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The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Rick Riordan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Modernized Greek myths meet fast-paced adventure.

updated 05.07.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Plagiarizing mentioned.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    Fantasy violence, swordplay, monsters. Percy's mom is apparently killed in front of him. His stepfather has hit her in the past.
  • Sex :

    Gods have affairs with mortal women.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Several products and restaurants mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Percy's stepfather smokes cigars and drinks beer to excess.
 

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    I Have Read the Whole Series !!!!

    It`s my favorite book series and it really felt like I was there with Percy, Annabeth, Thalia, Chiron, and all the other characters.

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    I have read the whole series!!!

    I have read the whole Percy Jackson series! It is such an awesome series! I can't wait until the movie comes out in Novemberish! This is a must read even though it is mainly for boys. I am a girl and I loved it! I love Annabeth and I can't wait until the 6th book!

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    i LOVE this!

    It's so funny! It's well written too. It's such a good book even the chapter titals make me laugh out loud! There is no concern for parents in young children reading this.

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 5.0

    i just started reading it

    its a cool but wierd its a good book as far as i read

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Funny and Creative

    The book is funny with supense too. Even with a little violence, it is a great book. I am always wanting to read the next book in the series. The chapters themselves are funny: "I accidently vaprized my Pre-Aljabra teacher." A great series for kids who want to learn about the gods.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

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