The Eye of Zeus: Legends Of Olympus, Book One (Legends of Olympus, 1)
#1 of 5 in The Heroes of Olympus Series
on Goodreads (160)
What’s inside...
This delightful and masterfully crafted novel follows twelve-year-old Phoebe Katz, a foster child in New York City who discovers she is the daughter of Zeus. After a statue of Athena comes to life and Phoebe learns she was sent away from ancient Greece as a baby to prevent a prophecy that predicted she would destroy Olympus, Athena warns her to stay in hiding. However, when Ares kidnaps her social worker, Phoebe is forced to travel back to ancient Greece to rescue him. Alongside her friends Angie and Damian, Phoebe embarks on a quest to collect talismans from Greek monsters to stop a new prophecy and save Olympus from destruction. The novel is noted for its brilliant plotting, authentic characters, and masterful prose that serves the story.
Character compass
Phoebe Katz
Angie
Damian
Athena
Mr. Mason
Ares
Discussion points
How did Phoebe's journey in 'The Eye of Zeus' show the importance of courage and resilience?
What qualities do you admire in Phoebe and why?
The legends of Olympus are filled with gods and creatures. Which character intrigued you the most, and what would you ask them if you could?
How does Phoebe's adventure change the way you think about friendship and loyalty?
If you had the power to change one event in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with Phoebe's challenges to deepen their understanding of the character's development.
Discuss the mythological elements of the story to spark curiosity in ancient cultures and their stories.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations to help your child apply the morals and lessons learned.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios and how they might influence the storyline, fostering creative thinking.
Celebrate your child's responses to these questions, affirming their thoughts and feelings as they connect with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Phoebe Katz, demonstrates courage as she embarks on a quest to prevent a prophecy and save the world despite her fears, showcasing bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and tackle challenges head-on, gaining confidence in their abilities to overcome obstacles in school or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Phoebe relies on her friends and learns the value of working together to solve problems, which highlights the strength found in unity and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of cooperating with peers, which can be beneficial in collaborative projects at school or during group activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and making difficult choices
Explanation: Phoebe is faced with tough decisions that test her integrity and responsibility, an aspect that teaches children about the weight of making choices and the consequences that follow.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the impact of their choices on themselves and others, applicable in everyday ethical dilemmas or when choosing between right and wrong.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: As Phoebe and her friends encounter various challenges, they often make mistakes but use these as learning opportunities, which emphasizes the importance of growth from errors.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to view mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement, an essential approach towards academic tasks and personal development.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks on her journey, Phoebe continues to persevere, demonstrating resilience which is a crucial quality in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving personal goals, whether it's completing a difficult school project, learning a new skill, or building relationships.