The Maze of Bones is the first book in Scholastic's new The 39 Clues series. Trying to tap into the market of all the kids who would rather play computer games than read a book, this new series combines the two. The premise is pretty fun. The aging matriarch of one of the most powerful families in the history of the world has written it into her will that upon her death, her family members may choose: $1 million or a clue. This clue will start them on a world-wide scavenger hunt to reveal a secret that will restore their family as the most powerful and influential people on the planet. The books specifically follow Dan and Amy Cahill, and 11 and 14 year old brother and sister who decide to take the clue and form a team.
Each book in the series will be written by a different author. The first is by Rick Riordan, the author of the wildly popular (and really wonderful) series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
The premise is stretched a bit far (the Cahill family supposedly includes Ben Franklin, Elanor Roosevelt, Picasso, Amelia Earhart, Harry Houdini and Abraham Lincoln), but Dan and Amy are extremely likable and the action starts early and keeps up a nice pace throughout the novel. The extended family members competing against them are particularly nasty, never hesitating to burn down a house or blow up part of a museum to get ahead in the hunt. The competition lends a great urgency to the story, so that Dan and Amy not only have to figure out each clue, they have to beat everyone else to the punch. The two must rely on their knowledge of history and creative thinking skills to decipher the clues that eventually lead them to the catacombs below Paris to find artifacts that Ben Franklin left there during his visit in the 1700s. The result is a bit National Treasure meets Alex Rider, and although it isn't quite as engaging as either one it is a worthy read.
The interactive part comes with the website (the39clues.com). Kids can take a quiz to see what branch of the family they belong to as well as play along with the scavenger hunt and figure out some of the clues themselves. Each book comes with 6 clue cards that can be entered on the website to get more information or play different games. A few lucky kids will even be able to win real prizes. I think it's all a really neat idea; I love the idea of letting kids get into the world of the book and play along.
If you like this one, the series continues this December with #2, which will be written by Gordan Korman (Schooled, Swindle).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
ABC Reviews - Teen
This week I’d like to introduce you to John Green. He’s the author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns (which will be published this October).
The paperback edition of Katherines came out a few weeks ago (for $3.99!!) and it’s a great read for ages 14 and up. The main character, Colin, is an anagram obsessed former child prodigy who has dated 19 girls named Katherine. After having his heart broken by K-19 the summer after graduating high school, Colin and his best friend leave on a road trip to help him clear his head. They end up in rural Tennessee and soon find themselves employed and living in a pink mansion. A very pretty and interesting girl also lives in that mansion, which of course complicated things a bit. Colin believes he can win Katherine back if only he can do something that truly matters and to do so he decides to come up with a formula that can graph relationships. A book about writing a math formula may not sound exciting, but John Green definitely makes it fun. He creates characters that are full, real people who relate to each other in funny, flawed, realistic ways. This book is for dumpers, dumpees, and everyone who has ever tried to find a way to really matter.
Check out John’s websites (sparksflyup.com) to read his blog and some interviews about his books. The networking website he started with his brother Hank (nerdfighters.com) is also a lot of fun.
The paperback edition of Katherines came out a few weeks ago (for $3.99!!) and it’s a great read for ages 14 and up. The main character, Colin, is an anagram obsessed former child prodigy who has dated 19 girls named Katherine. After having his heart broken by K-19 the summer after graduating high school, Colin and his best friend leave on a road trip to help him clear his head. They end up in rural Tennessee and soon find themselves employed and living in a pink mansion. A very pretty and interesting girl also lives in that mansion, which of course complicated things a bit. Colin believes he can win Katherine back if only he can do something that truly matters and to do so he decides to come up with a formula that can graph relationships. A book about writing a math formula may not sound exciting, but John Green definitely makes it fun. He creates characters that are full, real people who relate to each other in funny, flawed, realistic ways. This book is for dumpers, dumpees, and everyone who has ever tried to find a way to really matter.
Check out John’s websites (sparksflyup.com) to read his blog and some interviews about his books. The networking website he started with his brother Hank (nerdfighters.com) is also a lot of fun.
ABC Reviews
Welcome!
This is the first of a weekly series called ABC Reviews. Every week I will post reviews of new and exciting books in the world of children’s and Young Adult literature. Be sure to check back often to see what’s new!
This week I want to recommend the picture book The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share, by Mike Reiss. This is the story of a boy who, as the title suggests, is dead set against sharing ANY of his toys with his little sister. The cleverly rhyming text lists the growing number of toys off-limits to Edward’s little sister as he insists, “They’re MINE!” Edward gathers his precious belongings until he is trapped under a mountain of toys. He is still stuck there when his mother brings in homemade fudge. Will he see the error of his ways in time to have a snack? Will his sister ever forgive him? David Catrow’s wonderfully fun illustrations make this book really shine. His trademark style brings Edward’s scowl to life. This one makes a great read-aloud!
This is the first of a weekly series called ABC Reviews. Every week I will post reviews of new and exciting books in the world of children’s and Young Adult literature. Be sure to check back often to see what’s new!
This week I want to recommend the picture book The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share, by Mike Reiss. This is the story of a boy who, as the title suggests, is dead set against sharing ANY of his toys with his little sister. The cleverly rhyming text lists the growing number of toys off-limits to Edward’s little sister as he insists, “They’re MINE!” Edward gathers his precious belongings until he is trapped under a mountain of toys. He is still stuck there when his mother brings in homemade fudge. Will he see the error of his ways in time to have a snack? Will his sister ever forgive him? David Catrow’s wonderfully fun illustrations make this book really shine. His trademark style brings Edward’s scowl to life. This one makes a great read-aloud!
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