Age rating and parents' guide:Percy Jackson and the Olympians

by Rick Riordan

Ages 9–14

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is best for children aged 9–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Monster battles.

Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is actually a demigod, the son of the Greek god Poseidon. After being accused of stealing Zeus's master lightning bolt, he must journey across modern-day America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence: Moderate
Scary moments: Moderate
Romance: None
Bad language: None

Worth knowing: Monster battles

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

Novel
Part of the Percy Jackson series
A steady start that picks up quickly
Mostly text
Some emotionally heavy moments
A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

Myths, Legends & Fairy Tales
Friendship

Reading mood

Imaginative
Suspenseful

Good to talk about

Friendship
Mythology

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Percy Jackson and the Olympians for?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.

Q: Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians appropriate for a 9 year old?

Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Monster battles.

Q: Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians part of a series?

Yes, it belongs to the Percy Jackson series. If your child enjoys it, the other Percy Jackson books are the easiest next step.

Q: What should my child read after Percy Jackson and the Olympians?

Try Aru Shah and the End of Time, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Number the Stars. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

Age rating and parents' guidePercy Jackson and the Olympians

by Rick Riordan

Ages 9–14

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is best for children aged 9–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Monster battles.

Books like Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–14

Aru Shah and the End of Time

by Roshani Chokshi

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah tends to stretch the truth to fit in at school. While spending her autumn break in the Museum of Ancient Indian Arts and Culture, she lights a cursed lamp to impress her classmates, accidentally freeing an ancient demon who freezes time and traps her mother. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

After living a miserable life with his uncaring aunt and uncle, Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns spells, plays Quidditch, and discovers the warmth of true friendship. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

In Copenhagen during World War II, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen watches as Nazi forces begin to target the city's Jewish population. When the danger reaches her best friend, Ellen Rosen, Annemarie's family steps in to hide Ellen as their own daughter. Soon, the Johansens must take brave risks to help Ellen and other families escape across the sea to Sweden. It is a tense yet gentle historical story that introduces younger readers to the courage of ordinary people resisting injustice.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Montgomery

When elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help on their Prince Edward Island farm, they are surprised by the arrival of Anne Shirley—a spirited, red-headed girl with a fiery temper and boundless imagination.

Know more Get book

Ages 12–14

The King of Nothing

by Nathanael Lessore

Anton is the undisputed king of his crew, spending his days mocking others and playing the part of the untouchable cool kid. But when an unexpected mishap at a school fair completely shatters his tough exterior, his friends turn on him and his social status evaporates overnight. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.

Know more Get book

Ages 12–14

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

Set in Germany during the Second World War, this moving story follows young foster girl Liesel Meminger. As her foster father teaches her to read, she discovers a deep passion for books, sharing stolen stories with her neighbors during air raids and with the Jewish man hiding in her basement. Uniquely narrated by Death, the novel offers a powerful, lyrical perspective on the horrors of war, the cruelty of prejudice, and the extraordinary power of words and human kindness to offer hope in dark times.

Know more Get book

Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Percy Jackson and the Olympians for?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.

Q: Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians appropriate for a 9 year old?

Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Monster battles.

Q: Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians part of a series?

Yes, it belongs to the Percy Jackson series. If your child enjoys it, the other Percy Jackson books are the easiest next step.

Q: What should my child read after Percy Jackson and the Olympians?

Try Aru Shah and the End of Time, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Number the Stars. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.