Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The Lightning Thief
Before Reading Journal Entries
Chapters 1-4
Chapter 1
Have you ever been treated unfairly by a teacher (or parent, or other adult)? Describe
the circumstances and why you considered the treatment unfair.
Chapter 2
There’s an old expression: “I feel like someone just stepped on my grave.” Do you think it
is possible to foretell the future? Have you ever had a feeling that something bad was
going to happen? Explain fully.
Chapter 3
“The best people have the worst luck.” Do you agree? Can you think of a time when
something terrible happened to a good person? Conversely, do bad people have good things
happen to them? Explain fully.
Chapter 4
Is there anyone you would sacrifice your life for? Explain who and why.
Chapters 5-8
Chapter 5
If someone granted you immorality (being your present age, just as you are, forever) would
you take it? Think of as many pros and cons as you can.
Pros
Cons
Chapter 6
At the end of the last chapter, Percy has just learned that he is a demi-god, that Greek
myths are true and he is going to meet the rest of the campers. How do you think Percy is
feeling at this point? How would you feel if you were him?
Chapter 7
Of all the characters we’ve met so far, which of them do you think are most like you?
Why? Explain fully.
Chapter 8
Have you ever played capture the flag? If so, how do you play? What are the rules? If
not, how do you THINK the game is played?
Chapter 9
What is a quest? Explain what it is and give an example of a quest that we read about
when we were reading Greek myths.
Chapter 10
How do you think the Oracle’s prophecy will come true for Percy? How will be betrayed by
a friend? What does it mean: “he will fail to save what matters most in the end”?
Chapters 11 & 12
An old piece of advice is: “Never talk to strangers.” Do you believe this is always the
safest thing to do? Why or why not?
Chapters 13 & 14
I Plunge to my Death & I Become a Known Fugitive
Write a prediction for these two chapters based on the chapter titles.
Chapter 15
A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers
What god do you think the chapter title is referring to? Why?
Chapter 16
In this chapter, Percy and his friends arrive in Las Vegas. What do you know about the
city? With a partner, list as much information about Las Vegas that you can. Include the
weather / landscape, any attractions or buildings that you’ve heard of, what activities
there are (be appropriate!), etc.
Chapter 17
People are always looking for new ways to sell things. What’s the worst or most annoying
commercial you’ve ever seen? What is the best or funniest?
Chapters 18-19
With a partner, write a “Previously read in the Lightning Thief” 60 second recap /
summary. You need to have at least 15 and no more than 18 of the most important
events / occurrences in the novel. Be prepared to present your 60 second recap to the
class.
Chapter 20
Who do you think the “jerk relative” is? Why?
Chapter 21
What do you think will happen when Percy brings the lightning bolt to Zeus? If you were
writing the scene, what would it be like. Write a short dialogue (5-8 sentences) between
Percy and Zeus. Use proper quotation marks.
Chapter 22
The last chapter is called The Prophesy Comes True.
You shall go west, and face the god who has turned.
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned.
You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
How has the prophesy come true so far? Read through it and explain each line.