Families who loved The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels like their differences are obstacles rather than strengths. Percy Jackson is a twelve year old boy who has always struggled in school due to ADHD and dyslexia, feeling like an outsider who cannot do anything right. His world transforms when he discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and that his perceived weaknesses are actually signs of his heroic heritage. This high octane adventure follows Percy and his friends on a quest across America to prevent a war between the Greek gods. It is a brilliant choice for middle grade readers because it validates neurodivergence and modernizes ancient myths. While the action is frequent and monsters can be intense, the story remains grounded in themes of friendship, finding one's place, and the complicated nature of family loyalty.