Ages 9+1-min guideFantasyAdventureHumor
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Good fitA good fit for most kids 9 and up. Fast, funny and full of monster fights. The action is frequent but not gory, and it makes Greek myths irresistible.
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What it’s about
Twelve-year-old Percy learns he is the son of Poseidon and goes to a camp for demigods. He sets out on a quest across the country to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods.
The ending
What might come up
ViolenceA lotSword fights with monsters that turn to dust, Medusa beheaded, and a near-fatal scorpion sting.
Scary momentsSomeMonsters, the Underworld and a mother who seems to die early on.
Mean adultsSomePercy’s stepfather, Gabe, is abusive; his mom stays with him to protect Percy.
FamilyA littleDemigods are born from gods’ relationships with humans.
LanguageNone
RomanceA littleA hint of a crush between Percy and Annabeth.
Why kids like it
A funny narrator with ADHD and dyslexia who turns out to be a hero.
Free printable quiz
- 1Who is Percy’s father?
- 2What has been stolen from Zeus?
- 3What is the name of the camp?
- 4Who is Percy’s satyr friend?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
