Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse

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.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Written by Rick Riordan

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Kalyna

        

Percy Jackson is a middle schooler trying to pass school by not getting kicked out again. He is confronted by a new world that he has only ever heard about in his Greek mythology textbooks. Zeus’s Master Bolt has been stolen, and Percy becomes the main suspect. 

Percy and his friends are given ten days to find the Master Bolt and return it to Zeus. Percy must try to catch the thief, solve the riddle of the Oracle, and face the father who abandoned him. 

I'd recommend Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief to anyone interested in Greek mythology. I loved this book because its descriptions allow readers to form vivid images in their heads. Additionally, it has fun aspects, such as its chapter titles. Some examples include the chapters entitled “I Become The Supreme Lord Of The Bathroom,” “Grover Unexpectedly Loses His Pants,” and “We Get Advice From A Poodle.”

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Written by Rick Riordan

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Aaron

    

The Sea of Monsters is the second book in the Percy Jackson series. It is a story about Percy Jackson going through a very normal high school year until monsters confront him during an innocent game of PE dodgeball.

When Percy finds out from his friend, Annabeth, that the tree protecting his fellow demigods at Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned, he must go on a quest to save the tree. The only thing that can save the tree is the Golden Fleece, a relic of Greek history that can heal anything. When Percy finds out that his best friend, Grover, is missing, he must go and fight the giant Polyphemus to save him.

In my opinion, everybody should read The Sea of Monsters. Friendship is a very important theme in the book, and it teaches you that you may have to work with your enemies for the greater good. This is a lesson that many people can use. It can apply to one's personal life or professional life, as well as in school for kids who don't have jobs yet.