Module 9- The 39 Clues Book 1- The Maze of Bones, Riordan, Rick

Riordan, Rick. 39 Clues Book 1- The Maze of Bones. New York: Scholastic, 2008.

Summary
Amy and Dan Cahill have been raised by their unlikeable great-aunt during the week and their beloved grandmother, Grace, on the weekends because their parents died under very mysterious circumstances. When Grace Cahill dies, she leaves her very large extended family a choice- accept their inheritance of 1 million dollars or forfiet their money for the first of 39 clues to a dangerous search that will lead them to the source of their family's power. Surprisingly, mild-mannered Amy, signs her and her brother up for the clues. Despite their relatives being much more good-looking, famous, wealthy, and powerful, Amy and Dan do very well finding the clues within the clues that lead to the first clue in this National Treasure/Da Vinci Code-esque book. Tricking their au pair to come with them, Amy and Dan's findings eventually lead them to the catacombs of Paris where they narrowly escape death, fight other family members, and find the second of 39 clues that will lead them to Vienna. All the while, Amy and Dan are finding out secrets never before revealed about their parents and the reader is lead to believe their parents died trying to solve the mystery of the 39 Clues.

Impressions
"Clues within the clues that lead them to their first clue?" Yes, The 39 Clues are that confusing. Once you get used to the idea of never actually finding the solution to a clue, however, The Maze of Bones, is a really fun, fast read. It's also full of historical information that's actually interesting. I found myself learning all kinds of cool things about Benjamin Franklin, his life, his inventions, etc.

Reviews
Hersh, Marilyn. School Library Journal, Feb2009, Vol. 55 Issue 2, p58-59. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.
“This is the first installment (Scholastic, 2008) of a projected 10-book series about 39 clues to a family's secret 500-year-old history left in a will by Grace Cahill, the last matriarch of the most powerful family in the world. The people mentioned in her will have the choice of inheriting one million dollars instantly or competing to win the fortune by collecting all the clues. Orphans Amy and Dan Cahill attend their grandmother's funeral and are swept into a worldwide search. The first clue, to "seek out Richard S," leads the youngsters to Poor Richard's Almanac, Ben Franklin, and the catacombs below Paris. This is an involved tale with lots of characters and plot twists that set the stage for the nine books that will follow. The children escape a fire, a bomb, a sink hole, and outsmart disreputable Cahills. Along the way, they learn about their dead parents and world history. The Maze of Bones was written by Rick Riordan; other authors will be writing some of the other titles. David Pittu's narration is measured and powerful, and he easily assumes foreign accents as the roles demand. The second clue is given at the end of the book. Scholastic has devised an online game (the39clues.com) where readers play a part in the story and can win over $100,000 in prizes. Listeners will be hooked and eagerly await the next title.”

Publishers Weekly, 9/22/2008, Vol. 255 Issue 38, p58-59. Retrieved October 23, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.
“Built around a ripe conceit--wealthy matriarch scatters cryptic clues to a mysterious fortune around the globe--this first installment in a projected t0-book series is tons of fun. Lead-off hitter Riordan (The Lightning Thief) mixes just the right proportions of suspense, peril and puzzles in a fast-paced read (Riordan mapped the narrative arc for all 10 volumes, but other high-profile authors will be writing for the series, too). Likable orphans Amy and Dan Cahill have moxie (plus Dan can memorize numbers instantly) and frailties (Amy hates crowds). As the siblings compete with less honorable members of the Cahill clan, all distantly related to Benjamin Franklin, to win the fortune by collecting all 39 clues (only two are found in this first book), they learn about their dead parents, each other and world history. The humor is spot on--one uncle is credited with inventing the microwave burrito. The only flaw? The story does not end so much as drop off a cliff. (The second book, One False Note by Gordon Korman, is set to arrive in December.) While waiting, readers can collect cards, each of which contains evidence, and play the online game (www.the39clues.com), for which Scholastic is offering over $100,000 in prizes. 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. Ages 9-12.”

Suggestions for Library Use
This book would be really fun for patrons to read, and then have the library stage their own 39 Clues-type hunt around the library's home city or state with students needing to find clues about local festivals and landmarks, famous locals, city/state history, etc.
This book would also be a fun additional to the fifth grade curriculum. Fifth grade is when students learn about U.S. History, the Founding Fathers, etc., and a book that presents history in such a fast-paced, interesting manner would be welcome among 10 year olds.
This book would also be a nice addition to a historical mystery display along with other books and movies like The Da Vinci Code, National Treasure, Sahara, Indiana Jones, etc.