The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan
Publication Date: 2005
Type of Book: Series Novel

The Lightning Thief  is the first book in a five part book series called Percy Jackson & the Olympians. It was about a young boy named Percy Jackson who is always getting in trouble wherever he goes. Being a student with dyslexia and ADD has always been a challenge for Percy but he soon realizes that those traits will end up saving his life soon enough. To his surprise he finds out that his father isn't who he thought he was. Percy is the son of the Greek God Poseidon. When a war is about to break out between the Greek Gods, Poseidon, Zeus an Hades, Percy agrees to go on a quest to save western civilization as the world knows it.

When I first got this book from the library to read I'm not going to lie I wasn't that thrilled. It looked like a book that was aimed more towards a boy audience and I was afraid I would lose interest quickly. I also didn't know much about the book or the series it was a part of before I started reading. Once I began reading the story I was pleasantly surprised and how good it was. I didn't want to stop reading and I got through it so fast I couldn't even believe it. I would read the book every night before bed and it turned into my favorite part of the day. I couldn't wait to just sit in my bed and read about what was going to happen next to Percy and his friends. I now understand the popularity surrounding this book and the whole series. I definitely want to continue reading the series and I would recommend this book to students and teachers who are looking for a captivating read. I loved how the book found a creative way to incorporate Greek Mythology into the story. I enjoyed learning more about Greek Mythology while reading and I feel that this book would be a fantastic addition to a unit about Greek Mythology.

I would recommend this book to students in upper elementary school and up. The material in the book is a little deep especially when it gets into the Greek Mythology. Students should have strong reading skills before starting this book, so they can focus their attention on everything going on within the story.

Image References
http://www.hypable.com/percy-jackson-lightning-thief-new-cover/