Davinci Code for Young People! I really enjoyed this and had to stop myself from reading ahead of my 3rd grader. Nice detail, fun story, if slightly unbelievable. The kids can solve the mystery in each one! We didn't go online, but I see the appeal. ( )

This is the first book in a ten book series. It revolves around a family called the Cahills, who are wealthy and are on the hunt to find the 39 Clues that will lead them to ultimate power.
There are four branchs of the Family, and each has their own strengths and weakness. Lucians (spys, intelligence), Janus (celebrity, fame), Ekats (doctors, science, inventors) and Tomas (sports, athletic ability). Then there is the generic Cahills which do not know exactly what branch they come from. And this series follows a orphaned brother and sister who are in the generic family branch.
The series follows Amy and Dan Cahill, who have been orphaned and have been requested by their late grandmother Grace to go on a quest of a lifetime and find the 39 Clues, before any of the other branchs do. They are joined by their au pair Nellie and thier cat Saladin. Amy and Dan start off on a journey that will not only take them all over the word but through history and their own past.
The first book introduces the characters and the rules of the game that are needed to fully understand where the rest of the series is going.
This is a great series for kids as many historical figures are talked about, as well as geography and science. It has action, adventure, personal triumphs and some tradgedies. What also makes this a great series is each book comes with a set of cards that can be used by visiting the 39 Clues website, where you the reader can become a Cahill and join in the hunt. There are interactive games, clues, and puzzles that can be found that truely makes this a once in a lifetime event for kids of all ages. ( )

When Dan and Amy Cahill's grandmother dies, they've lost the last blood relative who really cared about them. And they're also thrown into a deadly scavenger hunt, The 39 Clues. Members of the enormous Cahill family can choose to receive a million-dollar inheritance or the chance to solve the 39 Clues and inherit the power and fortune that the Cahills have built up over hundreds of years. Dan and Amy choose the clue and thus begins their whirlwind journey.

I did not expect to like this one as much as I did, but it was fabulous! The action is non-stop, taking Dan and Amy (and their au pair Nellie) from Boston to Philadelphia to Paris in search of the next clue. The other members of the Cahill family, who are also searching for the clue, will stop at nothing to find it. Most impressive is that Riordan weaves in such interesting information about a particular historical figure without it ever seeming like he's trying to get you to learn something.

The audio recording was fantastic - David Pittu is a master of accents and voices. This would make a GREAT audiobook for a family road trip, especially with boys (but girls, too!). I think the mystery is something the whole family could get into. ( )

At first I thought I would not like the 39 clues. But after I got like 20 pgs. Into it I was hooked. Its a great Action Packed book.

I just finished reading Book 1: The Maze of Bones and I am definitely going to read all of these books. What a delight!

Published by Scholastic, Inc. this is a wonderful 10 book series for not only the youthful readers that you know, but for yourself as well. Mix a bit of National Treasure, a smidge of Raiders of the Lost Ark; throw in a pinch of The Librarian; add The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew; stir well and you have The 39 Clues. From the blurb on the back of the book:

What would happen if you discovered that your family was one of the most powerful in human history? What if you were told that source of the family's power was hidden around the world, in the form of 39 Clues? What if you were given a choice--take a million dollars and walk away...or get the first Clue? If you're Amy and Dan Cahill, you take the Clue--and begin a very dangerous race.

And so their adventure begins after the death of their grandmother, Grace Cahill. Orphans in the care of a not so nice aunt, the children reluctantly find themselves thrust into the challenge, able to trust no one--not even their extended family members.

Scholastic has also launched a fun 39 Clues website that you can play along on as you read the books, collect game cards, clues etc. Sound familiar? This is much like the excitement we had when reading J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter books and they had their own website too. These books do not have the depth or character development that the Harry Potter books do, but they are still an enjoyable read and a good way to entice reluctant readers towards the joy of books. The book covers are colorful and a real draw to the books. I'd buy the book just from the book cover alone!

One other thing to note is that each book in the series is written by a different kids author. I found this intriguing. How did they collaborate to get these books written? I don't know but, I'm anxious to read the next one and see how it goes.

Here is a list of the books that are presently published. Book 7: The Viper's Nest is due to be available on February 2, 2010. You can pre-order it on Amazon.com.

THE 39 CLUES

1. Book 1: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
2. Book 2: One False Note by Gordon Korman
3. Book 3: The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis
4. Book 4: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson
5. Book 5: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman
6. Book 6: In Too Deep by Jude Watson
7. Book 7: The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis