Parents' Guide to Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Book Rick Riordan Folklore 2014
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Common Sense Media Review

Carrie R. Wheadon By Carrie R. Wheadon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Huge gift book of Percy-narrated Greek myths is tons of fun.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

Any Positive Content?

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age 11+

Based on 12 parent reviews

 

 

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age 10+

Based on 36 kid reviews

Kids say this book is entertaining and educational, filled with engaging stories about Greek mythology, but parents should be cautious due to its mature themes including violence, incest, and sexual references. Many emphasize that while it is a fun read for middle schoolers and older, it is not suitable for younger children, making it best for kids aged 10 and above who can understand the complex subjects presented.mature themeseducational valueage recommendationengaging storytellinghumor mixed with seriousness
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What's the Story?

After exploring how the Greeks thought the world began in a chapter entitled "The Beginning and Stuff," the Titans appear, followed by the Olympians, who rage a battle royale for dominance. Then each of the 12 major Greek gods gets his or her own chapter. Percy refuses to start with Zeus, claiming he has a big enough ego already, so he goes with the order in which the gods were born. Each chapter includes full-color illustrations and Percy's take on each god's origins, what they're most known for, and stories of them interacting with mortals, looking for love, and smiting those who wronged them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 12 ):
Kids say ( 36 ):

PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK GODS is thorough, easy to read, and high on entertainment value. Readers get to enjoy Percy's sardonic and somewhat goofy voice, and, as with all Percy books, the humor in the chapter titles alone draws you in. "Hermes Goes to Juvie" and "Ares, the Manly Man's Manly Man" are two greats.

The illustrations by John Rocco also are fabulous, especially the full-page ones in the gift-book size. This is not a book you get on iTunes or in paperback; spring for the hardcover.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what they learned and what they knew before, either by reading the Percy Jackson series or other books.

Book Details

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