Age: 6th grade - 10th grade

"After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus." (featured Goodreads review)

Percy truly is a likeable hero with flaws that are relatable and dealt with in a sarcastic, humorous tone. The action is suspenseful and descriptive, so it may not appeal to those that don't like reading "battle tactics." The ending to the book is much more satisfying that the movie ending (not to mention that it's radically different). Issues include father-son relationship, mother-son relationship, and things not being what they appear.