Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

What do our readers think of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the fast adventure, humour, Greek mythology and characters they can relate to. Some children find the fantasy violence and darker family problems intense, but they still often see the story as exciting and suitable for their age.

What does the Pageticker team say about Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief?

We love the way Rick Riordan blends Greek mythology with a fast-paced, funny modern adventure. Percy’s dyslexia and ADHD are presented as part of his identity rather than limitations, while his friendship with Annabeth and Grover gives the story warmth and heart. It is a strong choice for confident junior readers who enjoy action and monsters, though some scenes, family difficulties and mythological violence may feel intense for younger children.

Genres

What is Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief about?

Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old with dyslexia and ADHD, discovers he's the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, a haven for demigods, Percy embarks on a perilous quest with his friends Annabeth and Grover to retrieve Zeus's stolen master bolt. Their journey across the United States is fraught with mythological monsters and challenges, as they strive to prevent a catastrophic war among the gods.

About the author

Rick Riordan is a popular author from America, best known for writing the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. His exciting stories are filled with adventure, friendship, and magical creatures from ancient myths. Rick Riordan loves making reading fun and encourages children everywhere to explore the amazing worlds in his books.

Discussion ideas around Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Finding your strengths: Percy often feels different from other children. How do his dyslexia and ADHD become connected to his strengths, and what does the story suggest about the danger of judging people too quickly?

Friendship and teamwork: How do Percy, Annabeth and Grover’s different skills and personalities help them on their quest? Which qualities make someone a good friend?

Myths in the modern world: What is interesting or surprising about placing Greek gods and monsters in modern America? Choose one mythological idea and explain how Riordan changes or updates it.

Family and identity: How does learning about his parentage change Percy’s understanding of himself and his place in the world? What helps him decide who he wants to become?

Power and responsibility: The gods’ actions affect many ordinary people. What responsibilities should powerful characters have, and can you think of real-world examples of people who need to use power carefully?