The 39 Clues by multiple authors

Several years ago, Matthew and I read the first installment of The 39 Clues titled The Maze of Bones. Matt loved it and I thought it was a fun story. We liked the fast pace,  excitement, and the sense of danger and humor, but what may be most valuable about these books is that they teach history in a very fun way.

Matt was on the internet researching the Paris Catacombs during and after his read of this book. He created on his own project about the Catacombs to share with his class - this wasn't assigned. When a book can make research and learning this much fun, it is a book worth reading. We read the first two books together.

Lately I've been listening to the audio versions of these books. The story follows orphans, Amy and Dan who took on their Grandmother Grace's challenge to find the 39 clues which are hidden all over the world. The winner will get the entire Cahill fortune. They are competing against other branches of the family - many of which have murderous appetites, and are not afraid to lie, cheat, or kill to get to the next clue.

There are holes in the stories at times, but all of them make the reader (or listener) want to jump online to see the sights and learn more about the history that is shared in the books. Each book is written by a different author, and so far, each book is quite fun. Series are great for readers who don't like to have to get to know new characters in every book. This book follows the same characters and allow the reader to dive right in.

Here are the ones I've listened to or read so far:

Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (The amazing author of the Percy Jackson series)

One False Note by Gordon Korman

The Sword Thief  by Peter Lerangis

Beyond the Grave  by Jude Watson

The Black Circle by Patrick Carman

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry if you'd like to donate books to babies.