Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Cover may vary): 1 Paperback – 7 Jan. 2010

Title: "Ercy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" (Book 1 of Percy Jackson And The Olympians)Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)As a parent, I cannot praise "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" enough! This book has captivated both my child and me, creating a delightful reading experience that we've shared together.First and foremost, the storytelling is exceptional. Rick Riordan's writing style is engaging, filled with humor, and perfectly tailored to captivate young readers. The blend of modern-day elements with Greek mythology is a stroke of genius, sparking curiosity and interest in ancient tales among children. The narrative effortlessly weaves through thrilling adventures, bringing the world of Percy Jackson to life in a way that keeps young minds eagerly turning the pages.Moreover, the character development in this book is top-notch. Percy, the protagonist, is relatable and endearing, teaching valuable life lessons about perseverance, bravery, and loyalty. The diverse cast of characters surrounding him adds depth to the story and teaches kids about friendship and the strength of teamwork. As a parent, I appreciate how these characters act as positive role models for my child, instilling valuable virtues and qualities.Furthermore, "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" effortlessly educates children about Greek mythology. The book introduces them to various gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, making ancient myths come alive in an exciting and accessible manner. It's a fantastic way to nurture an interest in history and classical literature, while still being a thrilling adventure that kids can't get enough of.One aspect that particularly stands out to me is how this book encourages a love for reading. My child was initially hesitant to pick up thicker novels, but "Percy Jackson" changed that entirely. The fast-paced plot and well-crafted cliffhangers left my child excited to read "just one more chapter" before bedtime. It's a true testament to the book's ability to hook young readers and turn them into book lovers.Lastly, "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" carries valuable messages about self-discovery and accepting one's differences. This book embraces themes of resilience and identity, making it a powerful tool for parents to discuss important topics with their children in a relatable context.In conclusion, "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" is an absolute gem of a children's book that should be on every young reader's shelf. Its blend of adventure, mythology, and life lessons makes it an enriching and thoroughly enjoyable read for kids of all ages. I can't wait to explore the rest of the series with my child, and I'm grateful to Rick Riordan for creating a story that sparks joy, curiosity, and a love for reading in my little one.

This is the first book in the Percy Jackson series. I loved it!Percy Jackson is a fantastic character. He is a normal young boy with a learning disability. Or is he? He finds out that he is really a demi-god and the son of Poseidon, but his life is about to get even more complicated when he is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. I really liked this young man. He is not necessarily the strongest person, but when faced with a God's wrath, he certainly is the bravest!I have watched the movie, but had not read the book, so I decided to get a copy to read. I downloaded a copy in audio format so that I could listen to it whilst doing chores.I started listening to it and was quickly pulled into the story. I began to really enjoy the tale, but it was a little strange to note all the differences between the movie and the actual book. I understand that making a movie out of a book is not necessarily the easiest thing to do - logistics and time etc., but there were whole scenes that were chopped out in the movie, and others written in that were not in the book. The narrator of the story, Jesse Bernstein, did a wonderful job reading the story and bringing the characters to life. I couldn't help but envision the characters as portrayed by the actors in the movie; it made it easier to imagine.However, I may be the only one to say this, but I think I preferred the movie to the book. This is not my usual finding after watching a movie, and then reading the book the movie is based on. The book is a lot darker than the movie, and I liked the feeling the movie had. Nevertheless, the story was really engaging and I found myself listening intently. I am looking forward to continuing the series.Rick Riordan has written a wonderful and exciting novel (and series) for children that brings the old Gods to life. The mythology has been well researched and presented in such a way as to be educational, but have a modern take that will appeal to today's young readers. His writing style is fast paced, but not rushed, and is easy for young readers to follow.I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 12 to 16 and to adults who love reading Young Adult novels. - Lynn Worton