The Goddess Girls

The Goddess Girls
Company type	Book series
Industry	Children's literature, fantasy
Founded	2010
Founder	Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Products	Children's books
Parent	Simon & Schuster (Aladdin label)

The Goddess Girls is a children's book collection authored by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, released through Simon & Schuster under the Aladdin label. This series offers a fresh take on Greek mythology, depicting the youthful Olympian deities as preteens attending Mount Olympus Academy (MOA), where they hone their supernatural talents.

The storyline revolves around four principal figures—Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis—who form a close-knit and diverse circle of friends. Athena is known for her intellect, Persephone for her gentle nature and enigmatic aura, Artemis for her courage and power, and Aphrodite for her natural allure. Holub writes the tales centered on Athena and Artemis, while Williams handles those focusing on Persephone and Aphrodite.

Within this commercially oriented fantasy setting, Zeus acts as the headmaster of the academy, with other gods such as Hades, Poseidon, and Ares appearing in supporting roles. Notable mortal figures including Pandora, Medusa, and Heracles also play significant parts. The series expands its reach by featuring gods from different mythologies as guest characters.

Titles

The Goddess Girls

Athena starts off portrayed as a clever girl who initially seems ordinary but struggles to find her place in junior high school. Raised on Earth alongside her parents and stepsister Pallas, she uncovers that her father is Zeus, ruler of the gods. Upon transferring to Mount Olympus Academy, she quickly becomes one of its top pupils. In Aphrodite the Diva, Hera assumes the role of her stepmother. Athena has wavy brown hair and gray eyes; while often indifferent about her looks, she is strikingly attractive. She soon bonds with popular students Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis. Being both youngest and most intelligent at MOA, Athena excels academically and possesses shapeshifting abilities. Owls are her favorite creatures as she embodies wisdom's goddess. In Athena the Wise, she develops feelings for Heracles, a powerful mortal who recently joined.
Persephone is Demeter's daughter—the goddess responsible for fertility and springtime—and has a magical ability to make plants bloom by touch. She exhibits beauty paired with kindness and thoughtfulness; her appearance includes pale skin and curly red hair often styled with a yellow chiton. Initially encouraged by her mother to conform socially, Persephone gains independence after falling in love with Hades. Calm and empathetic by nature, she becomes fond of dogs through Hades' three-headed canine companion Cerberus. Her first kiss with Hades occurs in Persephone the Daring, while in The Girl Games, she also discovers an affection for cats.
Aphrodite—goddess of love and beauty—is among the most admired girls at school and highly focused on her appearance. She has long blond curly hair, blue eyes, a slender build, and typically wears pink chitons along with makeup. Aphrodite enjoys pairing mortals romantically and founded the Lonely Hearts Club in Aphrodite the Diva to boost her academic performance. Her stunning looks attract considerable attention from male gods. She maintains a fluctuating romantic relationship with Ares. Aphrodite has no known parents as she emerged from seafoam.
Artemis is passionate about animals and athletics and ranks as Mount Olympus Academy’s top archer alongside her twin brother Apollo. Close friends with Aphrodite, Persephone, and Athena alike, she pays little attention to fashion in her role as goddess of moonlight and hunting. Artemis sports a short red chiton; her dark skin contrasts with her silver-arrowed bow that she always carries. She owns three dogs—Amby, Nectar, Suez—and four white deer that pull her chariot. In Artemis the Brave, she experiences her first romantic interest in Orion but later dismisses him due to his selfishness. During The Girl Games, Actaeon kisses her cheek. Additionally, Artemis shares a psychic connection with Apollo as portrayed in Artemis the Loyal.

Godboys

Apollo represents the god boy of truth and prophecy, known as Artemis's athletic twin brother with exceptional archery skills. He is a member of the band Heavens Above and features in Artemis the Brave and Artemis the Loyal, where he frequently engages in disputes with Artemis. In Cassandra the Lucky, Apollo develops romantic feelings for Cassandra following a curse he places on her.
Ares serves as the god boy of war and holds the title of the academy's fastest runner. With his tall, muscular build, Aphrodite considers him the most attractive god boy. He appears in Aphrodite the Beauty and Aphrodite the Diva, during which he composes a song dedicated to Aphrodite and performs alongside Dionysus, Poseidon, and Apollo in Heavens Above. Despite occasional disagreements, Ares and Aphrodite share a strong romantic bond and aspire to marry. In The Girl Games, he assists Aphrodite in enhancing her running skills.
Dionysus is recognized as the god boy of wine, appearing in Medusa the Mean. He becomes romantically interested in Medusa despite their contrasting personalities.
Poseidon embodies the god boy of the sea, distinguished by his constant association with a trident and his perpetually wet appearance. Popular among other god boys, he initially captures Medusa's attention but later reveals a harsh side. Pandora is also attracted to him before turning her affections toward Epimetheus. His ambition to achieve greatness is showcased in Amphitrite the Bubbly. Poseidon harbors feelings for Amphitrite.
Hades is introduced as the god boy of death in Persephone the Phony. Characterized by a dark and reserved demeanor, he becomes more open after meeting Persephone, who values him for his character rather than his Underworld heritage; they eventually fall in love. In The Girl Games, Hades coaches Persephone for long jump events and substitutes as drummer for Heavens Above in Persephone the Daring. He owns a three-headed dog named Cerberus.
Hephaestus represents the god boy skilled in metalworking, first appearing in Aphrodite the Beauty. Despite being thin, awkward, and having lame legs, he initially admires Aphrodite but later wins over Aglaia, who deeply cherishes him.

Mortals

Orion appears in Artemis the Brave as a self-absorbed mortal who pretends to be kind to gain Artemis's favor.
Medusa begins as MOA’s "mean girl" but gradually reveals a more complex personality. Originally an adversary of popular goddess girls, she is infamous for her petrifying gaze caused by Athena’s malfunctioning invention. Medusa has immortal twin sisters Stheno and Euryale, whereas she remains mortal. In Medusa the Mean, she strives for immortality and popularity, works hard academically to keep pace, and receives one day of immortality as a gift during Principal Zeus’s wedding. Initially attracted to Poseidon, she later reciprocates Dionysus’s affection. The series acknowledges her mythological roots as daughter of sea deities Phorcys and Ceto.
Pandora is a curious mortal girl identifiable by her blue-and-gold bangs shaped like a question mark, symbolizing both her inquisitiveness and school spirit. In Pandora the Curious, she shifts her romantic interest from Poseidon to Epimetheus. Friendly yet often distracted during conversations, she finds it challenging to engage others fully.
Heracles makes his debut in Athena the Wise as a mortal boy with dark curly hair who wears a lion-skin cape and carries a club. Tasked with completing twelve labors within one week or face expulsion, he receives Athena’s support, leading to mutual affection between them.
Actaeon has minor appearances in Artemis the Brave and Artemis the Loyal. A friend of Apollo who suspects Actaeon has feelings for Artemis; during The Girl Games, Actaeon shows interest in Penthe, forming a friendship with Artemis and confirming his crush through a kiss.
Cassandra appears as a bridesmaid at Hera’s and Zeus’s wedding. Once a Trojan princess angry at Athena, Aphrodite, and Apollo for causing the Trojan War, she shares Apollo’s prophetic gift but struggles with others doubting her predictions. In Cassandra the Lucky, she develops feelings for Apollo.
Ariadne, princess of Crete and daughter of King Minos, first appears as Dionysus’s bridesmaid in Medusa the Mean.
Pallas, Athena’s foster sister introduced in Pallas the Pal, initially feels jealous of Athena’s new friendships at MOA but eventually becomes close friends with Athena and other students.

Supporting Characters

Zeus serves as the principal of Mount Olympus Academy, reigning as king of the gods and sovereign of the sky. Athena is his daughter from his first spouse Metis. In Medusa the Mean, Zeus weds Hera. Standing seven feet tall, he has distinctive red hair and a beard. His office is famously cluttered, reflecting his volatile nature.
Demeter, goddess of fertility and mother to Persephone, initially disapproves of Persephone’s interest in Hades but changes her stance after Persephone mentions Principal Zeus’s endorsement. Demeter operates several shops in the Immortal Marketplace, including Demeter's Daffodils, Daisies, and Floral Delights.
Hera, introduced in Aphrodite the Diva, is Zeus’s wife and Athena’s stepmother. She is goddess of marriage and proprietor of Hera's Happy Endings boutique.
Pheme, recognized for rapidly disseminating news and gossip, features orange hair and wings granted by Zeus that enable flight. Although she is not among the "popular girls," she occasionally allies with the Goddess Girls. Her romantic interest is Eros.
Iris, goddess of the rainbow, moves swiftly along rainbows with wings that shift color according to her emotions. She harbors a crush on Zephyrus.
Amphitrite, sea goddess and mermaid characterized by coral fins and blue hair, becomes an exchange student at MOA after learning to morph her tail into legs. Her crush is Poseidon.
Hestia, goddess of the hearth possessing fire abilities, initially feels overlooked but has a passion for cooking. She invents flambrosia, a signature dessert at MOA highlighted in Teen Scrollzine.
Echo, a forest nymph who mimics others to blend in, has green hair and eyes adorned with pink flowers. After confronting identity challenges and losing her tree home, she pursues fashion design with support from the Goddess Girls. Narcissus was once her crush before she recognized his vanity.
Narcissus is a mortal youth consumed by his own reflection, oblivious to Echo’s feelings.
Clotho, one of the Fates responsible for spinning life’s thread alongside sisters Lachesis and Atropos, attempts to open a yarn shop within the Immortal Marketplace despite Zeus’s initial prohibition. Eventually, Zeus consents by introducing the alphabet so mortals can interpret their destinies.
Eos, dawn goddessgirl and friend of Nyx, initially harbors resentment toward Zeus for imprisoning her father Hyperion, but reconciles upon discovering Hyperion thrives as Zeus’s ally.
Medea, an enchantress adept in potions and magic spells, assists in crafting a sleeping potion that helps Jason acquire the Golden Fleece. She develops romantic feelings for Jason.
Calliope, muse of epic poetry and Amphitrite’s roommate, spearheads efforts to create a museum for MOA students. She holds a crush on Homer, who considers her a friend.
Minthe, water naiad from the Underworld’s Cocytus River discovered by Persephone, initially emits an unpleasant odor but becomes Persephone’s companion after receiving a mint garden.
Hecate, goddessgirl of Witchcraft from Hexwitch School, befriends ghost Melinoe when deceased animals begin trailing her to school; together they resolve this supernatural issue.

Athena the Brain

Athena has always possessed great intelligence but remained unaware of her divine nature. Enrolling at Mount Olympus Academy offers her a new beginning, yet she must confront the most intimidating girl in history, Medusa.

Persephone the Phony

Persephone tends to follow the crowd to avoid conflict, but encountering the rebellious Hades at Mount Olympus Academy encourages her to embrace her true self.

Aphrodite the Beauty

Aphrodite delights in assisting mortals with their romantic endeavors but finds herself annoyed by the constant attention from god boys. After giving Athena a stylish transformation, she becomes envious of the attention Athena receives. She eventually realizes that some boys, including a mortal seeking her aid, possess gentler and more compassionate qualities.

Artemis the Brave

Regarded as the most courageous goddess at school, Artemis secretly harbors fears of the foul-smelling Geryon, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and scorpions encountered in Beastology class. Additionally, she feels nervous around her crush, Orion.

Athena the Wise

When the mortal Heracles joins the academy, Athena understands his difficulties. He must complete twelve demanding labors or face expulsion, and Athena supports him in overcoming these trials.

Aphrodite the Diva

After failing Hero-ology, Aphrodite creates an extra credit assignment called the Lonely Hearts Club to play matchmaker for mortals. This leads her to Egypt, where she competes with goddess Isis to find a suitable match for an irritating mortal boy.

Artemis the Loyal

During the annual Olympic Games, which exclude female participants, Artemis is unsuccessful in persuading Zeus to allow girls to compete. Undeterred, she organizes a separate girls-only Olympics, which Zeus names in honor of his wife Hera.

Medusa the Mean

Medusa, one of the few mortals attending Mount Olympus Academy, grows weary of being surrounded by immortals and struggles with her snake hair and harsh reputation. She believes that a necklace promising eternal life will win her favor with the four Goddess Girls and help her attract Poseidon’s attention.

The Girl Games

Artemis, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Athena coordinate a girls-only Olympic Games but encounter difficulties managing visiting athletes such as Amazons who steal crushes. Artemis attempts to handle everything alone; Athena faces complications involving a winged horse named Pegasus; and Aphrodite and Persephone clash over a missing kitten called Adonis.

Pandora the Curious

Pandora is among the few mortals at Mount Olympus Academy whose curiosity is sparked when Epimetheus—a Titan god boy and nephew of an MOA teacher—brings a mysterious box to school. Despite past disasters linked to opening such boxes, Pandora cannot resist investigating this new one.

Pheme the Gossip

Famous for knowing all MOA gossip, Pheme is challenged to abstain from gossiping for a day after being caught spying. When a stowaway threatens global security, she must find a way to warn Principal Zeus despite a spell preventing her from sharing information.

Persephone the Daring

Orpheus, a mortal rock musician, captivates many at MOA with his song about his love Eurydice. When Eurydice becomes trapped in the Underworld, Orpheus seeks Persephone’s assistance in rescuing her.

Cassandra the Lucky

Determined to assist others in crafting their own fortunes, Cassandra finds her predictions disregarded and is prohibited from composing fortunes for her family's Oracle-O Bakery. To validate her abilities, she sends unique fortunes to MOA that reverse outcomes, prompting the goddess girls to investigate the mystery.

Athena the Proud

Athena endeavors to enhance King Minos's Labyrinth, but her interventions produce unforeseen consequences.

Iris the Colorful

Assigned by Principal Zeus to fetch magical water from the Underworld's River Styx, Iris discovers she can traverse via rainbows. While hoping Zeus will appoint her as goddess of rainbows, she navigates complicated feelings for Zephyrus, who may have affections for her friend Antheia.

Aphrodite the Fair

During Ares's birthday celebration, his sister Eris, the goddess of discord, introduces a golden apple inscribed "For the fairest," igniting a rivalry that jeopardizes the friendship between Athena and Aphrodite.

Medusa the Rich

Medusa acquires the Midas touch, turning anything she touches into gold. When this power extends to food and even people, she confronts the challenges it brings.

Amphitrite the Bubbly

Amphitrite, a mergirl residing in the Aegean Sea, dreams of exploring beyond but cannot transform her tail into legs like others. When her twin sister Thetis is invited to participate in Poseidon's Temple Games, Amphitrite takes her place, enjoying the adventure until Gaia and her giant offspring disrupt the competition.

Hestia the Invisible

Feeling unnoticed at Mount Olympus Academy (MOA), Hestia strives to make an impression. With assistance from Pheme, goddess of gossip, and a godboy named Asca, she competes in a symbol-design contest and becomes a finalist. This success allows her to overcome shyness while retaining her gentle nature.

Echo the Copycat

Echo, a nymph of forests and mountains, is known for imitating others, often causing irritation among those around her.

Calliope the Muse

Though brimming with inventive ideas to invigorate MOA, Calliope struggles to find inspiration for herself despite motivating others.

Pallas the Pal

Pallas, a mortal girl, enters a sword-fighting tournament at Athena's temple. She looks forward to reuniting with Athena but discovers that Athena has formed new close friendships at MOA.

Nyx the Mysterious

Nyx, the Goddess of Night, makes an enigmatic appearance at the academy.

Medea the Enchantress

Medea employs her sorcery to aid Jason in securing the Golden Fleece.

Eos the Lighthearted

Eos, Goddess of Dawn and companion to Nyx, harbors resentment toward attending MOA due to Zeus imprisoning her father.

Clotho the Fate

Eleven-year-old Clotho, one of the Three Fates, strives to gain mortal admiration even if it means challenging Zeus's stringent rules.

Persephone the Grateful

In the Underworld, Persephone and Hades encounter Minthe, a naiad.

Hecate the Witch

Hecate meets Melinoë, a ghost herder, in a pet cemetery and soon begins managing ghostly pets with unresolved matters.

Artemis the Hero

Artemis and Alpheus engage in a dispute over a river nymph’s cherished cup.

Elpis the Bearer of Hope

Zeus designates Elpis as the Embodiment of Hope at MOA.

Journeys Through Time

The Goddess Girls embark on a temporal adventure to reveal the origins of Athena’s presence at MOA and encounter their Roman counterparts.

External links

Simon and Schuster: Goddess Girls book series
Interview featuring Goddess Girls authors
Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams profiles at Fantastic Fiction

Number	Title	Date of publication
1	Athena the Brain	April 6, 2010
2	Persephone the Phony	April 12, 2010
3	Aphrodite the Beauty	April 12, 2010
4	Artemis the Brave	December 7, 2010
5	Athena the Wise	April 5, 2011
6	Aphrodite the Diva	August 12, 2011
7	Artemis the Loyal	December 6, 2011
8	Medusa the Mean	April 3, 2012
Special	The Girl Games	July 10, 2012
9	Pandora the Curious	December 4, 2012
10	Pheme the Gossip	April 12, 2013
11	Persephone the Daring	August 6, 2013
12	Cassandra the Lucky	December 3, 2013
13	Athena the Proud	April 5, 2014
14	Iris the Colorful	August 5, 2014
15	Aphrodite the Fair	December 2, 2014
16	Medusa the Rich	April 28, 2015