The Lightning Thief

Why is this work important?

This work is important on several accounts. First of all, it is important because it shows the plight of a troubled young teen. While he is odd in some ways, he is very much like you or I. He has been diagnosed with ADHD; he is resentful of his step- father; and he feels alienated at school. These are the experiences of a typical adolescence. They seek acceptance and approval, feeling very self- conscious on the interior.

Percy also has an experience with Grover that is not unlike many experiences we go through. While he trusts Grover, he becomes suspicious when learning that Grover is conspiring with Mr. Brunner regarding Percy's fate. Most all of us have had an experience where we overheard a friend or trusted confidant talking about us behind our backs.

The themes in this book run deeper than action packed mythology. Instead, Riordan manages to interweave fiction, non- fiction, action, drama and suspense seamlessly into this story.