
Rick Riordan's 'The Hidden Oracle' kicks off 'The Trials of Apollo' series with his signature blend of humor, mythology, and action. The story follows the god Apollo, who, after angering Zeus, is transformed into a mortal teenager, Lester Papadopoulos. He lands in New York City, disoriented and powerless, and must rely on the help of a young demigod, Meg McCaffrey, and familiar faces like Percy Jackson, to survive. The book is a fast-paced adventure filled with Greek and Roman mythology, exploring themes of humility, self-discovery, and the true meaning of heroism. It also subtly addresses the impact of emotional manipulation and abuse through Meg's backstory, offering opportunities for discussion about healthy relationships and resilience. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love fantasy and mythology.
How do you punish an immortal? By making him human. After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favor. But Apollo has many enemies-gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.