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39 Clues — a Mom’s Review

August 31, 2010 by Jennifer

When I found out that we were going to be hosting the final blog tour stop at 5 Minutes for Mom for the much-awaited last book in the 39 Clues series, and that our guest post would be from the author of the last book Into the Gauntlet, written by one of Amanda’s favorite authors, Margaret Peterson Haddix, I had to finally take a look at these books myself.

Amanda had read a few of them last year, but she got out of the habit when the new-releases became harder to get at the library, so she hasn’t read the last few. But this review isn’t about the kids. If you are ever around elementary school and tweenaged kids, you would know that kids love this series (A while back Dawn posted her son’s endorsement of the 39 Clues series). This is about me.

I really really enjoyed The 39 Clues Book 1:The Maze of Bones. It reminded me of the Red Pyramid, and not only because I just listened to the audiobook: the sense of adventure and empowerment, the brother sister duo, the “most important family in history” plotline.

That said, this series is original — the media tie-in game part, the use of many different authors to write the series.

Most importantly, it has so much of what young readers want in a book: a fun, light tone; action; suspense; and empowerment.

For a taste of what I mean, read the first sentences of chapters 2 and 3:

Dan Cahill thought he had the most annoying big sister on the planet. And that was before she set fire to two million dollars. –Chapter 2 (page 4)

Amy Cahill thought she had the most annoying little brother on the planet. And that was before he almost got her killed. — Chapter 3 (page 21)

Another unique feature of a book aimed at this age range (a solid middle-grade book, for 8 – 12 year olds) is the use of images. Most chapters include a picture of some kind — an image of the clue, of a sign, or some handwritten details. This helps the book come alive, and invites the readers deeper into the mystery.

As a parent, I appreciated the courage, pride, and family togetherness exhibited by the young Cahills.

Reading this book reminded me of why I love to read childen’s fiction. It reminded me why I loved reading as a child. It makes me jealous of all the hours that my kids have to spend reading and all of the books and stories that they will discover.

After I finished the first book I wanted to go right on to the second. I did start it, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to put it aside, to get back to real life. That said, I do plan on enjoying the entire series in bits and pieces.

Disclosure: For participating in the blog tour, I received a set of the 39 Clues books, which I can’t wait to finish reading, and Amanda plans to finish reading, and I will be happy to introduce to Kyle a few years from now.

Now go enter to win over at 5 Minutes for Mom — all 10 books, included a signed copy of the 10th book by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Jennifer Donovan is a mother of 2 — a 12-year-old confirmed bookworm, and a 6-year-old who may end up surprising himself with his love of books. She blogs at Snapshot.

Filed Under: Children's Books, Jennifer, Middle Grade Chapter Books

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Comments

  1. Martha C says

    August 31, 2010 at 8:08 am

    This is Michael’s favorite series. We have the whole set (minus the last one) and he really enjoys them. I should read them too! Add it to the list.

    • Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says

      August 31, 2010 at 8:27 am

      I meant to say this in my review, but I got sidetracked —

      My main takeaway was that they are really good books. I think that I knew that they were good FOR KIDS, but not all popular kids’ books are loved by adults as well, and at least from what I’ve seen so far, this is legit!

  2. Dawn says

    August 31, 2010 at 8:41 am

    My ten year old is thrilled to get to the final book. He hasn’t done much with the online features in a bit, but he has read, and re-read, all of the first 9 books!

  3. Ryan says

    August 31, 2010 at 9:44 am

    I just finished reading “The Maze of Bones” on Monday. I can’t wait to dive into Book 2!

  4. Petula says

    September 1, 2010 at 9:23 am

    That’s so cool. With my three younger children I’ve gotten a renewed interest in children’s book like I had when my oldest was just starting to read. I can’t wait to read books like these as they get older because I know they can be just as enjoyable as a book I would choose for myself. Their big sister has passed down her books, which include some I passed to her… It’s such a joy to share the reading bug with the kids.

    I love this review. Well written and definitely makes me want the series. 🙂

  5. Barb says

    September 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Sounds like a great series to share with the kiddos. Thanks for an interesting review.

  6. Julie says

    September 13, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    A chance to win ALL of the books?!! Woot! Awesome! These would make a great Christmas present for my Bebe Boy, so I’m heading over to enter!

  7. Lori Gilson says

    November 24, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    Sounds like a good book; which are hard to find for that age group these days. Perhaps I’ll feature on my mom blog too…

Trackbacks

  1. Win a Complete Set of the 39 Clues Books — Book 10 is finally here! – 5 Minutes For Mom says:
    August 31, 2010 at 8:01 am

    […] The 39 Clues are a great series of books for all sorts of readers — boys and girls, reluctant or avid — looking for action and adventure. Read my “mom’s review” of 39 Clues to see if you think it would be right for your kid (or to get a glimpse into why your kid is crazy over these books). […]

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