#AlQaReading Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, written by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, written by Rick Riordan

Carla Salomé's Review #ESO2

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, written by Rick Riordan, is the first book in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series. It deals with the adventures of Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This section of the #alqareading book club which is being developed in the first and second grades history lessons is centred around this novel and explores its links to mythology and history. Here are some key points that the teacher in charge, Mrs. Susana González is bearing in mind in the design of the book club:

1. Greek Mythology: The Lightning Thief is heavily intertwined with Greek mythology. The story incorporates various gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures from Greek lore. Our students, thanks to this, can explore the connections between the characters in the book and their mythological counterparts. This is about reading for pleasure but also reading to learn something new. For example, Zeus is the king of the gods, and Poseidon is Percy's father.

2. Hero's Journey: The Lightning Thief follows the classic hero's journey narrative structure, a common theme in mythology and literature. Percy embarks on a quest, faces challenges, encounters allies and enemies, and undergoes personal growth. The book club discusses the stages of the hero's journey.

3. Mythological Creatures: Throughout the book, Percy encounters various mythological creatures, such as Medusa, the Furies, and the Minotaur. Exploring the origins and significance of these creatures in Greek mythology can provide an opportunity for the book club to delve into different mythological stories.

4. Gods and Mortals: The book examines the relationship between gods and mortals, highlighting their interactions and conflicts. The book club explores how ancient cultures used myths to explain natural phenomena and human experiences.

5. Historical References: While the primary focus is on mythology, the book also incorporates historical references and this is essential for the focus of this year's #alqareading book club. For instance, the Oracle of Delphi, an important ancient Greek site, plays a role in the story. The book club covers also the historical context of these references, discussing ancient Greece, its culture, and significant events.

6. Modern Adaptation of the novel so that it can be part of the Library Project: The Lightning Thief has been adapted into a film and a musical. The book club will explore how the story was adapted for different mediums and discuss the changes made to the source material. A new step, with the subsequent QR code at school is on its way!