It is fascinating that several of The 39 Clues books are written by different authors. As the author of the first book , The Maze of Bones, Rick Riordan begins this series with interest and enthusiasm. Using this series of books as a way to explore various authors and their styles is a wonderful way to study writing techniques. Beginning with Rick Riordan, I will compile lesson ideas for teaching about the authors of The 39 Clues, and offer ideas for exploring their writing styles with your homeschooler.

Rick Riordan is famous for his series about Percy Jackson, a boy who is the son of a Greek God. The movie based on his first book, The Lightning Thief, will be out in theaters on February 12, 2010. Percy, the son of Poseidon, is a brave and adventurous character. Begin your author study by reading The Lightning Thief. The book is so good most homeschoolers who are skilled readers will likely finish it well before the release of the movie! For fun and encouragement, be sure to check out the movie site as well, for trailers of this epic film.

Use this opportunity to teach your children about Mythology, and Greek Gods. Begin with some of the well known Greek Gods:
Zeus- The most powerful, and could maintain order without issue. He was regarded as king.
Hera- Zeus's wife, she was not only the queen, but also the Godess of the homes, marraige and children.
Poseidon- The brother of Zeus and God of the sea.
Athena- The Godess of wisdom.
Aphrodite- The Godess of beauty and love.
Hercules- One of Zeus's son's, he was strong and powerful, but half man-half God.

After studying the Mythological creatures above, as well as any of your choosing, have your homeschooler play a fun matching game on "Library Thinkquest" (site listed at end of article).
Print and play a neat matching game on Greek Gods, from a free resource (also listed below).
Ask your child which Mythological character he likes most, and why.

Writing prompts are also a good way to tie in the works of Rick Riordan's The Maze of Bones and The Lightning Thief. Here are several to get you started:
-How are the characters of Percy Jackson and Dan Cahill alike? How are they different?
-Is Rick Riordan's style of writing similar in The Maze of Bones and The Lightning Thief? If so, how?
-What experiences do the main characters of The Maze of Bones and The Lightning Thief have in common? Do they all respond the same to danger and mystery?
-Do you relate better to Percy Jackson or Dan and Amy Cahill? Why? Who do you think you would prefer to be friends with and why?

The Olympics are also coming in a few weeks, which is also a great resource for Greek information. The Ancient Greeks started the Olympics, so researching this, as well as today's olympics will be a perfect tie into the Percy Jackson book series.





www.percyjacksonthemovie.com/
www.library.thinkquest.org/CR0210200/ancient_greece/greek_gods.htm
www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/make_do/playercards.pdf