If you missed the first wave in the mid-2000s, here’s the gist: Rick Riordan wrote a story for his son, who had ADHD and dyslexia, about a kid named Percy who discovers he’s a "demigod"—the son of Poseidon.

The brilliance of Riordan’s world is that he recontextualizes learning differences. In the world of Percy Jackson, dyslexia is just the brain being "hard-wired for Ancient Greek," and ADHD is actually "battlefield reflexes."

It’s not just a book series anymore. With the recent Disney+ adaptation, a whole new generation is discovering Camp Half-Blood. It’s essentially the Harry Potter of the 2020s, but with more sarcasm and significantly more gods behaving badly.

We spend a lot of time worrying about "brain rot" content—those 10-second TikTok loops or low-effort YouTube influencers. Percy Jackson is the literal opposite. It’s "sticky" content that builds cultural literacy.

When kids get into these stories, they aren't just consuming media; they are learning about archetypes, ethics, and history. It’s one of those rare instances where the digital content (the show) actually drives kids back to the analog content (the books).

According to our community data, about 65% of kids in grades 4-7 have engaged with at least one Percy Jackson property in the last year. It’s a major social currency in middle school right now.

Ages 8-12 The books are, quite frankly, better than any adaptation. They are funny, fast-paced, and written in a first-person voice that resonates with kids who think reading is "boring." If you have a reluctant reader, start here. There are five books in the original series, but Riordan has built an entire "Riordanverse" that includes Egyptian mythology and Norse mythology.

Ages 9+ The new show is a massive improvement over the 2010 movie (which we don't talk about—it was basically a crime against the source material). The show is age-appropriate, diverse, and stays true to the themes of the book. It’s a great "co-viewing" option for parents and kids. Check out our guide on how the Percy Jackson show handles violence

Ages 7-12 If you have a long car ride, this is the gold standard for educational podcasts. It’s funny, high-energy, and covers the "real" myths that inspired the books. It’s a great way to keep the obsession alive without adding more screen time.

Ages 12+ For the older kids who have moved past the books but still love the lore, Hades is a masterpiece. It’s a "roguelike" game where you play as the son of Hades trying to escape the underworld. It is visually stunning and incredibly well-written. Note: it is a bit more mature and violent than the books, so save this for the middle schoolers and up.

While Percy Jackson is generally safe territory, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Rick Riordan has used his success to launch an imprint called "Rick Riordan Presents." This is a huge win for intentional parents. He helps authors from underrepresented cultures write "Percy-esque" stories about their own mythologies.

If your kid finishes Percy Jackson and wants more, check these out:

This is a brilliant way to broaden your child’s worldview while they think they’re just reading "another cool adventure book."

Learn more about the best mythology books for diverse perspectives

Don't let the obsession happen in a vacuum. You can use Percy Jackson to have some pretty deep conversations:

Percy Jackson is the "Good Stuff." It’s a rare cultural phenomenon that encourages reading, celebrates neurodiversity, and respects the intelligence of its audience.

If your kid is obsessed, lean into it. Buy the box set, watch the show together, and maybe even let them play a little Hades if they’re old enough. In a world of "Skibidi Toilet" and mindless scrolling, a kid who wants to discuss the hubris of Phaethon is a win in our book.