By A note on this series: BookPros’s Author Spotlight profiles are researched from public sources, not original interviews. We link back to primary sources where possible.
The Genre He Defined
Rick Riordan is the author most responsible for the modern boom in mythology-based middle-grade fantasy. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, launched in 2005, has sold well over 100 million copies across his mythology series and inspired a wave of imitators and a 2023 Disney+ television adaptation.
Where the Idea Came From
Riordan was a middle-school teacher before becoming a full-time author, and has spoken publicly about originally telling Percy Jackson stories aloud to his son, who has ADHD and dyslexia, as bedtime stories built from Greek mythology units he taught in class.
Why the Framing Mattered
Percy Jackson is himself a demigod with ADHD and dyslexia: explicitly reframed in the books as heightened senses and battle reflexes rather than deficits. This framing is widely credited with making a generation of neurodivergent kids feel represented as the hero of a story, rather than a supporting character.
Beyond Greek Mythology
Riordan expanded the format into Egyptian mythology (The Kane Chronicles), Norse mythology (Magnus Chase), and more, while also using his platform to launch “Rick Riordan Presents,” an imprint publishing middle-grade fantasy from authors writing from their own cultural mythologies.
Why He’s Worth Reading
If you want a template for how to make dense mythology genuinely fun and accessible for younger readers, or you’re looking for middle-grade fantasy that treats neurodivergent kids as protagonists rather than side characters, this is the series that set the standard.
Related: 5 Children’s Books Parents and Kids Both Love
Researched by the BookPros editorial team from public sources.
Spot an inaccuracy? Let us know.