All I can say about this book is AMAZING! This is my favorite book I've ever seen! Buy it for your kids.
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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 71 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- 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
- 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.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Perfect for all ages!!!!!!!!!!!
Very good! A perfect book club pick! It has some violence, But a very good family message and should be read by all People that have an intrest in greek mythology!
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
Perfect for teenagers and above, iffy for tweens
I personally loved the book. It had it's suspense and it's dangers. This book doesn't encourage children to try the stunts. It does encourage children to read on because they think it is fiction, which I think we can relay on our children to think it is true but to really know that it is not. If your child thinks that this book is true then you should talk to your child and let them know it is not. Fiction is the life of children, but they need to know not to take it over the top.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | 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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