Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief — Chapter 3

About This Passage

This passage is the first time Percy hears his father described as a real person. Sally's measured, gentle words — each quality given its own weight — contrast with the chaos of Gabe's apartment and the coming storm. The simplicity of the language is the point: the most important truths in this book are spoken quietly.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Sally keeps blue food in the house because Gabe once said there was no such thing. Percy says this proves she 'wasn't totally suckered by Gabe' and had 'a rebellious streak, like me.' What does the blue food tell you about Sally's character? Is it a big rebellion or a small one — and does the size matter?
2. Percy remembers being stalked by a one-eyed man in third grade and strangling a snake in his crib as a baby. These memories only come back when Sally asks what happened at school. Why do you think Percy buried these memories? What does their return tell you about how much danger Percy has been in — and for how long?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide