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The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Summary

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Booktalk

Read the first page. "Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood" through "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Percy Jackson is 12, he's been kicked out of a lot of schools. He's even been kicked out of special schools for people who've been kicked out of other schools. He's a good kid really. He tries to behave, but things keep happening. He's been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and maybe some other disorders. It's because of his half-bloodedness. He's half human and half god, Greek god. It turns out the gods are alive and living in the U.S. The other thing—Percy's got magical abilities, like breathing underwater. He is sent on a quest with his 2 friends: Grover, a Satyr (goat from the waist down) and Annabeth, the daughter of Athena- goddess of wisdom and battle. Find out what happens to the 3 friends by reading The Lightning Thief.

377 pages, 5th grade and up

Discussion questions

Warning! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. Percy has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The main traits of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The ADHD child often has trouble keeping his mind on one thing and organizing a task. He feels restless and fidgety. He may blurt out comments or act without thinking. Does this profile fit Percy? Discuss how Percy does/does not seem like an ADHD child.
  2. Why do you think Percy's mother married Gabe? Do you think she's a strong character? A good mother?
  3. Percy's first encounter with an Olympian god is Mr. D, Dionysus. Initially, Percy has a hard time believing Mr. D is immortal. What is your reaction to the way Dionysus is portrayed in the book? The Greek gods have very human traits—would this make them easier or harder to believe in?
  4. Throughout the book, humor is used to counterbalance the serious situations Percy faces. For instance, the Minotaur wears white Fruit-of the- Loom underwear, and Percy wants to tell the mummified Oracle, “thanks, wrong door, just looking for the bathroom.” What's your reaction to the book's humor? Does it seem appropriate for a sixth grade narrator? Does it change your perception of the mythology?
  5. Chiron describes Western Civilization as “a living force. A collective consciousness that has burned bright for thousands of years.” He says the Greek gods are part of this, and move around as different nations become the central power of Western Civilization—Greece, Rome, Germany, France, England, the United States. What do you think of this idea?
  6. After Percy learns he is a half-blood, he wonders who his own father is. How would you feel if you were in Percy's place? Would it be easier to believe your father was dead, or to know that he was alive but not communicating with you?
  7. When Percy finally learns the truth that he is the son of Poseidon, are you surprised? What hints are dropped before the revelation? How does Percy's personality fit/not fit the god Poseidon?
  8. When describing the effects of Mist, Chiron says, “Remarkable, really, the lengths humans will go to fit things into their version of reality.” How is this true in the novel? In Greek mythology? In real life?
  9. Percy's trip to the Underworld does not turn out as he suspected. What do you think of Percy's decision to leave his mother behind? What does the scene in the throne room tell you about the three friends – Annabeth, Grover and Percy?
  10. How does the last line of the prophecy—you shall fail to save what matters most in the end—come true? What do you think of this ending? Did Percy make the right choice? What would you have done in his place?

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Portions of this discussion guide are credited to author Rick Riordan's Web site: www.rickriordan.com.

Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, Reading Promotions Coordinator