Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F Wat
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Scholastic (2008)
Description
Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. Suspense. HTML: Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her decendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue."Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents..
Media reviews
Bookish Amy and hyperactive Dan are agreeably flawed characters but have an undeniably focus-grouped, manufactured quality — as does, let’s face it, the whole book...When the book tells us that Dan loved his grandmother because “she’d treated him and Amy like real people, not kids,” we
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hear what’s wrong. The writing is carefully bland, as if it didn’t trust its readers enough. Show Less
Booklist
Riordan, who has plotted the main arc for the series, gets the ball rolling nicely with likable brother-and-sister heroes, a cast of backstabbing relatives, and a smattering of puzzles and clues to decipher in the quest for the ultimate secret.
School Library Journal
The book dazzles with suspense, plot twists, and snappy humor, but the real treasure may very well be the historical tidbits buried in the story.
Publishers Weekly
This ought to have as much appeal to parents as it does to kids—it's Webkinz without the stuffed animals, and a rollicking good read.
Original publication date
2008-09-09
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member EKAnderson
The Cahills are an extraordinary family with a powerful, rich history spanning the globe. In her will, Grace Cahill left her heirs each a check for a million dollars, or the opportunity for the adventure of a lifetime. If they opted out of the million bucks, the heirs would be given the first of 39
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clues that would lead them to something that would make them the most powerful Cahill - and the most powerful person, period - in history. Amy and Dan Cahill were always Grace's favorites, and while they could use the million dollars tprobably more than any of their filthy rich relatives, they feel that their grandmother would have wanted them to take the adventure. But how on earth are they going to get out of town let alone around the world, where it seems that these clues will take them? And what does Grace's cryptic clue mean, anyway? Before they can even begin to figure out the first clue, Amy and Dan are immersed in Danger as their cousins from all over sabotage their efforts. And family isn't the only danger lying ahead. While this is clearly gimmicky from page one, Riordan's volume is compelling and artfully done, even if it falls back on some stereotypes for the sake of humor. While some supporting characters are flat, the protagonists are well-rounded and exciting to follow. This is an adventure that will have kids hooked and begging for the next installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member knielsen83
This is the first in a new series that will be written by different authors and reminds me a bit of a kids version of The DaVinci Code, focusing on Ben Franklin and some sort of secret treasure. It's a race to find these clues around the world and two children are trying their best to gather the
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clues without getting hurt by their crazy relatives who also are in on the game. Show Less
LibraryThing member S_Charlefour
In one moment, the life of Dan and Amy Cahill has forever changed. Now on a race around the world for a "secret" prize that will change the world as we know it, Amy and Dan fight to stay ahead of their more powerful and rich family members to find the solve the 39 clues before the rest of them
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do!The first book in a series, written by multiple, popular children authors sets up the storyline for the rest of the books to come. This series will be popular with readers who enjoy adventure stories such as MVP: Magellan Voyage Project by Douglas Evans. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindamamak
Great story by Rick Riodan fans of his will love this story
LibraryThing member jugglingpaynes
This book, the first in a series, is full of historical facts, world travel, ciphering. It also has a hero my son can identify with--Dan is his age and with asthma, but Dan's running all over the world with his big sister trying to find clues and avoid their crazy psycho relatives. This book and
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the series outline were written by Rick Riordan. To add interest for my son, there is an interactive element to the books, including a website where you can use clue cards, play logic games, read about interesting facts, and win prizes. Show Less
LibraryThing member librariankristin
An absurd, boy-band of a book...How's that for pithy? I do love the Percy Jackson books though :).
LibraryThing member greytfriend
Great book! The main characters, sister and brother Amy and Dan, are extremely appealing and feel very real. The adventure is wild, a quest that will take the children all over the world to discover the secrets of their elusive family history and perhaps to gain great power. If they manage to
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figure out the very obscure clues and to survive their scheming cousins' antics! It is easy to tell that this book was written by a teacher; there are many historical references that make the book quiet educational as well as a really terrific adventure. In addition, the story has been connected to a game where participants can win real prizes and money, up to $100,000 in the US alone. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment (there will be 10 books in total). Show Less
LibraryThing member laf
This is a mystery adventure about two kids who have the choice of either obtaining a million dollars or a clue to a mysterious game. They choose the clue over the money to spite some mean kids, and because they were curious.
Amy and Dan, the main characters, are older kids who travel around the
When you're reading this book, you can go on a website to get 39 Clues of your own to win over $100,000 in prizes.
You do not have to go on the website to enjoy the book. It doesn't make any difference whatsoever.
This is a great book, an exciting mystery adventure, that makes you wonder where the clues are. I love this book, and I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out.
Amy and Dan, the main characters, are older kids who travel around the
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world to collect 39 clues. They started with one, but now they're after 39.When you're reading this book, you can go on a website to get 39 Clues of your own to win over $100,000 in prizes.
You do not have to go on the website to enjoy the book. It doesn't make any difference whatsoever.
This is a great book, an exciting mystery adventure, that makes you wonder where the clues are. I love this book, and I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out.
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LibraryThing member bell7
Amy and Dan Cahill are orphans whose parents died in a fire; their guardian Aunt Beatrice, is pretty much hands-off, but their grandmother, Grace Cahill, made up for that. But now Grace is dead, and her will is rather strange to say the list. A select few of her relatives are given the choice: $1
My eleven-year-old sister has been begging me to read these books for ages. I finally agreed to listen to the audiobook, which we both did together in over two days. It's fast-paced, full of history, mystery and adventure, and has some humorous moments, too. David Pittu does a fair job of reading, though his accents are terrible (and there are a lot - a British pair of siblings, a Korean man, a Russian woman, and an au pair that is trilingual in French, Spanish, and English yet speaks with an appalling Spanish accent). I can see why this series interests kids, though I personally found it extremely over-the-top, particularly when the kids convince their au pair to take them out of the country and not tell their guardian. I can just see the kidnapping charges...but then, I'm not the target audience. The series also has a tie-in cards collection and online component where kids can compete to win prizes.
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million or joining in a race to discover something absolutely amazing - but they need to find the 39 clues to get there. When Amy and Dan agree to the challenge, they had no idea what they were getting in to and how much their lives were in danger.My eleven-year-old sister has been begging me to read these books for ages. I finally agreed to listen to the audiobook, which we both did together in over two days. It's fast-paced, full of history, mystery and adventure, and has some humorous moments, too. David Pittu does a fair job of reading, though his accents are terrible (and there are a lot - a British pair of siblings, a Korean man, a Russian woman, and an au pair that is trilingual in French, Spanish, and English yet speaks with an appalling Spanish accent). I can see why this series interests kids, though I personally found it extremely over-the-top, particularly when the kids convince their au pair to take them out of the country and not tell their guardian. I can just see the kidnapping charges...but then, I'm not the target audience. The series also has a tie-in cards collection and online component where kids can compete to win prizes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JRlibrary
Dan and Amy Cahill attend the funeral and will reading of their grandmother, expecting to inherit her house. Much to their surprise, they don't inherit anything except a chance to try to solve the 39 clues to the biggest treasure in the world, along with many other members of the Cahill family. The
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book is filled with action; the siblings almost die when a fire breaks out in their grandmother's mansion, and they are trapped in the secret library, Later they are almost buried in concrete while trapped in a pit. I think kids will really like this series, especially if it doesn't go on too too long. I liked it enough to want to read book two. Show Less
LibraryThing member scarlettbrooke
I am not happy that Riordan is not writing the rest of this series. I love him. I enjoy his tone, his language, the way he makes his YA characters believable without being obnoxious. For the first in a series, and an interactive game, scholasstic couldnt have picked better.
LibraryThing member 4sarad
An excellent book. I'm not much of a mystery reader, but this one hooked me and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series! I'm sure they'll definitely make movies out of this one.
LibraryThing member cpotter
This book sets the stage for “The 39 Clues” series. Fantastically rich Grace Cahill dies after leaving a will that sends her relatives across the globe looking for the 39 clues that will make the finder the most powerful person in the world. Dan and Amy Cahill, Graces grandchildren, are among
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the searchers. The children are pitted against other teams of relatives who are ruthless and will gladly kill the children to stop them from getting the secret first. In this book the clues lead to Benjamin Franklin, a Cahill relative, the trail leads from Boston to Paris. Show Less
LibraryThing member ewyatt
Amy and Dan are very sad when their grandmother died. At her funeral, they are faced with a choice to either take $1 million each or take a clue in order to join a contest that, if they win, will bring them power and riches. Amy and Dan take the challenge and are soon on a world-wide quest to
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decode the clues, stay alive, and rely on each other in every obstacle they face. A web site accompanies the series, all of which are going to be written by different authors. Show Less
LibraryThing member nmhale
I frequently swap book talk with the eight year old son of one of my closest friends, who I have known since he was born and have had the pleasure of recommending stories to him since he was little. Now he is a voracious reader and mostly chooses his own books, but we still share ideas when we
The series is called 39 Clues, and it is precisely like the movie National Treasure, but for children. I admit that the production of the series is more about a clever and profitable market scheme than good storytelling: there will be ten books, which tie into a web page, which both tie into collectible cards that can be entered on the web page, which might lead into a movie later, which are all connected to sweepstake prizes that can be won by children. All very calculated. But I liked the novel. Sue me.
It helps that Rick Riordan wrote this first one. Besides that, the idea is just too good. Kids (and adults, too!) love adventures about people that travel the world to find clues that will help lead them to a mysterious prize that will make them some of the most powerful people in history. What's not to like? The main characters, Amy and Dan Cahill, are the underdogs and you can't help rooting for them. I plan on continuing in this series, and hope that the great ideas will continue to be complemented by good writing.
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meet. In this case, he influenced my reading habits! He showed me a series that he was reading and I was interested.The series is called 39 Clues, and it is precisely like the movie National Treasure, but for children. I admit that the production of the series is more about a clever and profitable market scheme than good storytelling: there will be ten books, which tie into a web page, which both tie into collectible cards that can be entered on the web page, which might lead into a movie later, which are all connected to sweepstake prizes that can be won by children. All very calculated. But I liked the novel. Sue me.
It helps that Rick Riordan wrote this first one. Besides that, the idea is just too good. Kids (and adults, too!) love adventures about people that travel the world to find clues that will help lead them to a mysterious prize that will make them some of the most powerful people in history. What's not to like? The main characters, Amy and Dan Cahill, are the underdogs and you can't help rooting for them. I plan on continuing in this series, and hope that the great ideas will continue to be complemented by good writing.
Show Less
LibraryThing member suebeefoster
If you are looking for a story with action, adventure, mystery, comedy, and a little history mixed in--look no more! The Maze of Bones is a very entertaining and intriguing story of a sister and brother, Amy and Dan, who join a contest that will be the most dangerous and possibly most rewarding of
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their lives! One thing I appreciate about this story is that both children use their gifts and interests to help each other out and solve the mysteries. Through this, they learn to appreciate each other. Show Less
LibraryThing member YouthGPL
Susan says: This is the first in a new series of books written by different authors, and it will be interesting to see how different authors handle the same material. In this book, Dan and Amy Cahill are sent on a mission along with other members of their family after their grandmother dies. The
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mission is dangerous, and involves clues pointing to other clues and travel around the world. Some of the other teams also include children, and they are all pretty ruthless. There is a lot of confusion about who is supporting and hurting who, but Amy and Dan are clearly the favorites. There is a lot of suspense in this book, which will keep reluctant readers going through the historical information (right now there is a focus on Benjamin Franklin) and geographical information. It's a good book, and I'll keep reading in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member NateS
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.
LibraryThing member jlsherman
Wonderful story! Upset with the ending, but I guess I'll have to listen to book 2.
LibraryThing member eduscapes
The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is the first in a new trans-media series that connects books, clues, and website experiences together. Amy and Dan Cahill are at the center of a mystery adventure reminiscent of the DaVinci Code book and National Treasure movies. The two children are
The quirky characters and fast pace make this book a quick, interesting read. The accompanying website is an element sure to draw in reluctant readers.
The focus on history and puzzles reminds me of the books of Blue Balliett.
One book down, just thirty-eight to go. This series will keep people of all ages reading for years to come.
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competing with powerful and influential family members to find clues leading to what's been described as the greatest treasure of all time. Woven through the books are historical references, mathematical problems, and intriguing puzzles that will eventually lead to a solution.The quirky characters and fast pace make this book a quick, interesting read. The accompanying website is an element sure to draw in reluctant readers.
The focus on history and puzzles reminds me of the books of Blue Balliett.
One book down, just thirty-eight to go. This series will keep people of all ages reading for years to come.
Show Less
LibraryThing member loverofbooks79
Loved this first in a series. This realy does take you on an adventure and look forward to the others. Two children are on the run chasing clues and running from family who want them out of the picture.
LibraryThing member theokester
I've been seeing this series of books around for a couple of years now and finally decided to check it out. Included in the books are a set of cards with instructions to register over at The39Clues.com. There you can be assigned to one of the families and go on your own treasure hunt. I haven't dug
But, back to the book. Book # 1, The Maze of Bones, is by Rick Riordan of Percy Jackson fame. With that in mind, I went into this read with high expectations. The audience here seems to be about the same as with Percy Jackson, perhaps a little younger. The book was fairly short but still engaging. I kept wanting a little more depth from the book, but then I kept reminding myself that it was intended to be a fun and intelligent adventure aimed (likely) at ~8-12 year olds (not that 8-12 year olds aren't smart…I know some VERY smart kids…but I'm just saying I can't directly compare this to a Dan Brown or Umberto Eco)
As this is the first book in a (presumably) 39 book series, it had to lay a fair amount of groundwork. I suspect subsequent books will hit the ground running. Even then, the initial groundwork was laid out very nicely. I got to know the two main characters. I learned about their family, their quirks, their strengths and weaknesses. Then I was thrown into the "reading of the will" which explained the global treasure hunt.
A lot of details felt sketchy and very high level. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but the two main ones I thought of are (1) They wanted to keep the page count down for the target audience and so kept some details sparse -and- (2) The author(s) may not know the exact trajectory of the story yet. Since Scholastic is providing an online treasure hunt along with this series and because this series will have so many books, I suspect they're either still working out the final details of the story or they are keeping the details under lock-and-key (or a combination of both).
Even without a lot of depth, I was able to feel engaged in the adventure. I felt the anxiety and sadness of our two main characters as they attended the funeral and began their adventure. I was able to acknowledge the correct answers to the puzzles once solved, but was a little dismayed that the answers seemed to take immense leaps (perhaps I'm not as smart as a 12 year old *grin*).
In the end, I really enjoyed Maze of Bones and look forward to reading future books in the 39 Clues series (I believe they're up to book 7 or 8 now). The general concept is sort of like National Treasure or The Amazing Race or (to pick recent blockbusters) some of Dan Brown's books….but all at a level that is approachable and engaging for kids. I also plan to hop onto the 39Clues website and check out the missions there. I think it would be fun to hop on as a family and work through the treasure hunt together.
So, my recommendation…this is a fun, fresh adventure series for kids. The overall mystery feels engaging enough to keep adults interested, but the writing is definitely meant for a younger audience. So if you're expecting Umberto Eco, steer clear. If you're up for a fun, youthful adventure, then grab a book and join the hunt. It's a quick, fun read you can enjoy with your kids or by yourself.
****
4 out of 5 stars
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into that aspect to know how engaging it is, the nature of the missions, how many cards there are, etc. The concept sounds like a fun addition to the reading.But, back to the book. Book # 1, The Maze of Bones, is by Rick Riordan of Percy Jackson fame. With that in mind, I went into this read with high expectations. The audience here seems to be about the same as with Percy Jackson, perhaps a little younger. The book was fairly short but still engaging. I kept wanting a little more depth from the book, but then I kept reminding myself that it was intended to be a fun and intelligent adventure aimed (likely) at ~8-12 year olds (not that 8-12 year olds aren't smart…I know some VERY smart kids…but I'm just saying I can't directly compare this to a Dan Brown or Umberto Eco)
As this is the first book in a (presumably) 39 book series, it had to lay a fair amount of groundwork. I suspect subsequent books will hit the ground running. Even then, the initial groundwork was laid out very nicely. I got to know the two main characters. I learned about their family, their quirks, their strengths and weaknesses. Then I was thrown into the "reading of the will" which explained the global treasure hunt.
A lot of details felt sketchy and very high level. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but the two main ones I thought of are (1) They wanted to keep the page count down for the target audience and so kept some details sparse -and- (2) The author(s) may not know the exact trajectory of the story yet. Since Scholastic is providing an online treasure hunt along with this series and because this series will have so many books, I suspect they're either still working out the final details of the story or they are keeping the details under lock-and-key (or a combination of both).
Even without a lot of depth, I was able to feel engaged in the adventure. I felt the anxiety and sadness of our two main characters as they attended the funeral and began their adventure. I was able to acknowledge the correct answers to the puzzles once solved, but was a little dismayed that the answers seemed to take immense leaps (perhaps I'm not as smart as a 12 year old *grin*).
In the end, I really enjoyed Maze of Bones and look forward to reading future books in the 39 Clues series (I believe they're up to book 7 or 8 now). The general concept is sort of like National Treasure or The Amazing Race or (to pick recent blockbusters) some of Dan Brown's books….but all at a level that is approachable and engaging for kids. I also plan to hop onto the 39Clues website and check out the missions there. I think it would be fun to hop on as a family and work through the treasure hunt together.
So, my recommendation…this is a fun, fresh adventure series for kids. The overall mystery feels engaging enough to keep adults interested, but the writing is definitely meant for a younger audience. So if you're expecting Umberto Eco, steer clear. If you're up for a fun, youthful adventure, then grab a book and join the hunt. It's a quick, fun read you can enjoy with your kids or by yourself.
****
4 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member Nimmers
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,
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.
There are four branchs of the Family, and each has their own strengths and weakness. Lucians (spys,
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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.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mmpvppl
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.
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