Is Percy Jackson/The Olympians considered twaddle?

[Alicia64]

I trust my gut, but I've never read Percy Jackson. I love that I've fed relatively little garbage to my boys and I'd like to keep it that way.

 

They have great attention spans for really advanced books and I think one reason is because I avoided the twaddle.

 

What do you think of Percy?

 

Thanks!

 

Alley

[mommaduck]

No idea and don't care. My sons have learned enough mythology in their history lessons that they actually pick apart accuracy and the creative licensing of the author :lol:

[Julie in Austin]

It isn't great literature, but . . .

 

As you may know, the set-up is that all of the ancient Greek myths are real, which means that Percy encounters them in modern guise. The books are fun because you can guess which mythic being is hiding behind the modern garb. For example, they go into a casino . . . and find people from every decade . . . no one wants to leave . . . everyone is in sort of a trance . . .waitresses passing out flowers to eat . . . lotus eaters!

 

So because of the element of fun in recognizing the myths, I don't think it is twaddle.

[stephanier.1765]

Probably but my son loved it. And as our history cycle turns back to the ancients, it will be nice for him to connect the gods from the books to the gods in Greek mythology. I just bought him Rick Riorden's new book, The Red Pyramid, because Egypt is next on our list to do and he'll love having a fun book by an author he likes to go along with it. I don't consider it school reading but it's nice when the fun stuff goes along with the not so fun stuff.

[TXMomof4]

I don't consider it twaddle because it has really encouraged my kids to explore mythology in much greater depth than I would have imagined. My 8 yo proceeded to read every volume of mythology she could find, The Iliad, The Odyssey, etc. because it was so entertaining and so exciting. She has started learning the Greek alphabet because she recognized letters on a frat house as Greek letters and wanted to learn more. Any book that can inspire that much interest is a good thing in my opinion.

[mrs.m]

My kids love PJ. But I'm not certain of the exact definition of twaddle and it might be relative depending on how far you want to take it.

 

Anyway, If it is, then so be it. Personally, I'm happy that my daughter read those books and became interested in D'Aulaires book of Greek Myths as well. She read that entire book in a couple days and can tell me everything about Greek Gods. So it can be a good jumping point.

 

Now she's reading the first book aloud to her brothers even though they have already heard it on CD.

[patchfire]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

[mommaduck]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

It's gateway fiction :lol: Leads from twaddle to the heavy duty stuff ;)

[SailorMom]

It is vacation-appropriate :) Not literature.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

 

I call that category pleasure reading. Pleasure reading can be great literature, it can be in this in-between stage, it can be revisiting a lower reading level favorite. Pleasure reading has its place, just like an ice cream cone or cookie is good now and then.

 

In my opinion PJ isn't so bad or such twaddle that it needs to be completely eliminated. Just kept in it's appropriate entertainment category.

Edited August 28, 2010 by JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst

[freerange]

It's gateway fiction :lol: Leads from twaddle to the heavy duty stuff ;)

 

:iagree: it's a Trojan horse of Greek literature, and even the language! DD is keen to learn Greek, partly thanks to PJ.

[6packofun]

I totally agree! Pleasure reading may or may not be classic/great literature, but our family has standards even for the "just for fun" selections. :) Quite honestly, I like that our children are culturally aware of popular books and can discuss and review current selections against what they *know* is good literature--and not just because they read someone else's views on the book, but because they read it themselves.

[6packofun]

Parents need to create their own literary standards rather than just avoiding the "twaddle" lists of others, IMO. Find out for yourself, preread, investigate what current gems are out there, develop your own standards and trust that when you DO bring home some not-so-great books that you'll be able to discuss WHY they weren't great with your children rather than bemoan the fact that you've let them be sullied in some way by it. LOL The experience of reading all sorts of books is so much more important than sticking to a "safe" list.

 

(Obviously, some content is going to be absolutely unacceptable during younger years, so I'm not suggesting anyone allow inappropriate--to their standards--content just for the experience. LOL)

[Veritaserum]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

 

:iagree: Since reading Percy Jackson my kids have had much more interest in standard classics of Greek mythology. :) I'm reading PJ aloud at bedtime, so it's like dessert after having read classics as part of their school lessons.

[ma23peas]

Pure twaddle...so you don't assign it as a literature read for school, but can they read it on their own, sure....

 

I have an aversion to things that go after the buck...$$$ I think Harry Potter/Twilight series are tools used to exploit...so when one gets absorbed and must attend the midnight showing/read each new book as it comes out but neglects to keep the good stuff as a priority, that's where I think it's more harm than good...will it grow their relationship with God? will it take away? Do I refuse to allow it in my house? No...but my kids know my reasoning and support it...they have caught themselves in this dilemma too many times (Webkinz, silly bandz...all designed to go after the buck..) I've just never found those things to be where we want to hang our hat for a few hours...our time is precious and we lose by indulging in them sometimes.

 

Tara

[Laurie4b]

I think it's twaddle, but our family (including me) enjoyed it. There is a place in life for cinnamon rolls amongst healthy choices and there is a place for fun twaddle amongst a varied literary diet.

[AngieW in Texas]

There's another series with Egyptian gods that I've enjoyed. The third book just came out recently.

 

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris

Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus

 

I've read the first two and will read the third right after I'm done with Mockingjay (my 12yo finished it Tuesday and my 14yo finished it this morning, so it's my turn now).

[nmoira]

There's another series with Egyptian gods that I've enjoyed. The third book just came out recently.

 

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris

Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus

Thanks, I didn't realize the third book was out.

 

I've read the first two and will read the third right after I'm done with Mockingjay (my 12yo finished it Tuesday and my 14yo finished it this morning, so it's my turn now).

I hope you have a solid block of time set away. ;)

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

I totally agree! Pleasure reading may or may not be classic/great literature, but our family has standards even for the "just for fun" selections. :) Quite honestly, I like that our children are culturally aware of popular books and can discuss and review current selections against what they *know* is good literature--and not just because they read someone else's views on the book, but because they read it themselves.

 

I didn't say not to have standards for what you encourage your children to read. I said that in my view there is a middle area between twaddle and literature. What you put in that category is up to you. I think homeschoolers often get caught up in the mentality that all books are literature or twaddle and I am of the belief that there is a middle group that exists for fun. I wouldn't assign it for a literature study but neither is it such tripe that I would ban it altogether. Each family should have it's own standards for what those books are and how each child's time should be allocated for reading from this category.

 

In our house PJ happened to prove acceptable for pleasure reading. It may not meet standards that others have set.

[regentrude]

It is pleasure reading. For children's books rather good.

I do not expect my children to read only educational literature and Classics (with a capital C). They need to read just for fun and relaxation, too.

(as do I, or I would not spend my time reading internet forums)

[CalicoKat]

probably, but it was fun. :) My 6th grader was motivated to read the first book with the promise that she could watch the movie. Now she's hooked and is excited about reading the series. :D

 

Twaddle, but it still exercises the reading muscle.

[Jen+4dc]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

:iagree:

 

It is pleasure reading. For children's books rather good.

I do not expect my children to read only educational literature and Classics (with a capital C). They need to read just for fun and relaxation, too.

(as do I, or I would not spend my time reading internet forums)

:iagree:

 

I enjoy a little "brain candy" every once in awhile so I can't tell my kids they can't. I've actually enjoyed reading PJ to them.:D

[Jamee]

There's another series with Egyptian gods that I've enjoyed. The third book just came out recently.

 

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris

Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus

 

I've read the first two and will read the third right after I'm done with Mockingjay (my 12yo finished it Tuesday and my 14yo finished it this morning, so it's my turn now).

 

 

Yes, thanks for the suggestion. Would this hold the interest of boys who are die-hard Percy fans?

 

As for Percy, I like the "gateway literature" approach. My boys have really taken off on their mythology and love of things Greek thanks to the books.

[eclipse]

I personally feel that there is a category of literature between "twaddle" and "great," and I think Percy Jackson fits neatly into that. It's not necessarily particularly challenging, and will not necessarily cause deep thought to take place, but it does incorporate mythology and isn't so poorly written and developed as to be twaddle, kwim?

This, exactly. My son reads a lot of high quality literature and he loves it, but sometimes it's nice to take a mental break with something entertaining and easily accessable but that still isn't, uh, "crud." He loves mythology and thinks the idea of the Greek Gods being alive in the 21st century US as wildly entertaining and amusing. I've read the ones he's read, and I think they're entertaining, too, and I think they're "smarter" than a lot of literature aimed at boys his age.

[bethben]

Not to start ANY sort of argument, but what about them from a very Christian conservative viewpoint? I am an anti Harry Potter person just because I feel for some kids it could be a gateway into real life wizard "longings". Not most, but some. Is it on the same path as a Harry Potter? Just really want another Christian conservative to chime up - I am not in any way questioning anyone's decisions for their own family (I know how touchy this forum can get!)

 

Beth

[HRAAB]

There's a time for twaddle, and time for classics. Moderation in all things.

[homeschoolally]

I call that category pleasure reading. Pleasure reading can be great literature, it can be in this in-between stage, it can be revisiting a lower reading level favorite. Pleasure reading has its place, just like an ice cream cone or cookie is good now and then.

 

In my opinion PJ isn't so bad or such twaddle that it needs to be completely eliminated. Just kept in it's appropriate entertainment category.

:iagree:

[TN Mama]

My kids love PJ. But I'm not certain of the exact definition of twaddle and it might be relative depending on how far you want to take it.

 

Anyway, If it is, then so be it. Personally, I'm happy that my daughter read those books and became interested in D'Aulaires book of Greek Myths as well. She read that entire book in a couple days and can tell me everything about Greek Gods. So it can be a good jumping point.

 

 

:iagree: Could have typed this exact post.

[mommaduck]

Not to start ANY sort of argument, but what about them from a very Christian conservative viewpoint? I am an anti Harry Potter person just because I feel for some kids it could be a gateway into real life wizard "longings". Not most, but some. Is it on the same path as a Harry Potter? Just really want another Christian conservative to chime up - I am not in any way questioning anyone's decisions for their own family (I know how touchy this forum can get!)

 

Beth

Already have.

 

But if you are the type to consider every little thing a gateway evil (such as the type that doesn't teach or discuss mythology, because it's pagan or whatnot) then no, these are not for you. My kids have never read HP, btw, but they love Brian Jaques, CS Lewis, and Tolkein.

Edited August 29, 2010 by mommaduck

[mrs.m]

Not to start ANY sort of argument, but what about them from a very Christian conservative viewpoint? I am an anti Harry Potter person just because I feel for some kids it could be a gateway into real life wizard "longings". Not most, but some. Is it on the same path as a Harry Potter? Just really want another Christian conservative to chime up - I am not in any way questioning anyone's decisions for their own family (I know how touchy this forum can get!)

 

Beth

 

It depends on your view of Greek Mythology. Is it apart of your Classical education? If you skipped it, then you probably don't want them to read PJ.

 

I'm Christian and I have no problem with HP, PJ, or Greek Mythology. But don't base your decision on what other Christians think. You do whatever you feel is best for your children!!!

[Alicia64]

Thanks for all the replies. You've been really helpful.

 

Since my boys are 7 and don't tend to read totally on their own yet -- I'm the one who reads aloud to them.

 

I can't see myself having time reading the non-twaddle books AND "brain candy." I would just run out of time between SOTW and our non-twaddle, but still fun, books.

 

But once they're reading fluently and can read PJ then the "gateway" approach makes sense to me.

 

Thank you all -- I really appreciate your thoughts!

 

Alley

[Jamee]

My youngest actually really enjoyed the audio books for Percy Jackson. Since we had decided as a family that we'd all read the books before the movie came out, he really enjoyed being able to take part in this as well--and was equally disappointed when some of his favorite book scenes were not in the movie.

[meet me in paris]

I don't consider it twaddle because it has really encouraged my kids to explore mythology in much greater depth than I would have imagined. My 8 yo proceeded to read every volume of mythology she could find, The Iliad, The Odyssey, etc. because it was so entertaining and so exciting. She has started learning the Greek alphabet because she recognized letters on a frat house as Greek letters and wanted to learn more. Any book that can inspire that much interest is a good thing in my opinion.

:iagree:

My daughter went CRAZY over mythology after reading that series. Read everything under the sun, and took the National Mythology Exam at the end of the year. Now she's studying Greek.

[katilac]

Not to start ANY sort of argument, but what about them from a very Christian conservative viewpoint? I am an anti Harry Potter person just because I feel for some kids it could be a gateway into real life wizard "longings". Not most, but some. Is it on the same path as a Harry Potter? Just really want another Christian conservative to chime up - I am not in any way questioning anyone's decisions for their own family (I know how touchy this forum can get!)

 

Beth

 

I would imagine that anyone who has a problem with Harry Potter would also have a problem with Percy Jackson. Perhaps even more so, as the entire premise of PJ is that the Greek gods are real.

[6packofun]

Other than the "I totally agree", my post was just my thoughts on the OP topic itself, not so much a response to *you*. Sorry, I should have made the rest its own paragraph. :)

[mom31257]

I know they are probably not great literature, but dd read them and loved them. She did find a renewed interest in mythology and even read some versions of the Iliad on her own. We had done ancient history the year before. She wrote a screen play for the Iliad, and wrote several chapters of a sequel where Percy and (don't remember her name) have married and have 3 children. The sequel is about their oldest daughter.

 

If reading them encouraged all of that, I think it was well worth it. She just finished "Mockingjay" and is has been working quite a while on a Hunger Games book.

[lisabelle]

Matt LOVED the Percy Jackson books when he read them a couple of years ago. I didn't read the first one until shortly before the movie came out and really wasn't impressed.

 

But I'll tell you, reading those books provoked Matt to take a *huge* interest in Greek mythology and he did a lot of reading of the myths after reading the series. So my feeling was, for him, that series was not a waste of time at all.

[laughing lioness]

It's gateway fiction :lol: Leads from twaddle to the heavy duty stuff ;)

 

:lol: :iagree:

2nding the thought that it falls under good vacation reading.