Monday, May 9, 2011

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan



Bibliography
Riordan, R. (2005). The lightning thief. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

375 Pages

Plot
Percy Jackson has been kicked out of each public school he’s ever attended. Stuff just seems to happen around him, but here at Yancy Academy, he realizes he wants to stay. His best friend Grover, is a bit strange but needs him. However, one day on a field trip to the math teacher, Mrs. Dodds attacks him. Grabbing a pen, Percy is able to wield it as a sword, killing his math teacher. Fearing for his eminent expulsion and legal ramifications, Percy is surprised to find that no one remembers a Mrs. Dodd. Confused, Percy suddenly starts to see changes in his mom, Grover and his world around him. Just what is happening to Percy?

Review
Riordan weaves an exciting tale full of Greek Mythology and a realistic character in The Lightning Thief. Percy, a half human, half god, is the son of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. He is a normal boy who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder with a penchant for water. Riordan’s character allows readers to dream what it would be like to find out you had an alternate identity. That while still being your self you found out things about your past you never knew. The first in the series The Lightning Thief is sure to be popular amongst many readers and not just those interested in fantasy.

Genre
Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to tweens in grades 4th – 7th.

Similar Content
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Leviathan Series by Scott Westerfeld
The 39 Clues Series

Personal thoughts
I really liked this series. Having read Percy’s series, I found them to be exciting and a great introduction to Greek Mythology

Subjects/themes
Family
Epic Tale
Mythology
Summer Camp
Identity

Awards
ALA Notable book for 2005

Series information
The first in a 5 book series about Percy, but Riordan has also started to write a spin-off series.

Character names/descriptions
Percy Jackson: A Demi-god whose father is Poseidon

Annabeth: At Camp Half-Blood is daughter to Athena

Grover: Best fried of Percy, is really a satyr.

Greek Gods: Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, Pan, Ares, Hades

Annotation
What would you do if you found out your father was a Greek God? Percy is about to find out.

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