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The Lightning Thief Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Lightning Thief


Percy Jackson attempts to uncover the individual who stole Zeus' lightning bolt before the Greek gods wage war with one another. Percy Jackson begins the series as a twelve year-old with a mild case of dyslexia and a penchant for causing problems in school. One day, during a field trip to a museum, Percy is attacked by a Fury and manages to fight her off with a little bit of help from his friend Grover and teacher, Mr. Brunner. As it turns out, Percy Jackson is a demigod, meaning that he is the son of a Greek god and a human being, his mother. After he reveals what he knows to his mother, Grover reveals himself to be his protector and also a satyr. Together, the three of them journey to Camp Half-Blood where Percy is to receive guidance and protection from the evil elements that hunt demigods to punish their parents. Before they reach the camp, a Minotaur attacks the trio, and only Grover and Percy make it into the camp's magical barrier. Once there, Mr. Brunner shows himself to be a centaur actually named Chiron. He teaches Percy the basics about life as a Half-Blood and introduces him to other camp members as he waits to be claimed by his father so that he can actually be put into a camp. A demigod must be recognized by their parent or else they remain in an undecided bunk. To the surprise of everyone, Percy is revealed to be a son of Poseidon. This complicates matters because Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are not supposed to have demigod children because they are too powerful. Before they can think about the implications too much, Percy is accused of stealing the lightning bolt of Zeus or the gods will wage war on the earth in just three weeks. Percy selects Grover and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, to be his quest mates, and they travel across the United States to attempt to find the lightning bolt, all the while fighting off dangerous monsters from Greek mythology. Eventually, the trio enters the realm of Hades where it is revealed that Percy's mother actually survived, and that Hades is holding her hostage because his helmet was also stolen. Eventually, Percy deduces that Ares has stolen the helmet to start a war because he wants to disrupt the powers on Mount Olympus. Percy challenges him to a duel, and during the course of the fight, it is revealed that a shield that was given to him earlier by Annabeth's crush, Luke, actually contains the lightning bolt. Percy gives the items back to their respective gods and the story comes to an end, but not before it is revealed that Luke is trying to resurrect the Titans so that they can come and crush the Greek gods.
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Best part of story, including ending: This story was great because it took old mythology and made it relevant and interesting in the twenty-first century.

Best scene in story: The best scene in the book is Percy's fight with Ares because the description of the battle makes it seem as though you could actually see it playing out in your mind's eye.

Opinion about the main character: The main character, Percy, is a typical, arrogant twelve year old with an attitude problem and he is great because he begins to recognize the importance of relying on other people and acting as a leader through all of the adventures in the story.

The review of this Book prepared by Jake Dempsey a Level 1 Blue Jay scholar

Percy Jackson is a 12 year old boy living with his mom and step dad. He notices as a kid that he is different from every one else. He sees strange things, he has dyslexia and ADHD, and can do amazing things in the water.

On the day Percy Jackson turned 13, his world turned upside down; He learned that he was a demigod, half-human and half-God. His father is the God Poseidon which explains to him how he has magical powers in the water.


Percy goes on a difficult quest for the Gods to find who stole Zeus' Master Bolt. He has the help of his 2 friends on the quest, a satyr and another demigod. Along the way they fight many monsters and solving the mystery of the missing Master Bolt.

Best part of story, including ending: This story was great because of the great descriptions and plot.

Best scene in story: My favorite scene was when they are attempting to return the Master Bolt but there is a barrier of monster and enemies stopping them.

Opinion about the main character: I like that Percy Jackson is not afraid of anything in his path. He is determined to overcome anything.

The review of this Book prepared by Owen Osagiede a Level 2 American Robin scholar

Chapter Analysis of The Lightning Thief

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Plot & Themes

Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence 40%planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives 30%Feelings, relationships, character bio/development 20%Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places 10% Tone of book    -   suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?    -   fantasy story on current Earth Magical Beings/Mental/Magical/Powers    -   Yes magical powers:    -   Fighting mythical gods Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Kid's book (ages 7-14)

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Profession/status:    -   student Age:    -   a teen If magical mental powers:    -   fire/lightning/weather cntrl    -   super strength Really unusual traits?    -   Extremely cynical or arrogant

Setting

Earth setting:    -   current (early 21st century) Takes place on Earth?    -   Yes

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only)    -   none/very little science jargon needed How much dialogue?    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

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