Back when I taught middle school and wrote adult mysteries, my students often asked me why I wasn't writing for kids. I never had a good answer for them. It took me a long time to realize they were right.

Sugar and caffeine. My willpower crumbled.

Grover: It’s a very sweet love story. I get misty-eyed every time I play it. So does Percy, but I think that’s because he’s laughing at me.

The first lesson every child of Athena learned: Mom was the best at everything, and you should never, ever suggest otherwise.

Red cattle," Annabeth said. "The cattle of the sun." "What?" I [Percy] asked. "They're sacred to Apollo." "Holy cows?

Thanks for everything.” “As you wish,” the captain said. If axes could frown, I’m sure he would have. “Stay sharp,” Carter told him.

Chiron insisted that we talk about the Labyrinth in the morning which is like 'Hey, your life's in mortal danger. Sleep tight!