The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

By Riordan, Rick.

(2008). New York: Scholastic.

ISBN: 978-545090544

Reading Level: Grade 5-6

Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill are orphans. And they aren't likely to forget it with the way their large extended family treats them. Luckily they have their great aunt Grace, the only one who treats them like adults. At Grace's funeral they, and several other chosen relatives, are selected to learn that their family is no ordinary family. The Cahill’s are one of the oldest and most powerful families in history. And the secret to their power is hidden. And the only way to find it is through a series of 39 clues. Sure the first clue is easy to get, they just have to say they’d rather have that than a million dollars. But the rest they are going to have to find before their other relatives. Relatives who really want to get their hands on those clues. And there are no rules to the game, you have to rely on your own wits to find the clues and survive. Will Amy and Dan find the clues before their dastardly relatives? Or will they even make it to that point alive…

Review: The 39 clues, Maze of Bones is the first book in a ten part series written by a variety of authors. Set today, it is a book which demonstrates that using your own wit and intelligence is often the most effective way to solving a problem, or to find a clue. The characters of Amy and Dan are adventurous. They have their own flaws, like Amy’s stutter when she gets nervous, but work together to overcome their weaknesses. Their adventure is one which also introduces children to historical and geographic information they might not have known before. This book was included in our core collection due to its popularity with tweens today. This book encourages children to read more, they have to read all ten to find out if Amy and Dan actually find all 39 clues and what the secret to their family’s power is. This book’s staying power is partly rooted in the fact that Riordan, author of the popular Percy Jackson series, wrote the first one. Its adventurous feel coupled with the mysteries the kids have to solve to find their clues give it a unique place in the mystery genre.