The Next Harry Potter?

Is Percy Jackson the next Harry Potter?

Perhaps... though I doubt any boy hero will ever surpass Harry Potter in popularity. Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series follows a normal teenage boy through adolescense, much like the Harry Potter series does. The difference? Percy's parents aren't wizards. Percy's parents are a normal mortal mother and Poseidon, the god of the sea. Naturally, being a demigod, Percy will not have an easy teenage experience.

The five books in the series introduce the Olympian gods, the Titans, and other mythological characters in a way that is easy and familiar. Riordan brilliantly educates his readers about the myth without making it appear as though he is lecturing. The Percy Jackson series is a great tool for exposing young adults to Greek mythology in a fun, entertaining way. And now that the first book in the series will be on the big screen this Friday, Riordan's work is sure to reach higher levels of popularity.

I personally would recommend these books to anyone who found Greek mythology or the Harry Potter series interesting. I couldn't put them down and was easily able to devour one book in less than 24 hours. Happy reading!!

The New Poll

Happy Friday! Normally I would throw out a TGIF or two when I post on a Friday... but not this time. If today is Friday, January 8 - then that means tomorrow is Saturday, January 9. My big Praxis II exam is tomorrow, and I could not be more nervous about it. Consider updating this my study break from cognitive development theories. I have a new poll! Allow me to introduce it to you.

Quite simply, which of the following authors would you most want to meet if you had to choose between Stephen King, Ian McEwan, Stephenie Meyer, Rick Riordian, J.K. Rowling, and Alice Sebold. I chose some pretty contemporary authors this time. Next time, we'll see some more oldies but goodies. Here's a little bit about each author's work:

*Stephen King: He's considered the king of horror novels. King knows how to take a ghost story and twist it into something truly terrifying. Best known work: The Shining (though it's tough to pick just one).

*Ian McEwan: This author pens novels that will get you thinking about all sorts of different aspects of being human. With McEwan, you either hate him or love him. Best known work: Atonement.

*Stephenie Meyer: Ah yes, the vampire's best friend. She made vampires totally cool again with her lusty, romantic vamp Edward Cullen, made famous by Robert Pattinson. Best known work: Twilight, DUH.

*Rick Riordian: This guy has tackled it all. He has penned some intriguing adult mystery novels and has even broken into the young adult lit scene with his fabulous Percy Jackson series, being made into a movie coming to theatres soon! Which will make his best known work: The Lightning Thief.

*J.K. Rowling: Does she really need an introduction? She's the wealthiest living author, and it's no wonder why. She penned the phenomena known as Harry Potter, the story of a boy wizard who conquers evil with nothing more than good will and love. Best known work: Any of the Harry Potter books.

*Alice Sebold: This author burst onto the comtemporary literature scene quite suddenly, it would seem. Her novels touch some people, and leave others with a great sense of unease. Best known work: The Lovely Bones.

HAPPY VOTING!