June 2026 Book Club Recommendations
Book for Children Ages 8-12
The Sea of Monsters, Book 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is excited to return for another summer of training at Camp Half-Blood. However, when he arrives, he finds that something has gone terribly wrong. Thalia’s tree has been poisoned, and the camp is overrun with monsters. On top of this, Percy learns that his best friend, Grover, is in danger of being eaten by a Cyclops. Can Percy and his friends rescue both Camp Half-blood and Grover before they are destroyed?
Note for Parents: This story is best suited for children ten and over. We know that some parents will not want to engage with this story as it portrays the Greek gods as real and focuses on the adventures of several gods’ half-blood children. We have chosen to feature this book for several reasons. It is a well-written and engaging story. It is an easy way for children to learn about Greek mythology. Most importantly, it can be used to highlight how amazing God’s attributes are when compared with the petty, backbiting, self-centered Greek pantheon. However, as with all books recommended in the Book Club, we encourage you to prayerfully follow your conscience when deciding which books your children may engage with.
Questions Just for Fun
If you were friends with Tyson, what protection gadget or weapon would you ask him to create for you?
Which part of Percy's adventure would you have most enjoyed being part of?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
In these adventures, we see that Percy is not a perfect hero. However, we also see him demonstrate many positive character qualities. What are some of the positive traits he has displayed, and when did he display them?
Discussion Guide - Discuss any of the following:
- Kindness - Percy demonstrates kindness by befriending and caring for Tyson.
- Compassion - Percy demonstrates compassion when he chooses not to kill the Cyclops and when he allows Clarise to be the hero and take the fleece back to camp.
- Self-sacrifice - Percy demonstrates self-sacrifice when he consistently puts himself in harm's way for Annabeth, Tyson, Grover, and even Clarise.
- Take note that these character traits more closely reflect the God of the Bible than any of the gods of Greek mythology. (Rick Riordan may be writing about Greek gods, but his beliefs about what is true, good, and beautiful have been impacted by the Christian worldview.)
The gods of Mt. Olympus use Percy and other heroes to do their dirty work. These heroes must not only save themselves but also work to protect the gods. How is this similar to or different from how God interacts with His children?
Discussion Guide - Read Ephesians 2:4-10. Discuss how it is God alone who saves us. We cannot rescue ourselves, and God needs no rescuing. On top of this, God does not use (manipulate/exploit) us, but He allows us to accomplish specific good works that He has planned for us.
In this book, the gods of Mt. Olympus are in danger of being overthrown by Kronos. Is the God of the Bible ever in danger of being overthrown?
Discussion Guide - Read Isaiah 45:5-12. Discuss how God is the creator and sustainer of all. He has no equal. He is above all. He is never in danger of being overthrown.
Book for Children Ages 4-7
Blueberries for Sal
Robert McCluskey
Little Sal goes with her mother to Blueberry Hill to pick blueberries for winter. Little Bear goes with his mother to Blueberry Hill to eat berries for winter. Somewhere along the way, Little Sal and Little Bear get mixed up and start following the wrong mother! Good thing their mothers know them well and know just how to find them.
Questions Just for Fun
If you could pick any kind of fruit and eat as much as you wanted, which kind of fruit would you choose?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
In this book, Little Sal and Little Bear get mixed up and follow the wrong mother. According to the Bible, how are humans different from bears?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:27-28. Discuss how God designed humans in His image and gave them the responsibility of caring for the rest of creation.
Both Little Sal and Little Bear's mothers pick blueberries for winter. How do we see God's kindness in these blueberries?
Discussion Guide - Read Psalm 145:9. Discuss how God is kind to all creation through providing for their needs, such as providing food for winter.
Bonus Question - If you have taken the children in your care through Foundation God's Good Design Curriculum, ask, "Both Little Sal and Little Bear follow their mothers to learn from them. How does this show us the goodness of God's design?"
Discussion Guide - Discuss how God is the one who designed the family, and His design is good! Review the truth that designers understand their design best.
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