Grace Gardner

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Percy Jackson and Pop Culture Commented [GG1]: Change title and write intro
Commented [GG2R1]:
The Percy Jackson Series is very popular with younger audiences; whether in middle or high

school. Why is this? Because the author, Rick Riordan, knew how to write books that would appeal to

kids. While adults might not find this series plausible, or even entertaining, teens of all ages gravitate

towards this series. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief appeals to the common

feelings of teenagers, drawing in the audience by sympathizing with teen feelings of being alone and

misunderstood, as well as common aspects of life for teenagers, like insult fostering friendship.

Percy finds out he is actually half-blood, half god, half mortal. Which is why he never really

seemed to fit in the regular world of mortals. When Percy is disbelieving of his true heritage Annabeth Commented [GG3]: revise

has to prove it to him. ‘”I bet you moved around from school to school. I bet you were kicked out of a lot

of them”…. “Diagnosed with dyslexia. Probably ADHD, too”…. “Taken together, it’s almost a sure sign.

The letters float off the page when you try to read, right? That’s because your brain is hardwired for

ancient Greek. And the ADHD- you’re impulsive, can’t sit still in the classroom, That’s your battlefield

reflexes. In a real fight, they’d keep you alive. As for the attention problems, that’s because you see too

much, not too little,” (88). Percy had struggled with school and failed to fit in because he is not an

average kid. Teens in real life can empathize with Percy’s failure to fit into society, or in most teens’

cases, school. Percy doesn’t fit in because of his demigod abilities, which make it hard for him to learn at

a normal school. Kids with disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD understand what Percy goes through and

can see themselves in him. Annabeth finally proves Percy is a demigod by telling him about nectar and

ambrosia. “The food and drink we were giving you would’ve killed a normal kid…. Face it. You’re a half-

blood,” (88). Kids who have been diagnosed with disorders or diseases can definitely attest to how
world shattering announcements like Annabeth’s can be. Teens can empathize with this moment in

thinking about how they are in this strange stage between adulthood and being a kid. Finding out that

you have changed in a monumental way, or that you are different than you thought, is hard for anyone.

Riordan plays on misunderstood teens and their emotions, as well as their ways of conveying friendship.

Many adults overhear teen conversations between friends, and couldn’t even tell they are

friends. Simply because teens often tease their friend that it almost becomes a contest; who can come

up with the best insults. Annabeth constantly insults Percy, especially with his ‘nickname,’ an insult to

him and his dad. “Because you’re my friend, Seaweed Brain. Any more stupid questions?” (251).

Annabeth hides a simple compliment within multiple insults, much like the teens of today. She calls

Percy an insulting nickname, ‘Seaweed Brain,’ and calls him stupid. However, she also calls him her

friend, a high compliment, and very sweet thing to say, but like modern teens she can’t just be outright

nice, she has to cover it with insults. Annabeth seems to tease Percy constantly, to hide her affection for

him, as a friend, or more. When Grover places a protective spell on the animals they set free, Annabeth

takes the opportunity to get another jibe in. “’Why can’t you place a blessing like that on us?’ I asked.

‘It only works on wild animals.’

‘So it would only affect Percy,’ Annabeth reasoned,” (257). Annabeth just called Percy a friend,

and yet she continues to tease him? Maybe Annabeth teasing him is showing her friendship. Just like

current teens Annabeth shows her camaraderie through insults and jibes. While adults and the

occasional more sensitive kid might not understand this, most teens empathize and Riordan played to

that. He included lots of bantering in his books to draw in teen readers, and it seems to have worked.

Rick Riordan used his knowledge of teens to make his book series Percy Jackson and the

Olympians very popular. Once teens read the books they were able to see aspects of themselves in the

books. Teens are also able to see something many aspire to be; self-sufficient kids who can take care of
themselves, even in rough situations. Teens can be inspired by Rick Riordan’s books, and the

independence of his characters. Many of the kids at Camp Half-blood have tenuous relationships with

their parents, godly and human, so most of the kids do everything relatively on their own. While they

might have help from Chiron, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover ultimately go on a quest and defeat

monsters on their own. They use their friendships, which grow strong through their difficulties and

ability to banter throughout even tough situations, to succeed in their quest. Much like this, teens must

rely on their friends throughout school and life. While many teens see themselves as misunderstood

outcasts, many have at least one friend they can rely on to help them laugh through the tough times.

Rick Riordan creates a book with characters that teens can relate to wholeheartedly.