody. Persephone is tired of just going with the flow. Upon meeting Hades, she decides to make a few changes and goes against what her friends want for once. Although this book is part of a series, it really reads as a stand alone as well. Can't wait to read the next one.
October 25, 2010
Persephone always goes along with the crowd. Her mother is very overprotective and brought her up not to make waves. This book was extremely loosly based on the Persephone/Hades myth. In the beginning I couldn't get into it, but as Persephone learned the importance of being on her own two feet, I started to appreciate it more and more. I also really liked Hades. Who is not a misunderstood bad boy, but just misunderstood. He's not a bad guy and I really appreciated that. This was a much looser interpretation of the previous Goddessgirl tale, which kind of disappointed me a little bit, but I guess that would have been to serious for a 4-6th grader.
January 13, 2018
With a mix of Greek mythology and tween woes, this is a great book for middle-graders. Persephone is tired of pretending to be someone she's not for the sake of her mother and friends, but a single act of rebellion changes how they all look at each other. Persephone's story is a great way to look at peer pressure, conformity, and changing yourself to fit into a crowd.
January 18, 2013
When Persephone fells like she is in love with one of the bad boys at school she thinks that she is a phony. Join Persephone in her adventure to save time and her love also. The bad boy is hades and he is a mental hearted boy that loves her for who she is.
April 22, 2010
Good follow-up to the first book. Readers (mostly girls) will absorb mythology facts within a fictionalized story about Persephone, Hades, and 3 other goddesses in middle school. Ages 8-12.
December 31, 2010
Such a great series for middle grade girls ages 8+. Love the fun, light take on mythology.
June 14, 2025
Reread this on the beach as a full grown 23 year old. BANGER
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