Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief

This urban fantasy adventure introduces readers to a modern world where Greek gods still walk among us, seen through the eyes of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson who discovers he's the son of Poseidon. When Percy gets accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, he embarks on a cross-country quest with his friends Annabeth and Grover to prevent a war among the gods, battling mythological monsters in contemporary settings from New Jersey to Los Angeles.

Riordan masterfully blends ancient mythology with middle school humor and relatable struggles, creating a protagonist who feels authentic despite his divine heritage. The fast-paced narrative balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional depth, particularly in its exploration of friendship, family, and finding where you belong. Readers who enjoy action-packed stories with clever twists on classic myths will find themselves completely immersed in this world where ADHD might actually be your battle reflexes kicking in.