Letter Blocks

[#1]

My favorite book as a kid? First a confession: I was a reluctant reader. You know those boys you have to drag into a library? The ones who would rather do anything other than read? That was me. I would never pick up a book of my own volition, which is probably why I have a lot of sympathy for reluctant readers today, and why I try to design books that will reach them. I was one of them!

Having someone read to me, however - that was different. I was always willing to curl up on the sofa with one of my parents and be entertained. I have vivid memories of my dad reading from Tales of the Western World, an anthology long since out of print. Those stories of Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan and John Henry were my first expeditions into the world of folklore. I also remember my mom reading me Charlotte's Web and James and the Giant Peach, which are still among my favorite books. My second grade teacher was an excellent reader, too. She kept my interest with Mrs. Pigglewiggle and the Boxcar Children. Throughout elementary school, I would never have called myself a reader. I thought of books as boring. And yet . . . tell me a good story, and I would listen.

The world of books really opened up for me in middle school when I discovered the Lord of the Rings. That was the first series that showed me reading could be fun - not just an assignment for school. I must've read the trilogy a dozen times. I loved the epic fantasy adventure, the heroism of the hobbits, the chilling evil of the Dark Lord, and especially the blank spaces on Middle Earth's map that Tolkien left to the reader's imagination. Then my savvy eighth grade teacher, who did her master's thesis on Lord of the Rings, suggested I try Norse mythology, since much of Tolkien's work was based on those old stories. I've been hooked on mythology ever since. By the way, this was the same teacher who encouraged me to submit my first story to a magazine, starting me on my long road as a writer. Is it any wonder I later became a middle school teacher? One good teacher can make an enormous difference. My latest book, The Last Olympian, is dedicated to that teacher, Mrs. Pabst.

So my favorite childhood book? You could pick any of the titles I mentioned above. But really, my favorite reading experience was not a book at all. It was storytelling. This is why, as a teacher, I've always encouraged parents to read to and with their children. Your children are never too old to be read to, and any good story is twice as good when it is shared aloud.  That's what we'll be doing in the Riordan household this summer. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Editor's Note: Rick Riordan is the bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. Rick jump starts our Summer Reading Program, which will continue through August with guest authors and celebrities posting every Monday and Thursday.

Message Edited by PaulH on 06-23-2009 10:15 AM

[#2]

Rick,

I really enjoyed your article and I have my dad to thank for the classic short stories he would read to my brothers and me.  He was also the one to encourage us to read outside of our school work.  My son has a hard time reading on his own but loves when I read to him or he gets audiobooks.  He has a great memory but a real disablity that limits his reading.  Your stories he loves to hear.  Thank you.

Toni

[#3]

I have just recently started your Percy Jackson books and I must say that I immediately fell in love with them! I have loved reading and learning about Greek and roman mythology ever since I was first taught about ancient civilizations in school. You have done an excellent job with this series and I'm sure many more will become enthralled when it comes to learning new facts about the myths mentioned in your books. Also, I am glad that you mentioned the Boxcar Children series in your article. My mom used to read that series to my brother and I when we were younger. I enjoyed it when she read to me and when I tried to think of the name of the books it came out as a blank, but thanks to you I remember. I believe that it is very important for parents to read to their children so that they can build strong, lasting relationships with them. Thanks again for everything.

Lyndsey

[#4]

It was interesting/ironic to hear that you were a reluctant reader who found a series that hooked you because Percy Jackson and the Olympians has been that series for many of the students in my class.  I purchased Sea of Monsters for a literature circle choice, not realizing it was the second in the series.  I was quickly buying Lightning Thief and then the remaining books.  I can't keep them on my shelf!  Not to mention the interest that the books sparked in Greek mythology.  My students were so inquisitive about Percy's world that they began their own investigations.  They often ask me what is the "true" myth and what is from your imagination.  Not only have you provided wonderfully engaging books, but also a learning opportunity.  Thank you!

[#5]

I love the Percy Jackson series.  My brother first had them, and he'll never cease to remind me, he suggested them first.  At the time, apparently I told him the series looked stupid.  But of course, I was curious, so a year or so later, I finally picked them up and read them.  Why I didn't sooner, I won't be able to tell you, since I've loved Greek mythology since I was a fourth grader.  D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths is a staple of my bookshelf.

Anyway, now I adore the series so much, I won't stop pestering my college-aged friends to read them.  A few of them have finally caved in (since I talk about Percy all the time), and every single one has fallen in love.  I wish the series had more publicity amongst older audiences, because I think the story can be enjoyed at any age.  And the world can always use more Greek mythology buffs.

So when Twi-hards ask me whether I am Team Edward or Team Jacob, my answer is: I'm Team Percy!