Percy Jackson & Olympians~
The Lightning Thief
by
Rick Riordan
Comprehension Guide
The Lightning Thief is a fantasy-adventure
written by Rick Riordan. It is the first novel
in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series,
which charts the adventures of modern day
twelve-year-old
Percy
Jackson
as
he
discovers he is a demigod, the son of a mortal
woman and the Greek god Poseidon. Percy and
his
friends
go
on
a
quest
to
prevent
an
apocalyptic war between the Greek gods Zeus,
Poseidon, and Hades.
Name:
Hour:
Wise Guys © 2014
Percy Jackson and Olympians:
The Lightning Thief
Comprehension Guide by Rick Riordan
Reading Strategy: Prior Knowledge
Before reading, try to answer the questions in the chart below. Write your
answers in the left-hand column before you begin reading. Then, your
teacher will provide you with some more information that you can write on
the right side (or you can try to research it yourself).
Prior to Reading Story
After Discussion or Reading Story
Who are Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades and what are they known for?
What is dyslexia and ADD?
Prior to Reading
Strategy Focus: Making Predictions
Good readers will predict. Preview your book and make a prediction about what the book
will be about. Your prediction should be at least 2 sentences.
Good Readers will try to find meanings from the words…
In order to better comprehend what they are reading, good readers will try to find the meanings of
the key vocabulary in the story. As you come across difficult words, try to identify their meanings.
You can refer to the Word Study if you want. Some words may have several meanings, so make sure
that your definition fits the way you think it would be used in the story.
Good Readers will use context clues…
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Comprehension Guide Directions
Answer the following questions about the book, The Lightning Thief. Whenever
possible, please try to use complete sentences.
Chapters 1-2
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Good readers use strategies when reading…
Zeus: King of the Greek Gods and Goddesses
Zeus is usually represented as an older, vigorous bearded man. His symbol is the
thunderbolt. He is highly powerful, strong, charming, and persuasive. Zeus is King of the
Gods of Mount Olympus, fights with his beautiful wife Hera. He is a creator god who is
sometimes considered to be too friendly to humankind by his peers.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Where did Percy attend school? What type of students went to that school?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Do you think you would like to attend the school that Percy attended?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
Strategy Focus: Character Traits (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3-8.3)
Good readers will understand the characters they are reading about. Describe what you
know about the characters in the table below.
Percy
Grover
Nancy Bobofit
Mr. Brunner
Mrs. Dodds
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Chapters 1-2 continued…
Describe the encounter with Percy and Mrs. Dodds in the museum at the end of chapter
one.
In chapter 2, what unusual weather was occurring while Percy was at Yancy Academy?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Share a time when you were part of some bad weather.
What did you do? Where were you?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
Describe the conversation between Grover and Mr. Brunner. What did Percy find out
about Mrs. Dodds?
Percy is forced to leave Yancy Academy with Grover. Describe the bus ride, the
conversation with the two boys, and what Percy saw out the window.
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Chapters 3-4
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Hades: King of the Dead; Lord of the Underworld
Like Zeus, Hades is usually represented as a vigorous bearded man. Hades was born to the
Great Mother goddess Rhea and Kronos (Father Time) on the island of Crete, along with his
brothers Zeus and Poseidon. Hades sprung out of the earth and captured Persephone,
dragging her off to be his queen in the Underworld. Her mother Demeter searched for her
and stopped all foods from growing until Persephone was returned. Finally, a deal was
worked out where Persephone stayed one-third of the year with Hades, one-third of the
year serving as a handmaiden to Zeus at Mount Olympus, and one-third with her mother.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Remember, reading is thinking…
Strategy Focus: Compare/Contrast
Good readers will compare two ideas or characters while they are reading to help them
better comprehend the story. In this chapter we learn about Percy’s mom and step-dad.
Compare and contrast yourself to one of the characters. Try to have at least two
phrases in each of the three parts of the Venn diagram below.
Sally Jackson
Gabe
What supposedly happened to Percy’s dad?
Why do you think Percy’s mom put up with Gabe?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Have you ever had to “put up” with someone?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
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Chapters 3-4 continued…
Why was Percy always forced to move as a child? Remember to cite evidence from the
text in your response (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1-8.1).
Good readers will pay close attentions to important details…
What did Percy discover about Grover at the end of Chapter 3?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Grover could speak fluently in Greek. Greek is the language spoken
by around 11 million people in Greece, and 700,000 people
in Cyprus. Can you speak in another language?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
How did Grover and Mr. Brunner try to hide what had happened to them at the museum?
Who were the old ladies that Percy saw out the window on the bus?
What did that mean?
Strategy Focus: Understanding Important Details
Good readers will pay close attention to the important details of what they are reading.
Describe the events that happened after the Camaro veered off the road. Make sure to
include the characters involved and what happened. Include in your description the
words minotaur, Sally, neck, dissolved, horn, chest, and disintegrated.
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Chapters 5-6
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Poseidon: God of the Sea, Earthquakes, and Horses
Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Although he was
officially one of the supreme gods of Mount Olympus, he spent most of his time
in his watery domain. Poseidon was brother to Zeus and Hades. These three
gods divided up creation. Zeus was ruler of the sky, Hades had dominion of
the Underworld and Poseidon was given all water, both fresh and salt.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
What did Percy discover about Grover?
Describe the discussion between Mr. D (Dionysus) and Percy. Remember to cite evidence
from the text in your response (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1-8.1).
Strategy Focus: Character Traits (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3-8.3)
Good readers are able to identify unique or important details about the characters they
are reading about Describe Dionysus (physical appearance and personal qualities).
Strategy Focus: Character Traits (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3-8.3)
There is a good description of Chiron the centaur at the end of Chapter 5. Please write
at least two sentences describing the creature.
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
If you could be half-human and half something else, what
would you choose and what would you call yourself?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
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Chapters 5-6 continued…
Describe the differences of the cabins at Half-Blood Hill?
Good readers will read instead of getting wet with toilet water…
Why was Percy placed in Cabin #11?
According to Annabeth, did Percy really have ADHD and dyslexia? What was her
explanation of why Percy suffered from these?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Do you know anyone who is impulsive? Are you impulsive?
Describe an incident where being impulsive turned out to be a good thing.
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
Describe the incident in the bathroom with Clarisse and Percy. Write your answer on the
“toilet cover” below. Remember to cite evidence from the text in your response
(CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1-8.1).
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Chapters 7-8
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Artemis: Goddess of Wild Things
Good readers will read instead of playing with swords…
Artemis is physically strong, able to defend herself, and a defender and guardian of wildlife
in general. Artemis is a freedom-loving young woman who likes to roam the forests with her
female companions. She doesn't care for city life and keeps to the natural, wild environment.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Fill-In-The-Blank Puzzle
As you read chapters 7-8, answer the questions below by putting one letter per box (some
boxes may not be used). After answering all of the questions, unscramble the letters in
the shaded boxes to form a word.
Annabeth told Percy that his _____ wasn’t dead- in fact he was one of the gods.
Annabeth believed the gods were angry because something was stolen from them. If what
was stolen wasn’t returned by the ________ solstice, then there would be trouble.
Percy finds out through Luke that Annabeth wants to go on a ______ and thinks he might
be “the one” she has been waiting for to go with.
At camp, Percy would rotate through outdoor activities, canoe, and take ______ fighting
lessons.
During the sword fighting duel with Luke, Percy was able to knock Luke’s sword away
and have his sword at Luke’s ________.
The “Big Three” (Zeus, ______, and Hades) decided after World War II that they would
not have any more “heroes” (children) to stop wars from happening.
Now unscramble the shaded letters to form a word that fits in the following blank space.
The Greek God Hermes was known as the God of _____ and Troubleshooting.
V
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Chapters 7-8 continued…
Describe what happens to Percy during and after “capture the flag”. What does everyone
realize about Percy after the game?
Good readers will extend the meaning of what they are reading…
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
Good readers will extend the meaning of what they are reading. Capture the Flag is a
traditional outdoor sport generally played by children, where two teams each have a flag
(or other marker). The objective is to capture the other team’s flag, located at the team’s
“base”, and bring it safely back to their own “base”. Enemy players can be “tagged” by
players in their home territory; these players are then, depending on the agreed rules, out
of the game or “in jail”. On the flag below, design a flag that you think Percy would have
had on his team. Be ready to explain how your design relates to your reading.
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Have you ever played “capture the flag”? If so, how did it turn out?
If not, does it sound like a game that you would want to participate in?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
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Chapters 9-10
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom
Athena was a young woman wearing a helmet and holding a shield, often accompanied
by a small owl. Athena was rational, intelligent, and a powerful defender in war but
also a potent peacemaker. Athena was born fully-armed from the forehead of her
father Zeus. According to one story, this is because he swallowed her mother,
Metis, while she was pregnant with Athena. Although Zeus’s daughter, she
could also oppose his plans and conspire against him.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
What cabin did Percy move to? What did he think of his new cabin?
What was in the New York Daily News? What was Percy’s reaction?
What was going on with the gods and a lightning bolt?
What are the four statements that the Oracle says to Percy?
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Chapters 9-10 continued…
What is Percy’s quest?
Who is accompanying Percy on his quest? Why can’t Percy take an airplane to get to Los
Angeles?
Strategy Focus: Understanding Details
On the “suitcases” below, write down what each person (Percy, Annabeth, and Grover)
decided to take on the quest. Write their names on the top of the suitcase and then
write down what they took.
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Chapters 9-10 continued…
What gift did Luke give Percy? Who did Percy give the gift to and why?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
Good readers use strategies when reading…
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
If you received the same gift from Luke that Percy received, what would
you do with them? Would you keep them or give them to someone else?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
What did Chiron give Percy? Who could Percy only use it on? Why?
Why aren’t Percy and Annabeth supposed to get along?
Describe in detail the encounter with the Furies on the bus. You should have at least
three sentences. Write your details on the bus below. Remember to cite evidence from
the text in your response (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1-8.1).
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Chapters 11-12
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Demeter: Goddess of Agriculture
Demeter is a pleasant-looking mature woman, generally with a veil over her head
though her face is visible. Demeter controls the fertility of the earth as goddess of
Agriculture; also gives life after death to those who learn her Mysteries. Demeter is
not one to cross lightly. After the kidnapping of her daughter Persephone, Demeter
blights the earth and won’t let the plants grow. But who can blame her? Zeus gave
Hades permission to “marry” Persephone but didn't mention it to her mom- oops.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Strategy Focus: Understanding Story Details
The children visit Aunty Em’s Garden Gnome Emporium in this chapter. Fill in the chart
below.
What was
outside the
store?
Describe Aunty
Em in the
beginning.
What did the
children do
inside?
What did Aunty
Em want them
to do?
Describe
“Aunty Em” at
the end.
Strategy Focus: Making Connections (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7)
Good readers will make connections to what they are reading and their own lives. Percy
ate one of Aunty Em’s irresistible hamburgers. What kind of food do you find irresistible?
Why? Write your answer on the “hamburger” below.
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Chapters 11-12 continued…
What did Percy put in the box and where was he going to send it to?
Why does Grover want a searcher’s license?
Good readers will get a “license” to read…
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this activity, you are asked to design a license for Grover. Your license should include
a colorful picture and a few details about what the license is for.
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Grover wanted a “searcher’s license.
What kind of license would you find helpful?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
What was Percy’s real reason why he wanted to go to the Underworld?
Who helped the children get money for the Amtrak train?
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Chapters 13-14
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Ares: God of War
Good readers will visualize when they are reading…
Ares is the sole son of the supreme Greek god Zeus and his legitimate wife,
Hera. Neither of his far-from-mild-mannered parents were said to be too
fond of their even more irritable son; a little more loving nurturing from them
might have resulted in Ares being just the God of Minor Conflicts.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
What was the picture and caption in the Trenton Register-News? Write it on the
newspaper below.
Describe the events that happen to Percy at the Gateway Arch and when he falls into
the river. Try to have at least three sentences in your response.
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Do you think jumping in the river was the best option for Percy?
What would you have done if you were him?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
What was the media’s position on what happened at the Gateway Arch?
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Chapters 13-14 continued…
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
Good readers will extend the text. Percy has gone through a lot in this story. For this
activity, you are asked to design your own colorful IPod Touch. Your IPod Touch should
include four “Apps” that you think Percy would find helpful. You will also need to explain
what the application is and how it relates to your reading. If you need more space for
explaining, attach an index card to this page. Remember to cite evidence from the text
when explaining each “App” (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1-8.1).
Explanation of your “Apps”
Top Left “App”
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Top Right “App”
Bottom Left “App”
Bottom Right “App”
Chapters 15-16
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Hephaestus: God of the Forge, Crafts, and Fire
Hephaestus was a dark-haired man who has difficulty walking due to deformed feet. The
story about Hephaestus is that while feeling rejected by his mother Hera, Hephaestus made
a lovely throne for her and sent it to Olympus. She sat in it and discovered she could not get
up again. Then the chair levitated. The other Olympian gods tried to reason with
Hephaestus, but even Ares was driven off with his flames.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
At the car wash Percy was able to talk with Luke through the rainbow mist. Describe
what they talked about and what Luke implied about Annabeth.
Strategy Focus: Visualizing
Good readers will draw pictures in their heads as they read to better comprehend what
they are reading. In the box below, draw a picture of the man that sat with the children
at the diner.
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Chapters 15-16 continued…
What does Ares want them to do?
Strategy Focus: Understanding the Details
Good readers will use strategies when reading…
For this activity, you are asked to fill in the blanks about what happened at the water
park.
When they arrived at the water park they took clean clothes from the merchandise and
changed into it. They went to the ride where the shield was. There were _______________
all the way around the rim of the pool facing the spot. When _________________ touched
the shield, he set off a trip wire. The cupid __________________ drew their bows and made
a net to trap them in. Video cameras and spotlights appeared. Then ________________
came out that scared Annabeth. _________________ went in the control booth to push
buttons. Percy made the pipes explode with water, and the spiders were swept away.
Percy and ______________ rode the boat out of the exit and jumped off. Grover grabbed
them in mid-air to brace their fall.
What did they ride in to Las Vegas? What did they learn about the animals?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Have you ever been to a water park? If so, what was your favorite ride?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
Who was Thalia and what happened to her?
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Chapters 15-16 continued…
Percy has a nightmare again. Describe his nightmare and what was discussed between
Hades and his servant.
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Share a nightmare that you have had.
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
When the three children entered the Lotus Hotel and Casino, they were given a green
plastic credit card. They were also given a suite to stay in that had separate bedrooms
that were stocked with candy, soda, and chips. They played various games (bungee
jumping, waterslide, snowboard, and laser-tag). Percy began to realize something was
wrong when he played a game with Darrin. He thought it was 1977. Percy soon found that
this was a trap. He had to round up Annabeth and Grover and get them to leave. He had
to say “spiders” to Annabeth, and they had to drag Grover out. On the “credit card”
below, create a design that may have been on the card. Your design should relate to the
Lotus Hotel and Casino.
How many days passed when they were in the hotel and casino?
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Chapters 17-18
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to some of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Apollo: God of the Sun
Apollo was a young man with curly golden hair and was the son of
the supreme Greek god Zeus and Leto. Zeus’s wife Hera was outraged
and convinced the earth to refuse to allow Leto to give birth anywhere on its
surface. But the island of Delos allowed Leto to take refuge there and give birth
to Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, goddess of the hunt and wild things.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Strategy Focus: Asking Questions
Good readers also ask questions as they read in order to help them comprehend what
they are reading. As you read chapter 17, write down at least three discussion questions.
These questions should allow discussions to take place within a group setting. “What was
the name of the main character?” is not a discussion question.
1.
2.
3.
Strategy Focus: Summarize (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.10-8.10)
Good readers are able to summarize what they have read. Describe in detail what
happened at Crusty’s Water Bed Palace. Write at least three sentences.
Who was guarding the lobby at the DOA Studios? How did the children get past him?
Strategy Focus: Visualizing
Draw a picture in your head of the events that happened on their journey to the
Underworld. Then draw one of these pictures in the box below.
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Chapters 19-20
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to the twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love and Beauty
Aphrodite is a gorgeous, perfect, eternally young woman with a beautiful body.
She was believed to be born of the foam in the sea off of the islands of Cyprus.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Strategy Focus: Understanding Important Details
Fill in a description below for each of the three areas of the Underworld. Make sure each
column has at least three details.
Fields of Ashpodel
Fields of Punishment
Elysium
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
If you had a choice, what underworld would you like to visit? Why?
Which underworld would you like to visit the least? Why?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
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Chapters 19-20 continued…
Fill-In-The-Blank Puzzle
As you read your assigned chapters, answer the questions below by putting one letter per
box (some boxes may not be used). After answering all of the questions, unscramble the
letters in the shaded boxes to form a word.
Good readers will read instead of battling with Ares…
The flying shoes tried to force Grover into a deep chasm. He hit a big rock and was able
to free one of his _____ from a shoe. Then they were able to remove the other shoe.
Hades was ten feet tall. He was dressed in black silk robes, and had a crown of gold. He
had ______ white skin with jet black hair.
In their conversation, Percy asked Hades to return the bolt. Hades grew upset and
accused Percy of the theft. He had Percy open the backpack and inside was the bolt.
Hades brought out his mom. Percy used what he had to save Grover, ______, and himself.
They were all carried up to the ocean where Percy got everyone to safety.
_____ stole Hades helm.
In their battle, Ares seemed to know what Percy was going to do the moment he moved.
However, Percy was able to get Ares close to the water and that is when Percy used the
ocean to his advantage. He was able to send a huge wave of water at him. Percy sent the
sword through Ares’ heel. Ares threatened Percy that every time he used his sword he
would feel his ______. Then Ares vanished into a bright light.
The Furies appeared on the _____ after Ares disappeared. Percy gave the Fury Hades’
helm and told them to call off the war.
Puzzle Challenge
Now unscramble the shaded letters to form a word that fits in the following blank space.
Zeus was Hera’s _________.
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Chapters 21-22
Strategy Focus: Understanding Greek Mythology
In order to understand what you are reading , you will be introduced
to the twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Hera: Goddess of Marriage
Hera was a young beautiful woman, said to be the most beautiful of all goddesses, even
beating out Aphrodite. Hera fell in love with Zeus from the first moment she saw him, and
eventually got a love charm from Aphrodite to seal the deal. She is very relationship-oriented
and spends much of her time driving off Zeus’s innumerable mistresses. She also sometimes
torments the offspring of those unions, especially Hercules.
Good readers will use background knowledge to comprehend the story…
Who got the blame in the news? Why? What did Percy tell the reporters?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
Have you ever been blamed for something you did?
Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
How was Percy able to get by the security guard in the Empire State Building?
Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this focus, you do not have to write anything down.
All you need to do is think about it and be ready to share.
What do you know about the Empire State Building?
Would you ever want to visit it?
Good readers will think about what they are reading…
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Chapters 21-22 continued…
Strategy Focus: Understanding Important Details (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3-8.3)
Good readers will be able to identify important details in the story. For this activity, you
are asked to fill in the chart below about what happened to Percy.
Description
of Zeus
Description
of Poseidon
Their decision for Percy
and what happened to
Percy’s mom
Why wasn’t Gabe happy to see Percy or Sally?
What was Percy going to do with the box on his bed?
Strategy Focus: Summarizing or Retelling (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.10-8.10)
Good readers will pause to retell what they have read. Describe the events that happened
with Percy and Luke at Half-Blood Hill. In your summary, include the words camp,
scorpion, master bolt, bitten, nymphs, and nectar.
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Understanding the Story
Strategy Focus: Predicting
Remember, a good reader will always look back at their predictions to see if they were
accurate- sort of like a scientist looking back at a hypothesis for an experiment. You
made a prediction for the first day. Look back at this prediction to see how accurate you
were. Your explanation should be at least 2 sentences in length and should include what
your prediction was and if this prediction was right or wrong. If it was wrong, you should
include in your explanation how it was wrong.
Strategy Focus: Understanding the Theme (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2-8.2)
Good readers understand the theme of the story. The theme is the most important idea,
lesson, or message that the author wants the reader to take away after reading. For
example, one possible theme for the story, The Ugly Duckling may be “Beauty is in the eyes
of the beholder.” Fill in the table below about what you believe to be the theme of the
story. Remember to cite specific evidence from the story for your theme.
Theme: Percy Jackson The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Possible
Theme
Story
Evidence
Strategy Focus: Understanding the Setting (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3-8.3)
Good readers will also understand how a particular setting can affect a character’s
actions. For this part, you are asked to choose one setting from the story and then share
how this setting affected a character’s actions. Remember to cite specific evidence from
the story when describing how it affected the character.
Setting: Percy Jackson The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Setting
Character’s
Actions
(include name of
character)
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On-Going Activity
Vocabulary Alpha Boxes
Directions: As you read The Lightning Thief, try to find vocabulary words for each letter
or box. It is all right to have more than one word in each box. Try your best to try to fill
most boxes! I understand that you may find some boxes empty when you finish reading the
book. If you need to do this on a separate sheet of paper, please do so.Put the
corresponding letter next to the word that you put in each alpha box.
Example:
I= Interesting word
N= New word
D= Difficult word
O= Other reason
F= Funny word
C= Character
P
Percy Jackson= C
In other words, if you put the word “shovel” in the “S” section, you must put a reason for
choosing this word. Your box may look like the example to the right.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Wise Guys © 2014
The Lightning Thief
End of Novel Project Choices
Cabin for Hades
In the story there are cabins at Camp Half-Blood for the various gods. However, there is
no cabin for Hades. Your task would be to draw a blueprint of your ideas for the cabin.
You would also need to draw and color a picture of what the exterior of the cabin would
look like. Then make up a half-blood character that would be coming to camp. Please
include a physical description and a special power that the character would have.
Gods, Titans, and Creatures
The book is loaded with mythological beings and creatures. It is your job to sort through
all of these characters, and to classify them into gods, titans, and creatures. Then I
would like you to pick 5 of these characters and provide: a physical description, a neat
and colorful drawing of each character, and finally a written summary of how they played
a role in the story.
Wanted Poster
You will need to create a wanted poster about a character in the story The
Lightning Thief. Your wanted poster must include: a physical description
of the character, why the person is wanted, how much money the reward is
for, and a picture with a caption.
A Journey across America
Percy, Grover, and Annabeth began their quest at Camp Half-Blood. Your job is to plot
their quest on a blank United States map. On the map, you must connect the dots of
their journey and label the city, and state of their stops. Then on the back of the map, I
would like you to write a description as to what occurred at each stop on their journey.
Make sure to include the characters, the problem, main events, and solution.
The New Lotus Hotel and Casino
You are the new owner of the Lotus Hotel and Casino. It is your job to never let anyone
go home. Your task is to create three new games that children can not resist and to
create a room that no one would ever want to leave. Please be descriptive in your game
development and in the design of your room. Pictures would be a great way to show what
these areas would look like as well.
Game Board
Make up a colorful board game about the story on a larger piece of tag
board. Your game must contain at least ten events that happened in the
story. Your game board must tell the main events of The Lightning Thief.
Wise Guys © 2014
The Lightning Thief
Word Study
Reading Strategy Focus: Word Study (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.4-8.4)
Good readers will try to find the meanings of key words…
In order to better comprehend what they are reading, good readers will try to find the
meanings of the key vocabulary in the story. Sometimes they may ask someone what a
word means or use context clues to figure out the meaning. Good readers will also look
up the definition.
Optional Activity: Your job will be to either use the vocabulary words below in a sentence or
find the meanings of the words. Some vocabulary words may have several meanings, so make
sure that your definition fits the way you think it would be used in the story. Please skip lines
between each definition. This work must be done neatly or you will do it over. If there are more
than 2-3 words per day, your teacher may have you work with a partner, discuss them in a group,
or provide the meanings for you.
Chapter 1
Kleptomaniac p. 3
Wispy p. 3
Disgorge p. 6
Scythe p. 6
Dyslexia p. 7
Chapter 2
Irritable p. 17
Sot p. 17
Solstice p. 19
Juvenile p. 22
Delinquent p. 22
Chapter 3
Terminal p. 29
Reeked p. 30
Cologne p. 32
Talons p. 32
Vivid p. 41
Chapter 4
Shimmering p. 53
Holographic p. 53
Dissolve p. 53
Chapter 5
Parasol p. 58
Pseudonym p. 64
Endeavors p. 67
Incinerates p. 69
Feigned p. 69
Chapter 6
Gable p. 75
Abalone p. 81
Caduceus p. 83
Primal p. 86
Archetypes p. 86
Wise Guys © 2014
Chapter 7
Mortals p. 97
Mischievous p. 100
Brazier p. 103
Laurels p. 105
Chapter 12
Pillaging p. 189
Quivering p. 191
Pressed p. 191
Chasm p. 193
Chapter 8
Manic p. 111
Aura p. 116
Alliance p. 117
brandished p. 120
Cantered p. 123
Chapter 13
Alternately p. 198
Berths p. 198
Deceitful p. 199
Fiery p. 209
Chapter 9
Repetitions p. 128
Cowered p. 132
Celestial p. 135
Paranoid p. 137
Mementos p. 141
Chapter 10
Drachmas p. 149
Chauffeur p. 150
Hyperventilating p. 151
Enchanted p. 154
Torment p. 165
Chapter 11
Faltered p. 169
Glint p. 169
Curio p. 171
Statuary p. 171
Kelp p. 173
Marred p. 176
Modulated p. 180
Crooned p. 183
Impertinent p. 186
Chapter 14
Revelation p. 212
Mortality p. 212
Hilt p. 215
Chapter 15
Chrome p. 224
Riveted p. 224
Proposition p. 226
Asphalt p. 230
Muttering p. 234
Chapter 16
Reluctantly p. 243
Mildewed p. 246
Albino p. 251
Indignation p. 254
Vagrants p. 257
Chapter 17
Critical p. 268
Hurtling p. 269
Shoals p. 270
Ballistic p. 270
Stablizers p. 281
Chapter 18
Stalactites p. 289
Warbled p. 291
Portcullis p. 291
Queued p. 291
Baleful p. 295
Mournful p. 299
Keening p. 299
Chapter 19
Medieval p. 302
Veered p. 303
Obsidian p. 305
Portico p. 308
Pretense p. 311
Chapter 20
Reconciliationp.326
Glinting p. 326
Cleaved p. 326
Feint p. 329
Dissipating p. 330
Chapter 21
Precariously p. 338
Hippodrome p. 338
Welled p. 341
Impudence p. 341
Riddance p. 353
Chapter 22
Procession p. 354
Shrouds p. 354
Bided p. 366
Constitution p. 370
Vengeance p. 371