Relic of Thieves: Greek Myths, Anxiety, and Hope with Shana Targosz

What if a Greek-underworld adventure could help middle grade readers name anxiety, see hidden home struggles, and believe they’re worthy of rescue too?In this episode, Dr. Diane talks with author and former costume designer Shana Targosz about Relic of Thieves, a companion to River of Spirits that can stand on its own and sits comfortably beside Percy Jackson on the shelf. Shana shares why Anya’s story—turbulent home life, deep anxiety, and the shattering loss of a best friend—is so personal, and how sending Anya (and Lizzie) into the Greek underworld lets readers watch a quiet, fearful girl discover her own strength and worth.They dig into friendship and empathy (what it means to “be a Lizzie” for someone whose home life might be hard), a fresh, agency-centered take on Hades and Persephone, and how Shana’s years in theater and costume design shape her vivid, read-aloud-friendly worldbuilding—including a sentient cloak that becomes a character in its own right. Shana also teases Book 3, featuring the youngest Fate, talks about writing for and with her son as first ideal reader, and reflects on turning old wounds into stories that offer kids safety, second families, and hope.Timestamps01:32 :Companion novel magic: reading Book 2 first and meeting Anya03:19:Why Anya’s story is personal and why kids in hard homes need it07:22:Lizzie, friendship, and helping readers build real-world empathy08:27:Rethinking Hades and Persephone and giving Persephone more power10:41:Writing across ages: trauma, grief, loss, and “a dollop of hope”11:21:Read-aloud goodness: opening lines and raspberry jam doom15:50:From costume design to the page: theater, visuals, and voice18:33:Charon’s sentient cloak and turning clothing into a character19:44:Returning to the Underworld: evolving shops and settings20:49:Big reveal: Book 3, the youngest Fate22:41:Writing for her son and sharing emotional moments as he reads26:18:Advice for young writers: your story matters, even when it’s hard27:32:Writing from past pain toward safety, second families, and hope29:08:What’s currently bringing Shana hopeInvitation / LinksIf you love Greek and Roman mythology, character-driven fantasy, or books that hold both darkness and healing for middle graders, this conversation is for you.Listen to Episode 181 on your favorite podcast app.Ask your library or local indie bookstore to order Relic of Thieves,and River of SpiritsSupport the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.