The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

by: Rick Riordan

Disney-Hyperion, 2006

Twelve year-old Percy Jackson hasn't attended one school for over a year. He is dyslexic and has ADHD, which doesn't help him at all with school work. And to top it off everyone just seems to blame everything on Percy, he just looks like a rebel. After vaporizing his math teacher, over hearing his best friend talk to an adult about him, and narrowly escaping the wrath of his smelly step-dad, a monster attacks Percy, his mother, and his best friend! It turns out Percy isn't really a freak or stupid, he's a hero! Part God and part human but which God is his dad? When his father ends up needing his help will Percy be able to fulfill his quest, fighting monster after, and save his mother too?

Personal Review: I loved this book! I was so entertaining I couldn't put it down. Rick Riordan writes like he has been twelve his whole life, this book is hilarious. I like this book because Percy seems like a troubled teen, but really he is misunderstood. This book will give kids hope, each and every teenager can be a hero, even in a small way. I loved the integration of Greek mythology, it wasn't boring or awkwardly written. Percy Jackson ends up becoming more than a traditional hero. He is a hero because he is a loyal friend and a truly honest kid. I think all kids will love this book.

Warnings: This book describes several encounters with monsters, yet it remains surprisingly light-hearted. It also references adultery, the Greek gods are famous for that. Minor warnings, but things to be aware of.

400 pages

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