Percy Jackson has ten days to travel from New York to Los Angeles and back again, and he can’t use air travel. Is this possible? Try to use internet sources to “book” the trip. How much would the trip cost? How long would it take?

Percy gets to try his hand at driving a bus in this chapter. Defend or attack this proposition: “The national driving age should be lowered to 13.” Can you think of any reasons that might actually convince government to pass such a law?

Why doesn’t Percy leave the bus when he has the chance?

What special properties does Riptide have?

According to Grover, why did Percy’s mom marry Gabe?

How does Percy sneak to the front of the bus?

How do Percy, Grover, and Annabeth lose their luggage?

What gift does Luke give to Percy? Why can’t Percy use them?

What is Mist?

Percy says he’s not going on the quest to retrieve the lightning bolt. What’s his real reason for going?

What are some of the reasons Annabeth gives for why Poseidon and Athena don’t get along?

Who is Argus and why can he never be surprised?

Many of the campers at Camp Half-Blood have their own magic item. Clarisse has an electric spear. Annabeth has a baseball cap that turns her invisible. What magic item would make sense for Percy, as the son of the Sea God? Design your own