Written by Rick Riordan
A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Caitlin
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan has been widely successful and still is today. The fourth book, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth, is one of the most popular books in the series as a whole. In the book, Percy and his friends must journey into a massive labyrinth underneath the United States to stop an attack on Camp Half-Blood by the Titan Lord, Krono.
Many authors would not think to include characters with learning disabilities in books geared towards a younger audience. However, in Riordan’s books, almost every main character suffers from some kind of learning disorder (mainly ADHD and dyslexia). This representation is so important, especially in media for younger people. Neurodivergence is more common than most kids realize, and many younger people recognize that they learn differently than their peers. This causes a sense of isolation and shame for being “different” or “wrong.” That’s why Percy Jackson and the Olympians is so important as a series. It shows kids struggling with learning and doesn’t shame them for it. Instead, it explains how the minds of its characters are hardwired differently than others, which makes them powerful and special.
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