I really liked it, thought it would be too hard for my 9 year old, but he cannot put it down, and he totally gets it. I am all for books that keep him reading!!
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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1
(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Rick Riordan)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Modernized Greek myths meet fast-paced adventure.
Themes in this book include: growing up
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1
Parents need to know that the premise of the story is that Greek gods have affairs with mortal women and the resulting children are demigods. You'll find fantasy violence including swordplay and monsters. Percy's mom is apparently killed in front of him and his stepfather, who drinks to excess, used to hit his mother.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the references to Greek gods and myths. Finding and identifying the references can be a fun parent/child game. Issues such as urban sprawl and environmental destruction are also raised.
Our Members Say
See all 74 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
Good at holding attention of nine year old boy
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Exciting adventure!
I thought that this book was really cool, and tween boys will think so too.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Exciting adventure!
I thought that this book was really cool, and tween boys will think so too.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Percy's first
All I can say about this book is AMAZING! This is my favorite book I've ever seen! Buy it for your kids.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Average Joe learns to become a hero...
Great series of books. I'm a sixth grade teacher and enjoy reading this to my class. The book takes Greek mythology and brings it to life with real-life sounding main characters. The main character, Percy, has real issues to deal with as he learns to be a hero. My students can relate to the characters and the author uses age appropriate language. The best part is the message that an average kid with problems can overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say it's educational |
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For Your Family
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Caroline Knorr recommends:
The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5
for kids age 10
See more from Caroline Kno ...
The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5
for kids age 10
See more from Caroline Kno ...
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