Styx and Stones by Gary D. Schmidt, Ron Koertge
Published by Clarion Books on 5/5/26
ISBN: 0063380978
Genres: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Simon has been in the Underworld for thousands of years, despite frequent attempts to escape.  When he finally does escape, he finds himself naked in a middle school bathroom in St. Paul, MN.  Luckily for Simon, Zeke discovers him and helps him become acclimated.  Zeke is bullied often and Simon becomes his first real friend. Zeke and the other kids (and a teacher) at school quickly realize that Simon is different- kinder and wiser than other kids his age.

Meanwhile, Hades is furious that Simon escaped and his wife, Persephone, is trying to figure out how he escaped.  Hades sends someone to capture Simon, wreaking havoc on the weather and putting Simon’s friendship with Zeke to the test. There is a battle and Simon does end up leaving St. Paul, saving Zeke and Zeke’s biggest bully in the process.  After Simon returns to the Underworld, Cerberus, the dog he was able to tame, ate the evil Hades. Suddenly the landscape was restored, and a new world was ready to be created.  In St. Paul, Zeke grieved Simon’s absence, but he grieved with his new friends who also missed Simon.  Zeke and Simon were forever changed by their brief friendship.

Readers who enjoy fantasy and mythology will enjoy this middle grade novel.  There is a touch of humor and plenty of action to keep readers hooked, especially when demons from the Underworld arrive in Minnesota.  Readers will relate to the drama and bullying in this story and will appreciate the growth and friendship between the main characters.  This story of grief, friendship, courage, and kindness will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library