comment on style/ language

The novel's language reflects its intended audience of young readers. There is no sex or cursing. The author takes this seriously, making the book reader-friendly for all ages. For example, Ana provides a lot of details about Harding-Pencroft Academy including that Dr. Hewett teaches Theoretical Marine Science. The students call it TMS for short, or “too much stuff.” She adds that “Sometimes we use a different word that begins with s” (17). The young reader will likely know what that word is, but Riordan did not feel the need to include it in the novel. There are a few slightly sensitive subjects, such as Ana's comparison to the shape of a part of the Leyden gun to a tampon and a couple of scenes in which Ana copes with the pain of menstrual cramps. These are apparently meant to be humorous and are not overly intrusive.