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

Percy Jackson thought failing school was his biggest problem. Then he discovered the Greek gods are real—and one of them thinks he stole Zeus's lightning bolt.

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson has always struggled to fit in. School never seems to work out, trouble follows him everywhere, and lately some very strange things have been happening around him.

Then Percy discovers the truth.

The monsters from Greek mythology are real.

The gods of Mount Olympus are real.

And Percy himself is a demigod—the son of Poseidon.

After arriving at Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for young demigods, Percy learns that Zeus's powerful master lightning bolt has been stolen—and somehow Percy has become the prime suspect.

To prevent a war among the gods, Percy sets off on a dangerous cross-country quest with his friends Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr.

Along the way, they'll encounter monsters, gods, ancient myths, unexpected enemies, and plenty of trouble as Percy begins to discover what it really means to be a hero.

Fast-paced, funny, and packed with adventure, The Lightning Thief launches Rick Riordan's beloved Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and brings Greek mythology into the modern world.

Perfect for readers who love: Greek mythology, magical adventures, demigods, monsters, quests, friendship, humor, action-packed fantasy, summer camps, and reluctant heroes.

Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy / Action & Adventure / Mythology
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1
Recommended Age: 10–14
Grade Level: Grades 5–9
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Edition Publication Date: May 3, 2022
EAN/ISBN: 9781368051477

Themes & Tropes:

• Greek mythology

• Demigods

• Magical summer camp

• Hero's quest

• Found family

• Friendship

• Monsters

• Gods and goddesses

• Reluctant hero

• Adventure

• Coming of age

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

1. The Lightning Thief
2. The Sea of Monsters
3. The Titan's Curse
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
5. The Last Olympian

⚠️ Content Note: Contains fantasy violence and peril, monsters, battles, death references, bullying, and family abandonment/conflict. Appropriate for the publisher's recommended middle-grade audience.