Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief introduces Percy Jackson, a relatable middle schooler who struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, only to discover these are signs of his demigod heritage. When he's accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, Percy, along with his friends Annabeth and Grover, embarks on a cross-country quest to the Underworld to find the real thief and prevent a catastrophic war between the Olympian gods. This book masterfully blends ancient Greek mythology with a modern setting, offering a fast-paced adventure that explores themes of identity, friendship, courage, and justice. It's an excellent choice for children aged 10-14 who enjoy fantasy, action, and a hero they can truly root for.

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.