Let's be honest: The Odyssey is a masterpiece, but it's also kind of a chore. The language is dense, the pacing drags, and if your teen isn't already into mythology or classics, they're going to complain. That said, if they can push through, the payoff is legit—this is the blueprint for every hero's journey ever written, and the themes (loyalty, identity, temptation, revenge) hit hard.

The violence is real (Common Sense Media confirms battles, monsters, and a brutal finale), and there's some implied sex, so it's not for younger kids. But for high schoolers ready to wrestle with complex characters and ancient ethics? It's foundational. Just pick a good translation (Emily Wilson's is solid), maybe watch the Armand Assante miniseries first to get the plot down, and prepare for some eye-rolling before the 'aha' moments kick in.

This isn't a book kids will love in the moment—but years later, they'll be glad they read it.