San Antonio native Rick Riordan will be speaking at the International Reading Association’s 58th Annual Convention this April. Riordan, the author of the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, will be speaking at Saturday’s opening General Session. Prior to garnering stardom in the realm of children’s literature, Riordan taught English and history for fifteen years. His extensive teaching background and writing experience gives him unique insight regarding the development of student literacy.

During his session Reading Myths and the Myths of Reading, Riordan will share how his combined interactions with his students, readers, and his sons helped him understand what it takes to turn children into strong, interested readers. Specifically, he will explore the enduring power of myths and why they appeal to even the most reluctant of readers.

In addition to the tools that will be shared at the speaker session, Riordan’s website boasts extensive teaching aids. The aids help teachers use his Percy Jackson series in the classroom. While the series deals with many important issues that could stimulate discussions, the books are also important because they feature a protagonist with ADHD and dyslexia. Teachers can use the novels to help students eliminate any misconceptions that they may have surrounding these conditions and empower students that share Percy’s reality.

Riordan’s current series, the Heroes of Olympus, brings a modern twist to traditional Greek mythology. Though the series has its own set of unique characters, fans of Riordan will be pleased to find some of their favorites from the Percy Jackson series have returned. The fourth book of the series, The House of Hades, is set to be released in October 2013.

More information about the speaker session can be found at the International Reading Association’s Annual Convention website and Riordan’s website offers more detailed descriptions of his books for children.

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.