Children's Books discussion

Hi gang:

Can someone fill me in on what the 39 Clues is all about? I don't quite understand the gamecards or winners. Is it a series of books that you can read and enjoy without being consumed by it? I remember a book that led people on a treasure hunt where one person actually found the treasure (in England I think). Is it like that?

What is it and is it a good choice for an 8 year old kid? (Also, if you get the books out of the library can you still get the clues? I believe the paperback ones have online clues).

39 Clues is a book series, but there are also trading cards and an online website involved. I'm only reading the series, because the kids keep asking for the books and I like to keep up with what's popular. (I'm a children's librarian.) The books are written by different authors, with the 10 books having 7 different authors.

Basically each book contains a clue, and then there are online scenarios that you can "solve" and receive additional clues. Each card that you collect can be inputted into your online user name, and different card combinations yield additional clues. The wikipedia entry for the series breaks it down pretty well.

The whole premise for the series is a brother and sister (Dan and Amy) are mentioned in the will of their grandmother Grace when she dies. She offers the possibility of one million dollars or a clue to become the "most powerful and influential person(s) on the planet". Amy and Dan form a team to search for the clues, but they're racing against other teams to find these clues. This hunt forces them in an around the world adventure (similar to Around the World in 80 days) tracking famous people from history who are apparently distant relatives to Amy and Dan. They drag along their au pair Nellie and their grandmother's cat, and receive assistance from people who knew their grandmother along the way. Starting publication in September 2008, the final book is being published at the end of August 2010, with the publishers averaging a book about every three months.

I've thought these sounded fun, but I haven't really investigated them. Thanks for the info, Amy--and sorry I couldn't be more help, Shannon.

My grandson is starting this series, mainly because Rick Riordan is a coordinator and one of the writers of this series and, after Percy Jackson, he's ready to try anything associated with Riordan!

Thanks everyone. I didn't even think to goodle it or look on wikipedia.

Well it sounds like he can read it as a book and get more involved if he wants. (He loves mysteries and puzzles).

Just a few additions to A.m.y's post. Each if the books is written by a different well-known author (my favorites so far are the ones by Peter Lerangis) and there is a death-defying adventure in each of them. Plus it's important to read them in order. Amy and Dan are sympathetic characters. There is intrigue and constant plot twists and it's a fun series although I haven't played any of the games or searched for clues. It's a great series to highlight in a public library. I'm a childrens librarian in one. The reading level is very accessible for 3rd grade and up but older kids, preteeens, and reluctant readers may like this series a lot, particularly since it's got all the bells and whistles.

Can anyone add more light about the clue cards and the game part? Also now my son wants to figure it all out and win but I wonder if there is any more winning since the first book was released in 2008 that any winners would already have happened. The wikepedia site didn't elaborate very much and the 39 clues website doesn't either (I guess until you join and log in). (I would encourage him to figure out the clues regardless of winning but do wonder...)

I see that Whoopi Goldberg is a "super fan" though.

Shannon wrote: "Can anyone add more light about the clue cards and the game part? Also now my son wants to figure it all out and win but I wonder if there is any more winning since the first book was released in 2..."

I've read all the books but I don't think I'm young enough to bother with the clues and cards. I'm just too middle-aged. Maybe someone on Amazon knows? Or maybe the publisher's website? Is it Scholastic? I can't remember.

It is Scholastic, and the website is:

http://www.the39clues.com/

All of the books haven't been released yet, so I assume the contest is still open.

We will be starting the first book tonight. I will report my thoughts when we are done. (we are my 8 year old and myself)

Shannon wrote: "We will be starting the first book tonight. I will report my thoughts when we are done. (we are my 8 year old and myself)"

These sound intriguing. I'll be interested in your opinions.

So far he is reading the book to himself (I wasn't sure if he would do that since he is in french immersion and hasn't started english yet). he really seems to like it so far but has been frustrated with logging onto the internet. (I haven't had a chance to help him with that yet so not sure what the issue is). I will read the book after he is done.

Look forward to both of your thoughts. I had thought about reading this series to my son but I usually pre-read them first. I will wait to see what you think first.

I still have not read it but my son is reading it and really enjoying it. He is also working thorugh the website - which is related to the book. There appears to be quite a bit of world history in both. So at this point I would say go ahead.

Oh and the issue with the website was registering (I don't let him register on websites without me there and the parent must activate it from their email).

Barbara do you know if each book can stand alone or do you need to get the entire series of books?

I picked up the first book on a whim, and as soon as I finished it I had to run out and grab the rest. Even though I don't (or rather, can't) play the card came, the series is a lot of fun. I got my younger cousins interested in it, and they've been glued to the computer since. I'm not too sure about the rules of the game, but I know it involves a bit of independent research to play it.

Barbara, each of the books is its own adventure, but I'd suggest getting the entire series. The structure of each book is this: at the end of each book, Amy and Dan (the main characters) find the next clue in their journey. Then in the next book, the kids take that clue that was found at the end of the previous book and set out to find the next, and so forth. Each book is a different country, and has a different focus on an historical figure. For example, at the end of book one (which focuses on Ben Franklin), Amy and Dan find a clue about Mozart. Then in book two, they have to learn about Mozart in order to find the third clue.
I suppose you could pick up a random book and read it, but its easier to understand if you start with one and read in order, since the characters talk and refer to their previous adventures in different countries.

I hope that helps!

Emi wrote "I picked up the first book on a whim, and as soon as I finished it I had to run out and grab the rest."

I got hooked after the first book as well. Seems like it is filled with a nice mix of history and adventure.

That's what I thought as well! I've always been a big fan of the Dan Brown books, and movies like National Treasure. This is like those series, but for kids.