The Lost Hero
#1 of 5 in The Heroes of Olympus Series
on Goodreads (904,314)
What’s inside...
The Lost Hero is the first book in Rick Riordan's series The Heroes of Olympus. It follows Jason, who has amnesia, and his friends Piper and Leo, as they discover they are demigods and are whisked away to Camp Half-Blood. Here, they learn about a new prophecy involving seven half-bloods and embark on a quest to rescue Hera, the queen of the gods. Set in the same world as the Percy Jackson series, this new series introduces new heroes and familiar demigods who must work together to survive the journey.
Character compass
Jason Grace
Piper Mclean
Leo Valdez
Annabeth Chase
Gleeson Hedge
Rachel Elizabeth Dare
Hera
Juno
Thalia Grace
Will Solace
Discussion points
If you could have any of the powers of the demigods in the book, which would you choose and why?
What did you think about the heroes' decisions? How would you have approached their challenges differently?
How do the characters' relationships change throughout their journey? Can you relate to any of those changes with your own friendships?
What are the qualities that make a good leader? Who in the book do you think is a good leader and what can we learn from them?
How does the idea of destiny versus free will play out in the story? Do you think we make our own destiny?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking how they felt during key moments in the story, especially during the characters' challenges.
Celebrate creativity by discussing how they might creatively solve problems presented in the book.
Strengthen connection by relating the characters' experiences to your child's personal life.
Foster critical thinking by asking what lessons can be learned from the characters' adventures and how they could apply these lessons to their own life.
Encourage exploration of themes by discussing how trust, friendship, and courage are important in the book and in their everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'The Lost Hero', the characters Jason, Piper, and Leo must work together, utilizing each of their unique abilities to overcome challenges and adversaries. Their success is dependent on their ability to collaborate and trust in each other's strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of working cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, appreciating individual differences and contributions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonists face their fears and take significant risks to save their friends and others. Their courageous actions teach that bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite it.
Real-World Application: This provides a framework for children to be resilient and courageous when facing their own fears, whether it’s standing up for a friend, trying out for a team, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Discovery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jason struggles with amnesia, grappling with his identity. This journey highlights the theme of self-discovery as he learns more about his past and abilities, which ultimately helps him understand his purpose.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and embrace their own identities, understanding that self-awareness is a journey that can shape their personal and interpersonal growth.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sacrifice
Explanation: Characters in the book often make sacrifices for the greater good, highlighting that sometimes personal desires must be set aside for the benefit of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of empathy and selflessness. It can inspire them to share, take turns, or even participate in community service.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The characters in 'The Lost Hero' make mistakes but use them as learning opportunities to better themselves and make more informed decisions in the future.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growing. Encourages them to adopt a growth mindset and not be discouraged by setbacks.