Alright, Naughty Book Fans: Something REALLY cool happened today!
Mr. Hodgson–a sixth grade teacher in Massachusetts–saw my recent 60 Second Book Hook on The Lightning Thief and has created his own pushback video.
Check it out:
Interesting stuff, isn’t it?
I think the BEST point that Mr. Hodgson makes is a point that I hadn’t even considered: Percy, in many ways, is a role model for kids with ADD.
That’s powerful, isn’t it? I mean sometimes we think that kids with “disabilities” or “disorders” can’t be heroes. By intentionally creating a hero with a “problem” that so many kids struggle with—and to show that weakness as a strength—DOES have real value.
I also like Mr. Hodgson’s comments about Annabeth. Sometimes I worry that there aren’t enough strong, confident and assertive girl protagonists in stories written for kids. Annabeth fills that role really well.
So what do YOU think? Can you give some practical examples of things in The Lightning Thief that are worth admiring?
More importantly, are YOU ready to record your own 60 Second Book Hook on the title?
I’m still not convinced enough to change my Way 0 rating, but Mr. Hodgson has definitely nudged my thinking.
Mr. F
PS: Did you see the other interesting lesson learned here? When you share your thinking online, it can be challenged by others—and that’s a GOOD thing!
Mr. Hodgson has forced me to think twice, hasn’t he? More importantly, he’s pointed out important facts that I’d overlooked. That’s cool—and it wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t willing to open myself to others.
I Am ALWAYS Right 
It is a good series. I think I know why you don’t like the books. You need a big imagination. You need to think anything can happen. Your a scientist, you need facts. You usually need proof. Now, I might be wrong but I don’t think most scientists don’t like mythology that much.
You are right when it comes to Annabeth being a good girl protaganist.
She could have a bit improvement to be “tough”, but that’s because Mr. Riordon wants Percy to save her later.
P.S. This is Abby!