This month for our Percy Pack post, I polled my older two kids, and my friend Michelle’s older two kids, to ask them why they loved the “Percy Jackson” series. Here, straight from the mouths of four kids ages 9-13, are reasons Rick Riordan’s books work for tweens and teens of various ages.
♦ELIAS, age 13:
Why I Love The Books: The book focuses on kids with issues or misfits and turns them into magical children of the gods. It took kids with dyslexia, AD/HD, or other family issues, and then they’re in demigod camp and taught to harness these magical abilities and powers. The characters aren’t perfect. They’ve got problems and flaws like the rest of us. The lore is rich and the mythology is fascinating to explore.
Favorite Character: Grover, because as much as he’s sometimes comic relief, he’s also the most human, even though of course he’s not really human. He doesn’t have the same kind of powers as Percy and his demigod friends, but he’s loyal and brave, and yes, very funny.
♦NICHOLAS, age 11:
Why I Love The Books: I like mythology, and it has mythology in it. I like the way it brings mythology to life. It’s also interesting and very adventurous.
Favorite Character: Percy, because he’s the main character and the leader of all the books. He’s a hero, and he’s really brave and cool.
♦ DELIA, age 10:
Why I Love The Books: I like the drama and the action, and how you get to know Percy’s feelings throughout the story. I like the way that Annabeth has grown into an important part of the story. Percy has a very funny sense of humor, and how it’s from his point of view, so there are times when it’s scary, but he says or thinks something funny, and you feel OK.
Favorite Character: Annabeth, because she knocks Percy back into reality. If he’s doing something wrong or not focusing or in a fight, she’s always there to help him. She’s trustworthy, very smart, and she’s brave. Her background has made her stronger.
♦ JOANNA, age 9:
Why I Love The Books: I really like the Percy Jackson books, because there are other gods in it that I like to read about. It’s not exactly like a real classic myth, but it’s like a modern myth set in today’s world.
Favorite Character: Annabeth. She’s not the main character, but she’s the most important supporting character. I like that she’s adventurous, and I think she acts like the protagonist.
♦BUY THE NEW GREEK HEROES BOOK
Who cut off Medusa’s head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy, ( I’ve had some bad experiences in my time, but the heroes I’m going to tell you about were the original old school hard luck cases. They boldly screwed up where no one had screwed up before. . .) and enhanced with vibrant artwork by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, this story collection will become the new must-have classic for Rick Riordan’s legions of devoted fans–and for anyone who needs a hero. So get your flaming spear. Put on your lion skin cape. Polish your shield and make sure you’ve got arrows in your quiver. We’re going back about four thousand years to decapitate monsters, save some kingdoms, shoot a few gods in the butt, raid the Underworld, and steal loot from evil people. Then, for dessert, we’ll die painful tragic deaths. Ready? Sweet. Let’s do this.
Buy “Greek Heroes” at any of these online booksellers:
♦ RICK RIORDAN ONLINE: Visit the official website and follow Rick Riordan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #ReadRiordan
♦ GIVEAWAY! In honor of Percy Jackson’s August birthday, we’re giving away a Be back-to-school ready with GREEK HEROES! pack
One (1) winner receives:
- A copy of GREEK HEROES
- A “PercyPack” limited edition backpack!
Open to US addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney-Hyperion.
For extra entries, follow us on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. All entries must be in by 11:59 PM Sept. 2nd, and the winner will be randomly selected by Sept. 4th. Get Back to School Ready with Percy Jackson! @TeenLitRocks is giving away a #PercyPack book &… Click To Tweet
Not sure of mandatory entry,but my favorite from series is Percy and Greek hero would be Hestia. Thanks.
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com