The Maze of Bones

A longtime teacher before becoming a full-time author, Rick Riordan is known for writing novels that take elements of history and mythology and make them accessible for children. His best-known work is the Percy Jackson series, a modern take on the story of Perseus that weaves elements of Greek mythology into a contemporary fantasy story. Riordan went on to publish other book series based on different mythologies, creating a popular template in the middle grade publishing space. After fielding many requests to write books using mythology from around the world, Riordan launched an imprint of Disney Hyperion books dedicated to middle-grade fiction based on mythologies written by diverse creators. Riordan’s books have sold over 30 million copies.

Rick Riordan’s writing style is colloquial and accessible, using “short, snappy sentences” and straightforward diction (“An Interview With Rick.” Rick Riordan). He does not believe in writing down to children, believing that both child and adult readers want the same things: “a fast-paced story, characters worth carrying about, humor, surprises and mystery” (“An Interview With Rick”). His protagonists tend to be flawed, realistic children whom readers can relate to and who embark on extraordinary, action-packed adventures. For example, Percy, the protagonist of his Percy Jackson series, has dyslexia; Riordan believed that portraying a dyslexic hero “honor[ed] the potential” of students he had encountered with learning differences (“An Interview With Rick”). The Maze of Bones continues in the tradition of Riordan’s other work, featuring his colloquial writing style and relatable protagonists who step up to embark on an adventure. Riordan trades out mythology for general history in this novel series, using well-known figures like Benjamin Franklin and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Riordan believes in creating works that welcome children in and encourage their interest in reading.