Currently Reading... The 39 Clues Series

I'm still on the reading way too many books at once wagon, but I have recently focused on one particular series... The 39 Clues which is a planned 10 part book series each written by various children’s authors. The series follows the exploits of siblings Amy Cahill and Dan Cahill and their worldwide quest to unlock the secret of their family's power while pitted against six other teams that are bent on acquiring that ultimate power no matter what the cost. Each book explores a famous “Cahill” family member from history.

Book 1: The Maze of Bones, written by Rick Riordan – READ

Synopsis: Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her descendants 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.

About the Author: Rick Riordan is the bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

My Thoughts: As a teacher, I can appreciate the educational benefits of a book that explores famous figures from history. Personally I am a big fan of mysteries, especially ones that involve history. I also like the interactive element of the story that allows the reader to follow along with the challenge online and try to figure out each clue. These books are pretty popular at the library that I taught at in Surrey. I would be interested in reading some kid’s reviews to see what aspects they like.

Book 2: One False Note, written by Gordon Korman – READING NOW

Synopsis: THIS JUST IN! Amy and Dan Cahill were spotted on a train, hot on the trail of one of 39 Clues hidden around the world. BUT WAIT! Police report a break-in at an elite hotel, and the suspects ALSO sound suspiciously like Amy and Dan. UPDATE! Amy and Dan have been seen in a car . . . no, in a speedboat chase . . . and HOLD EVERYTHING! They're being chased by an angry mob?!? When there's a Clue on the line, anything can happen.

About the Author: Gordan Korman wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall, when he was 12 years old for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English. He later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in The Sixth Grade Nickname Game, where Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher. He is the author of more than 50 books.

My Thoughts: As this novel examines Mozart’s life, it holds a particular interest for me due to my music background. I like how this continued to advance the quest to find the 39 clues. We also learned a lit more about all the "family members" including how far they will go to advance in the game. Their au pair is turning out to be pretty useful - I'm guessing we will learn more about her as we go along. I'm sure she is not there helping them by accident or out of convenience.

I never knew about Mozart's sister even though I studied music history in college for 2 years. Did I just miss that part or was it not included? Hmmm. Anyway there is a book called Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser, perhaps I shall have to add that to my rapidly growing list.

Book 3: The Sword Thief, written by Peter Lerangis

Book 4: Beyond the Grave, written by Jude Watson

Book 5: The Black Circle, written by Patrick Carman

Book 6: In Too Deep, written by Jude Watson

Book 7: The Viper's Nest, written by Peter Lerangis

Book 8: The Emperor's Code, written by Gordon Korman, to be released April 6, 2010

Book 9: Title TBD, written by Linda Sue Park, to be released May 25, 2010

Book 10: Title TBD, written by Margeret Peterson Haddix, to be released August 31, 2010