39 Clues: The Maze of Bones - Module 9

39 Clues

The Maze of Bones

By Rick Riordan

Published by Scholastic Press (2008)

ISBN: 978-0545060394 (hardcover)
Grades: 4-6

Tale

In this first book of the series, as their beloved grandmother passes away, orphans Amy (14) and Dan (11) realize that their family tree holds more than traditions; it is surrounded in secrecy, mysteries, disappearances…and that no one can be trusted. The two children and all the Cahills invited, need to choose between a million dollar “no questions asked” inheritance or fighting with the other family members to discover all 39 clues that will reveal the family’s secret; and that may lead them to what is supposed to be the most valuable treasure in existence (If they survive all the ordeals)! In the second scenario, only one team will win and the others will be given nothing. Amy and Dan decided to take the challenge. They travel the world chasing for the 39 clues, they discover the power of their family, meet the famous relatives, and discover the dangers of belonging to one of the four branches of the Cahill family.

Thoughts

The book is a blast of hide-and-seek experiences, explosions, excitement, and mystery; but is also an enjoyable lesson on geography and history. The series’ readers are taken around the world in search of the clues, and clues for clues. They visit world-famous monuments and institutions, and learn about historical personalities such as Amadeus Mozart and Benjamin Franklin, which all happen to be Cahill relatives. Literature and math topics are also present throughout the chapters.

The fun goes beyond the book’s pages as readers have access to online games, activities, and webcasted events at http://www.the39clues.com/. This website also provide a comprehensive support for educators such as lesson plans, classroom activities suggestions, and detailed literature comprehension and content overviews for each volume. 

About the Author

Rick Riordan was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 1964. He started writing short stories at young age. Although he became famous for his adult mysteries, the idea of writing a juvenile fiction never died. It was from a bedtime story he wrote for his older son that his first children’s book arose—Percy Jackson was born! Recently Riordan became a full-time writer, but he uses much of his time visiting schools and other educational institutions.

“I think kids want the same thing from a book that adults want—a fast-paced story, characters worth caring about, humor, surprises, and mystery.”

Click here to visit “the online world of Rick Riordan”.

Review

From School Library Journal

"Starred Review. Grade 4–7—When their beloved Aunt Grace dies, Dan, 11, and Amy, 14—along with other Cahill descendants—are faced with an unusual choice: inherit one million dollars or participate in a perilous treasure hunt. Cahills have determined the course of history for centuries, and this quest's outcome will bring the victors untoward power and affect all of humankind. Against the wishes of nasty Aunt Beatrice, their reluctant guardian since their parents' deaths, Dan and Amy accept the challenge, convincing their college-age au pair to serve as designated adult. Pitted against other Cahill teams, who will stop at nothing to win, the siblings decipher the first of 39 clues and are soon hot on the historical trail of family member Ben Franklin to unearth the next secret. Adeptly incorporating a genuine kids' perspective, the narrative unfolds like a boulder rolling downhill and keeps readers glued to the pages. As the siblings work together to solve puzzles and survive dangers, they develop into well-drawn individuals with their own strengths and personalities. Supporting Cahill cast members come across as intentionally exaggerated caricatures, adding to the tale's breathless fun. 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. Part of a multimedia launch including a Web site, collectable game cards, and a 10-title series (penned by different authors), this novel stands solidly on its own feet and will satisfy while whetting appetites for more.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "

Activity

Based on a teacher activity suggestion found on the official 39 Clues website at http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=37926

Geography:

"Grace Cahill kept a map of the world with pushpins in her secret library. Help your students track their journey around the world by displaying a world map in your classroom. Track their locations with pushpins like Grace!”

Mark each one of the pushpins with numbers in descending order. As the numbers are added to the map, students will discuss and write in their “travel journal” which places they visit, who they found, which historical personage they met, and what clues they have discovered.