A troubled 12 year-old learning Greek mythology sounds pretty boring right? Well it's not. Dyslexic Percy Jackson, also diagnosed with ADD, finds that Greek mythology isn't just made up stories. They're actually true and he has to remember them well if he wants to survive. Especially since Zeus thinks Percy is the one who stole Zeus's lighting bolt! On his quest to find the lighting bolt and to rescue a loved one, Percy meets monsters like Minotaurs, furies, and Medusa who are all out to get him. If Percy fails his quest, then all hell will break loose and the world will come to an end. Yikes, talk about pressure. Hope you guys know Greek mythology well, if not, you can always learn it with Percy--that is, if he survives for long.
Review:
I loved the book because the author made Greek mythology contemporary. It's more relatable to tweens and what's important is that the lessons are still there. This book touches on issues like friendship, broken families, identity, and striving for goals despite the odds. The Lightning Thief also has great riddles/mysteries to keep a tween's mind engaged.
Riordan, R. (2006). The Lightning thief. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children.
Ages: 9+
ISBN-13: 978-078683865-3
ISBN-10 078683865-5
Cover art link from http://www.rickriordan.com
Movie trailer:
