The Lightning Thief

Riordan, R. (2005). The Lightning Thief  . New York: Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children.

Interest Level: 6 - 8

Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7

Lexile measure: 740L

DRA: 50

Guided Reading: S

Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, has been expelled from six schools, and lives with an abusive stepfather. It would seem that his life is pretty hopeless, but then he finds out that he is a demigod. His mom brings him to a camp that can train Percy and prevent him from being killed by the "Kindly Ones" who are trying to kill him. He is revealed at camp to be the son of Poseidon. He is then sent on a mission to find Zeus's bolt of lightning and bring it back to him in ten days. On his quest he finds many adventures, but will he be able to find the lightning before it is too late?

I think that many students would like this book. I would recommend it to anyone who liked Harry Potter, as they are somewhat similar. I think I would recommend to more boys than girls, but girls would certainly enjoy it too. This book is at about a late 4th to early 5th grade reading level, but younger students who are advanced could enjoy this book, as well as striving readers in older grades. I think particularly that striving readers would enjoy this book because they could connect with Percy's struggles in school. 

Though this is a fantasy story, the characters, setting, and plot are completely believable. Percy overcomes many struggles and grows a lot in the book which keeps the reader very connected to him. Percy went from being kicked out of every school he attended, to accepting his powers and duties as a demigod. This was a very good story that I would recommend for students in my classroom.

Literary Elements highlighted in the text:

Allusion: Though the text is not explicit in talking about Greek mythology, it certainly alludes to it very often.

Mini-Lesson

This book could be used after or during a Greek mythology unit. Students would enjoy picking out the characters and stories that relate to Greek mythology.