Books by genre
Top 12 books of Egyptian myths and legends from around the world
These books cover ancient Egypt and then range across Africa, India, China, the Pacific Northwest and Britain. Retellings vary in how closely they follow the original sources, so read the author's note when one is included. The first several are Egypt-themed to match the most common request.
Titles were chosen from award winners, ALSC notable lists and long-running library favorites, then each title and author was checked against Open Library in Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
The Red Pyramid
Rick Riordan · Ages 9-13
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane unleash Egyptian gods and must stop Set. The first book in The Kane Chronicles.
Watch for: Fantasy violence.
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Tales of Ancient Egypt
Roger Lancelyn Green · Ages 9-13
Short retellings of Egyptian myths and folk tales, including Isis and Osiris, in a classic children's style.
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The Egyptian Cinderella
Shirley Climo · Ages 5-9
A version of Cinderella set in ancient Egypt, based on the story of Rhodopis. Illustrated picture book.
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The Golden Goblet
Eloise Jarvis McGraw · Ages 10-14
A young goldsmith's apprentice uncovers tomb robbers in ancient Thebes. Newbery Honor.
Watch for: A cruel half-brother; mild peril.
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Mara, Daughter of the Nile
Eloise Jarvis McGraw · Ages 11-15
A slave girl becomes a spy in the court of Queen Hatshepsut. Intrigue and adventure.
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Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
Gerald McDermott · Ages 4-8
The spider trickster of Ghana saves himself with his sons' help. Caldecott Honor.
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Sundiata: Lion King of Mali
David Wisniewski · Ages 6-10
The epic of the founder of the Mali empire, in bold paper-cut art.
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Arrow to the Sun
Gerald McDermott · Ages 5-9
A Pueblo tale about a boy who goes to find his father, the sun. Caldecott Medal.
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Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
Gerald McDermott · Ages 4-8
The trickster Raven steals the sun and brings light to the world.
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Monkey: A Journey to the West
David Kherdian · Ages 9-13
A condensed retelling of the Chinese classic about the Monkey King and his pilgrimage.
Watch for: Fighting and monsters.
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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
Howard Pyle · Ages 10-14
Pyle's classic Arthur, with his own illustrations. Old-fashioned language.
Watch for: Medieval violence.
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The Orchard Book of Roman Myths
Geraldine McCaughrean · Ages 8-12
Tales of Rome's gods, Aeneas and Romulus, in clear retellings.
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