Medusa the Mean

by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0

As one of the few mortals at MOA, it's hard not to get jealous when you're surrounded by beautiful, powerful classmates, and it isn't easy making friends either, especially when you have snakes for hair. The coauthor is Suzanne Williams.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

1. Describe Medusa. Likes the color green; skin and hair are green; was bullied and made fun of in elementary school; likes to make up stories of how she gets back at her bullies; is a mortal while her sisters are immortal; can turn mortals to stone; has snakes instead of hair p.1

Chapter 2

1. Is Medusa making a wise choice to buy the necklace that will make her immortal? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.29

Chapter 3

1. Summarize this chapter. Medusa gets her sisters to give her money, but it isn’t going to work; as she leaves the store, her snakes shoplift p.30

Chapter 4

1. Was it wise for Medusa to sign the contract? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 5

1. Summarize Medusa’s trip home. She went home but her parents weren’t thrilled to see her; her room has been packed up; she took her scrolls from 1st grade and read them; she’s happy she doesn’t live there anymore and is grateful she goes to MOA p.76

Chapter 6

1. Why does Medusa write and draw her Queen of Mean comic strip? She feels rejected and inadequate because she is mortal, it helps her feel better p.105

Chapter 7

1. Why is it a problem that Medusa told the truth in this chapter? She hurt Andromeda’s feelings p.133

Chapter 8

1. Describe the Gray Ladies. Live in an igloo; hair so long it completely covered them; all the of them shared one eye; could read minds and knew what Athena and Medusa needed to hear p.149

Chapter 9

1. Summarize Medusa’s conversation with Zeus? He wanted to see her because he was upset she had her face on a shield; when he found out who had manipulated Medusa he was more understanding; Medusa suggested he take Athena to pick up the wedding supplies p.178

Chapter 10

1. Give two examples of Medusa rejecting the friendship of those around her. Why is she doing that? When Athena waved at her she ignored her and when Dionysus looked up at her in the window and she ducked; she doesn’t believe they want to be her friends p.185

Chapter 11

1. Where should Medusa be putting her focus instead of trying to become immortal and popular?  Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 12

1. Summarize the conclusion to this story. Hera and Zeus get married; Medusa’s locket turns into a Pegasus; Zeus is so happy about Pegasus he gives Medusa immortality for a day; she begins to accept other’s friendship and starts to crush on Dionysus p.219