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#1 in The Trials of Apollo Series

The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle

4.15
on Goodreads (207,187)

What’s inside...

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. He lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favor. But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go... an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
360 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did Apollo's journey from a god to a mortal make you feel, and what do you think it teaches us about facing challenges?
What qualities do you admire in Apollo and his friends, and how do these traits help them overcome obstacles?
How do the characters in the book show teamwork, and why is it important in achieving goals?
What did you learn about Greek mythology from this story, and which mythological character would you like to learn more about?
How do the events in the book change Apollo’s view of the world and himself, and have you ever changed your perspective after an experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathy-centered questions to relate to Apollo's human experiences, helping your child connect personally with the narrative.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make to enhance your child's understanding of right and wrong.
Encourage your child to express which scene was the most exciting and why, to deepen their engagement with the story structure.
Incorporate discussions about friendship and loyalty depicted in the book to teach social values.
Ask your child to imagine their own mythical adventure, incorporating elements of Greek mythology they found intriguing.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle,' the character Apollo, turned mortal, faces numerous challenges and threats. His journey from a god to a human teaches resilience as he learns to navigate the mortal world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persevering through difficulties in their own lives, understanding that obstacles are opportunities for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Apollo forms significant bonds with other characters who help him on his quest. The story emphasizes how trust and teamwork can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value their friendships, to trust and collaborate with others to solve problems or work on group projects in school.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: As a mortal, Apollo is stripped of his divine powers and must come to terms with his previous shortcomings. His reflection and learning from his past mistakes are a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of self-reflection and learning from their own mistakes to improve and not repeat them in the future.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Apollo’s human experiences allow him to gain a better understanding of humanity and develop empathy, a stark contrast to his previous godly state where he was detached from human emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others, recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of people around them.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Apollo, often uncertain about his new mortal life and the dangers ahead, demonstrates courage as he confronts these fears. His willingness to face the unknown is pivotal in his character development.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to embrace new experiences and challenges, helping them to be courageous in uncertain situations at school or in their personal lives.