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The Titan's Curse
Last updated Monday, June 7, 2010
Author: Rick Riordan
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 1423101456
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2010
Synopsis:
Percy Jackson is now 14, a bit older and wiser, yet still entangled with the Fates. Friends, monsters, dysfunctional gods, and the romantic stirrings of all things natural and mythological are encountered. His good friend, if oft-time rival, Annabeth (daughter of Athena) is missing, as is Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Joined by best buddy Grover-the-goat-boy and an argumentative array of accomplices, Percy sets off to fulfill, and hopefully foil, the foreboding prophecy of the Oracle. Plagued by ominous dreams, thwarted by hideous monsters, and challenged by conflicting partnerships, the search party's success hinges on unlikely unity. Intricate prophecies and relationships are neatly braided into the adventurous plot. School Library Journal review
| Note to readers: |
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Last month we read the 2nd book in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, The Sea of Monsters. The group of half humans and half gods (Percy, Annabeth and Grover, a satyr) had to traverse the Sea of Monsters to capture the Golden Fleece which would save the forest surrounding Camp Half Blood. The Golden Fleece was brought to camp and brings Thalia, a famous half blood who was turned into a tree to prevent her death, back to life. The story begins with Percy, Annabeth and now, Thalia preparing for a mission. The series is action packed so read as far as the kids would like. They may be open to skipping craft time if the action is good.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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In the book for last month, Sea of Monsters, Percy and his friends were able to rescue their friend Thalia from mythical dangers. What do you think is going to happen in this book, The Titan’s Curse? Are Percy and his friends going to find new adventures and new monsters to fight to save the world?
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At the beginning of this book, Percy and his friends are getting ready to go to a new school, and even though they are demigods, they are still nervous. Do you remember what it was like to come to a new school? How did you feel?
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In the story, Percy fights to help his friends. Has a friend ever asked you for help? How did you help them?
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How would you celebrate if you were brought back to life?
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Would you focus on revenge or the happiness of being alive?
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Who are the people you would want to celebrate with? Why?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Would you leave your family for immortality?
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What would be the reason you might leave the people you love?
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Would you make Bianca’s choice to join the huntress’ of Artemis and help save Olympus?
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What is Haiku? (a Japanese 3 line poem with usually 17 syllables) Count the syllables in Apollo’s haiku—Green grass breaks through snow (5); Artemis pleads for my help (7); I am so awesome (5).
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| Craft ideas: |
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Create a Haiku (3 lines, totaling 17 syllables) about one of the characters or monsters in the book .
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Make a Father’s Day card—instead of writing Happy Father’s Day, create a haiku about your dad or things your dad likes to do. IE: I play golf (3); in summer, winter, spring (6); nothing pleases me more than golf (8).
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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