Always interested in mythology, folklore, and religion. Having a degree in East Asian Studies, I can unabashedly say that I'm partial towards the religious and mythological beliefs of China. As someone who is striving to be a social studies teacher at the middle and high school level, I'm glad to see that the curricula does make time for Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Do the kids' eyes glaze over a bit when you talk about the Eightfold Path, samsara, and nirvana? Yeah, but you try you're best nonetheless
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Still, I think more could be done with East Asia (and other parts of the world) when it comes to teaching kids mythology. Subbing for 4th and 5th graders, I've seen how kids are learning about Greek and Roman myths. I think it's pretty cool to see how these kids are very passionate and excited to learn about these stories and characters, especially since they're being reinvented for modern audiences. Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series is a prime example of that. At the same time though, I'd like to see my students learn about non-Greco-Roman mythologies. I'd love to teach them about Sun Wukong, Anansi, or Quetzalcoatl.
Thus, I'm happy to see that kids' literature is moving in that direction. Rick Riordan is starting to publish kids' books featuring Norse mythology with the
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series:
One of my 4th grade students introduced me to this title
The Serpent's Secret: Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond which marries Bengali folklore with tween angst:
So, for me, I would love to see more world mythologies incorporated into YA literature.