Styx and Stones

Percy Jackson meets The Labors of Hercules Beal in this hilarious, page-turning fantasy adventure with a heart of gold from two award-winning authors.

Simon expected more from life than being orphaned in ancient Greece and stuck in the Underworld for eternity. Determined not to forget who he is, he commits himself to escaping Hades. Along the way, he faces the monster Cerberus, befriends the tormented Sisyphus, and becomes Persephone’s favorite servant. Then, after centuries of failed attempts, he is finally thrust into modern times—and into the stall of a middle school bathroom. Naked.

With the help of Zeke, a nerdy rich kid on the social fringes, Simon learns to navigate this amazing and bewildering world. And with Simon’s help, Zeke begins to question his comfortable life and understand the true meaning of friendship. Everything seems to be going great . . . until the god of the Underworld sends a demon girl to bring Simon back. And suddenly, it’s not just the secret of Simon’s past that’s threatened, but their very lives—and everyone’s around them, too. Is their friendship strong enough to withstand the Will of Hades and save St. Nikolaos Academy Middle School?

From two-time Newbery honoree Gary D. Schmidt and two-time PEN Award winner Ron Koertge, Styx and Stones is an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure about friendship, courage, and identity, brimming with Greek mythology and high-stakes action.

"A refreshingly different novel." - Booklist (starred review)

An utterly delightful blend of Greek mythology and middle school drama! Simon and Zeke will make you see both the ancient world and our own with new eyes. - Gene Luen Yang, National Book Award Finalist and Printz Award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints

Ron Koertge and Gary Schmidt are a match made in Hades! Who knew hell and middle school were so alike? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll gasp, you’ll sigh, as the story races to its deeply satisfying conclusion. - Sonya Sones, award-winning author of What My Mother Doesn’t Know

"An introspective story of unlikely connection across an action-adventure plot with Percy Jackson appeal. Emotionally rich [with] warm messaging that highlights myriad paths toward healing."

- Publishers Weekly

(A Day at the Beach) "A sandy slice-of-life treat, rich in feeling and insight."  - Kirkus Reviews

(A Day at the Beach) "Asks the reader to laugh, worry, and love while also providing a realized community that invites them in. Heart-wrenching and robust." - Booklist