Bibliographic Citation: Riordan, Rick. (2005). The lightning thief. New York : Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children.
Summary: Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Trouble seems to follow 12-year-old Percy Jackson wherever he goes. He has been kicked out of school after school. Percy soon learns that he is a demigod; the son of a mortal women and the sea god Poseidon. After being sent to a summer camp for other demigods like himself, Percy joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.
Reviews: “Gr 5-9-- A 12-year-old New York City kid with ADHD is stunned to discover his true heritage, his special talents, and the fact that he has been charged with a dangerous mission into the Underworld. Nonstop cinematic action, broad humor, and drama in epic proportions make this introduction to Greek mythology an electrifying read. Book.” The Lightning Thief. (2006). School Library Journal, 5268. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
“Gr 5-9 --An adventure-quest with a hip edge. At first glance, Perseus Jackson seems like a loser (readers meet him at a boarding school for troubled youth), but he's really the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman. As he discovers his heritage, he also loses that mother and falls into mortal danger. The gods (still very active in the 21st-century world) are about to go to war over a lost thunderbolt, so Percy and sidekicks Grover (a young satyr) and Annabeth (daughter of Athena) set out to retrieve it. Many close calls and monster-attacks later, they enter Hades's realm (via L.A.). A virtuoso description of the Underworld is matched by a later account of Olympus (hovering 600 floors above Manhattan). There's lots of zippy review of Greek myth and legend, and characters like Medusa, Procrustes, Charon, and the Eumenides get updates. Some of the Labors of Heracles or Odysseus's adventures are recycled, but nothing seems stale, and the breakneck pace keeps the action from being too predictable. Percy is an ADHD, wise-cracking, first-person narrator. Naturally, his real quest is for his own identity. Along the way, such topics as family, trust, war, the environment, dreams, and perceptions are raised. There is subtle social critique for sophisticated readers who can see it. Although the novel ends with a satisfying conclusion (and at least one surprise), it is clear that the story isn't over. The 12-year-old has matured and is ready for another quest, and the villain is at large. Readers will be eager to follow the young protagonist's next move.” Lothrop, P. D. (2005). The Lightning Thief. School Library Journal, 51(8), 134. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Personal Impressions: Prior to this class, I had heard a lot about this series and was interested in learning more about its popularity. I wanted to see what the big deal was about the series and now I know. This book is unbelievable. I just loved it. The thought of a modern day kid being related to a Greek god is a brilliant idea. Greek mythology is full of mystery itself but incorporating it into modern times is fantastic. I love how the character is dyslexic. I’m not personally but I know that for kids that are this book makes them feel better about themselves and gives them someone they can relate to and consider a hero. The story is adventurous and makes you cheer for the heroes. I really enjoyed reading it and can see what makes this series so popular. I can’t wait to read the rest!
Suggestions for Use: This would be a great book for discussing or introducing Greek mythology or to include in a collection of books on Greek mythology.
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