A Kid's Eye View of Scholastic's 39 Clues
by Adora Svitak
[Originally published on the Educators' Royal Treatment--www.educatorsroyaltreatment.com]
[Adora Svitak is the published author of three books and the world's youngest teacher. She came up with the title above mainly because it rhymed.]
How would you feel if all your extended family members kept trying to kill you? If you’re Amy and Dan Cahill, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. The young brother-and-sister team are the main characters in the wildly popular series The 39 Clues. The books follow Amy and Dan as they go around the world looking for the “39 Clues.” Oh, and did I mention that they belong to the most powerful family in the world (most members of whom do display homicidal tendencies)? The books are, needless to say, chock-full with adventure.
Now you may be wondering what a book review is doing on the Educator’s Royal Treatment, and for a series of adventure books at that. My response? The 39 Clues is more than adventure novels—it’s a motivational reading tool, pack of cards, and fun read all in one. I should know—I finally read the first book, The Maze of Bones. Written by Rick Riordan, The Maze of Bones (unflatteringly) introduces the Cahill family and its quest to find the 39 Clues.
As far as motivating readers goes, The 39 Clues is a smash hit. Suspenseful and exciting, it attracts both boys and girls with its gutsy main characters (who, luck has it, are a boy and a girl). It’s not the hardest read, so kids won’t be hugely intimidated by the wordage. What’s more, it presents a card-collecting, game-playing, prize-winning opportunity. What more needs to be said?
The books are interactive on many different levels. Each book comes with six cards, each of which has an identification code. Kids go to the 39 Clues website to enter the code and create an online card collection. Players can enter sweepstakes with prizes ranging from $250 to $10,000.
The books are genuinely fun to read. I must admit that, although the books were a little juvenile for my reading level, that I was on the edge of my seat, reading as fast as possible to find out what happened next. And I don’t even like mystery-adventures.
However, educators may find the book a little misleading to younger readers—for instance, the books say that pretty much every powerful person who ever lived on Earth—Ben Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, etc.—was a member of the Cahill family. Which is, I’m assuming, not exactly true. So if you plan on having your students read The 39 Clues, make sure they’re clear on the fact that it’s fiction, through-and-through.
And while the story’s main characters aren’t always role models (like any brother and sister, they fight frequently), they do behave bravely in the face of danger and do what they think is right—which, more often than not, means acting nice to other Cahills, even when it’s not the most advantageous.
Although The 39 Clues definitely isn’t a history lesson, it provides a lot of motivation to under-confident readers and gives kids role models their own age. Test-drive it before you hand it to your students—but I warn you, you may be hooked.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Book Reviews by Katie
Book Reviews by Katie
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
I finally read Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. It was a hallarious read that I couldn't put down. I read it in one sitting, while looking at the pictures. I tried to take my time so I could study the cartoons. Greg is the main character, Rowley is his friend, but I still thought Fregley was pretty funny. Read this book and laugh-out loud!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules
Rodrick Rules was twice as funny as the first one. Greg Heffley is finding fault in his brother, Rodrick, but just as much fault in his younger brother also. Rodrick throws a party and locks Greg in the other room. Rodrick then makes Greg help him clean up. Later, their parents find out and punish Greg too! Greg writes his thoughts about his brother, and is tired of him!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Last Straw
I got to read part of the last Wimpy Kid book. My friends ordered them tfrom a book order at school, and my one friend loaned it to me. I almost finished it, and it was really interesting. Greg is threatened to have to go to military school, and Greg is frightened. I might ask my friend to loan it back to me....
Shakespeare's Secret
When a girl named Hero, (named after Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing) moves to Maryland over summer vacation, she knows what to expect when the school year starts. She is always teased, and she worries greatly.When schooltime is right around the corner, Hero learns of something strange. She lives a house owned long ago by Arthur Murphy. Her strange, old lady neighbor Mrs. Roth, tells her about her house. It turns out, she lives in a house that supposedly has a hidden diamond in it!When Hero finally goes to school, the jokes start up about her. But that's the least of her worries. One day, she tries to stop a fight between a boy named Aaron she met on her first day (who is a first grader) and another boy. She feels ashamed when she finds out the two boys fighting are brothers. A blond-hair boy named Danny Cordova, and eigth grader, starts to follow Hero around.While at school, girls accuse Hero of being his girlfriend, more clues are popping up about a missing diamond. Hero starts to look for the diamond but cannot find it. Until one day, something happens.......Read this book! I loved the mystery of it!
A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End
A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End; The Right Way to Write Writing, is an elightning, short read I found at the library. It contains cute pictures and 164, double space pages. The well-known author Avi, created a story about Avon the snail, and Edward the ant. Avon the snail, wants to create a novel, but can't think of what to write. He writes the word "SOMETHING" on his paper, but is queried by Edward the ant. Edward explains that "SOMETHING" could be the beginning, the middle, or the end, and Avon needs to clarify the word. As Edward and Avon have an encounter with an anteater, a fright by a toad, meet an egg-laying crow, and get swallowed by a fish, the twosome discuss the concept of writing, and finally come up with a solution.Read this 10 to 15 minute story, and have a smile on your face the entire time.
Dark River
A slightly shorter Erin Hunter book from the first book, containing 322 pages; still this book is crammed with exciting and relevant events. A complete confusion if you have not read the first book.
Jaypaw, Lionpaw, and Hollypaw, seem to be drifiting now into their own personal events and worlds. Hollypaw is becoming involved in other problems, and is denying Firestar's wise words of wisdom. Lionpaw is breaking the Warrior code by secretly meeting Heatherpaw, a WindClan cat each night. Jaypaw's power to find meanings in dreams is becoming more powerful than ever.
Suddenly, Hollypaw is finding many, what seems to be to Firestar, obscure reasons for reporting accusations of other clan's worries. War suddenly breaks out between the Clan's, with painful words, and fighting. Hollypaw and Lionpaw both have been breaking rules, and don't want to believe this war is their fault!
My opinion of this book, would be recommended to anyone who has read "The Sight".
The Sight
The Sight was an amazing book with unexpected events. The descriptions had such a vivid image, as Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw, battled, and went through their own journeys. The most amazing thing I thought happened in this book, is Jaypaw wanted to become a medicene cat for Leafpool, and Hollypaw changed from her position as a medicene cat, to become a warrior for Brackenfur.
I can't wait to read all the books in this series. It sounds very interesting, and it is going to lead up to something big. It will be exciting to travel with Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw, on their journey to be true Warriors.
Note: The only thing I didn't care for in this story, was the fact that Erin Hunter used the same descriptions over and over in the book. Other then that, it was a most enjoyable read!!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
I finally read Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. It was a hallarious read that I couldn't put down. I read it in one sitting, while looking at the pictures. I tried to take my time so I could study the cartoons. Greg is the main character, Rowley is his friend, but I still thought Fregley was pretty funny. Read this book and laugh-out loud!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules
Rodrick Rules was twice as funny as the first one. Greg Heffley is finding fault in his brother, Rodrick, but just as much fault in his younger brother also. Rodrick throws a party and locks Greg in the other room. Rodrick then makes Greg help him clean up. Later, their parents find out and punish Greg too! Greg writes his thoughts about his brother, and is tired of him!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Last Straw
I got to read part of the last Wimpy Kid book. My friends ordered them tfrom a book order at school, and my one friend loaned it to me. I almost finished it, and it was really interesting. Greg is threatened to have to go to military school, and Greg is frightened. I might ask my friend to loan it back to me....
Shakespeare's Secret
When a girl named Hero, (named after Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing) moves to Maryland over summer vacation, she knows what to expect when the school year starts. She is always teased, and she worries greatly.When schooltime is right around the corner, Hero learns of something strange. She lives a house owned long ago by Arthur Murphy. Her strange, old lady neighbor Mrs. Roth, tells her about her house. It turns out, she lives in a house that supposedly has a hidden diamond in it!When Hero finally goes to school, the jokes start up about her. But that's the least of her worries. One day, she tries to stop a fight between a boy named Aaron she met on her first day (who is a first grader) and another boy. She feels ashamed when she finds out the two boys fighting are brothers. A blond-hair boy named Danny Cordova, and eigth grader, starts to follow Hero around.While at school, girls accuse Hero of being his girlfriend, more clues are popping up about a missing diamond. Hero starts to look for the diamond but cannot find it. Until one day, something happens.......Read this book! I loved the mystery of it!
A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End
A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End; The Right Way to Write Writing, is an elightning, short read I found at the library. It contains cute pictures and 164, double space pages. The well-known author Avi, created a story about Avon the snail, and Edward the ant. Avon the snail, wants to create a novel, but can't think of what to write. He writes the word "SOMETHING" on his paper, but is queried by Edward the ant. Edward explains that "SOMETHING" could be the beginning, the middle, or the end, and Avon needs to clarify the word. As Edward and Avon have an encounter with an anteater, a fright by a toad, meet an egg-laying crow, and get swallowed by a fish, the twosome discuss the concept of writing, and finally come up with a solution.Read this 10 to 15 minute story, and have a smile on your face the entire time.
Dark River
A slightly shorter Erin Hunter book from the first book, containing 322 pages; still this book is crammed with exciting and relevant events. A complete confusion if you have not read the first book.
Jaypaw, Lionpaw, and Hollypaw, seem to be drifiting now into their own personal events and worlds. Hollypaw is becoming involved in other problems, and is denying Firestar's wise words of wisdom. Lionpaw is breaking the Warrior code by secretly meeting Heatherpaw, a WindClan cat each night. Jaypaw's power to find meanings in dreams is becoming more powerful than ever.
Suddenly, Hollypaw is finding many, what seems to be to Firestar, obscure reasons for reporting accusations of other clan's worries. War suddenly breaks out between the Clan's, with painful words, and fighting. Hollypaw and Lionpaw both have been breaking rules, and don't want to believe this war is their fault!
My opinion of this book, would be recommended to anyone who has read "The Sight".
The Sight
The Sight was an amazing book with unexpected events. The descriptions had such a vivid image, as Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw, battled, and went through their own journeys. The most amazing thing I thought happened in this book, is Jaypaw wanted to become a medicene cat for Leafpool, and Hollypaw changed from her position as a medicene cat, to become a warrior for Brackenfur.
I can't wait to read all the books in this series. It sounds very interesting, and it is going to lead up to something big. It will be exciting to travel with Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw, on their journey to be true Warriors.
Note: The only thing I didn't care for in this story, was the fact that Erin Hunter used the same descriptions over and over in the book. Other then that, it was a most enjoyable read!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Book Reviews-Toy Dance Party and The People of Sparks
Below are two more book reviews from Katie. Thanks!
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Here are two more book reviews.
"Toy Dance Party" is a cute little sequel to "Toys Go Out". Emily Jenkins can really make the toys seem to come to life as they have very eventful days.
The main characters, bossy, know-it-all, StingRay, courageous buffalo Lumphy, and a round, independent, red ball named Plastic. As these old toys become rejected by their six-year-old owner, the little girl is growing up. She now takes an interest in the silent Barbies who the toys deeply envy. As they go to the movies, think deeply, have exciting adventures, and try to get the Girl's attention, the silent Barbies seem to take it all away.
If you haven't read the first story, I suggest you read it too. It has beautifully illustrated sequences of pictures also.
"The People of Sparks", I finished the other day.
A thrilling, suspenseful sequel to "The City of Ember". This book tells of the land above Ember. The land with the blue sky, plentiful soil, but not great as riches as our present day. The people of Sparks are to share their belongings between the Emberites, but not everyone is pleased about this. Soon, war breaks out, as the Emberites discover hurtful and displeasing notices, and believe the Sparks people are accusing them of things they did not commit. Can the Emberites and the people of Sparks make peace between each other? Read this book to find out!
---
Here are two more book reviews.
"Toy Dance Party" is a cute little sequel to "Toys Go Out". Emily Jenkins can really make the toys seem to come to life as they have very eventful days.
The main characters, bossy, know-it-all, StingRay, courageous buffalo Lumphy, and a round, independent, red ball named Plastic. As these old toys become rejected by their six-year-old owner, the little girl is growing up. She now takes an interest in the silent Barbies who the toys deeply envy. As they go to the movies, think deeply, have exciting adventures, and try to get the Girl's attention, the silent Barbies seem to take it all away.
If you haven't read the first story, I suggest you read it too. It has beautifully illustrated sequences of pictures also.
"The People of Sparks", I finished the other day.
A thrilling, suspenseful sequel to "The City of Ember". This book tells of the land above Ember. The land with the blue sky, plentiful soil, but not great as riches as our present day. The people of Sparks are to share their belongings between the Emberites, but not everyone is pleased about this. Soon, war breaks out, as the Emberites discover hurtful and displeasing notices, and believe the Sparks people are accusing them of things they did not commit. Can the Emberites and the people of Sparks make peace between each other? Read this book to find out!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Book Review: "The Seekers"
Below is our latest book review.
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"The Seekers", is the latest Erin Hunter series. Warriors fans, if you love suspensful, thrilling, heart- pounding action, this is the book for you! It's a 293 page story, that will keep you wondering what will happen every page. The Seekers is about three bears, Kallik the polar bear, Lusa the black bear, and Toklo the grizzly bear. Each one is on their own quest to find, hunt, and survive the dangers surrounding them with their every move. Check out this book now!
-Katie
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"The Seekers", is the latest Erin Hunter series. Warriors fans, if you love suspensful, thrilling, heart- pounding action, this is the book for you! It's a 293 page story, that will keep you wondering what will happen every page. The Seekers is about three bears, Kallik the polar bear, Lusa the black bear, and Toklo the grizzly bear. Each one is on their own quest to find, hunt, and survive the dangers surrounding them with their every move. Check out this book now!
-Katie
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Book Review: Little Fur
Here's a much needed new review. (Thank you, Katie!)
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Title: Little Fur: A Mystery of Wolves
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Reviewer: Katie
About the main character:
Little Fur is an adventurous half-elf half-troll girl. She has a special ability to heal wounds quickly. She has long red hair and is the size of a three-year-old human.
About the story:
In this third book of the Little Fur triology, Little Fur is on another quest. Her cat friend, Ginger is missing. To find him she must solve the Mysteryof wolves. Graysong, the wolf, Crow, Gem, the owlet, and Little Fur, set out on a quest to find Ginger, and solve the mystery.
About the time the story takes place:
This story takes place in the present day, in a magical forest.
I enjoyed this book, because it was very descriptive. It seemed I was on the quest myself. I would highly reccomend this book to people who enjoy reading fantasy, part magical stories.
--
Title: Little Fur: A Mystery of Wolves
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Reviewer: Katie
About the main character:
Little Fur is an adventurous half-elf half-troll girl. She has a special ability to heal wounds quickly. She has long red hair and is the size of a three-year-old human.
About the story:
In this third book of the Little Fur triology, Little Fur is on another quest. Her cat friend, Ginger is missing. To find him she must solve the Mysteryof wolves. Graysong, the wolf, Crow, Gem, the owlet, and Little Fur, set out on a quest to find Ginger, and solve the mystery.
About the time the story takes place:
This story takes place in the present day, in a magical forest.
I enjoyed this book, because it was very descriptive. It seemed I was on the quest myself. I would highly reccomend this book to people who enjoy reading fantasy, part magical stories.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How to Write a Book Review
Here are some tips on how to write a book review:
1.) Be sure to include essential information. Essential information includes things like author's name, title of the book, etc. Give your reader essential information before launching right into your in-depth views on the book. It's confusing to read a book review when you don't know the book being reviewed. However, you probably don't just want to say, "The title of the book is _____ and the author is ______ ."
Instead, weave the essential information into the first few lines of your book review. An example would be: "Have you ever wished that you could live underwater? Children's fiction author Ickelrickelmickel LeThiampackitur brings readers inside the world of a mermaid colony in the Chesapeake Bay with his new epic, There's a Lot of Water, Hmm?" (Obviously, I made this up, but you get the message.)
2.) Be sure to write about:
a.) the book's setting
b.) what the book is about (duh!)
c.) the book's genre
d.) what the "voice" of the narrator is like
e.) the characters in the book
You probably already know what a book's setting is--the setting is the place and time where the story is set. You should write what the book is about without giving away secrets or spoiling surprises in the book. That can definitely be hard...I know from experience! Look at some other book summaries for inspiration. A book's genre is a very important part of the book. The genre is basically the type of book. Is the book mystery? fantasy? contemporary? anthromorphic? Knowing a book's genre, along with other things, can help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not. Remember, readers--don't be afraid of exploring new genres. You might discover a new favorite book! Talk about the voice of the narrator as well. Who is the narrator? Is the narration first-person, second-person, or third-person? And last but certainly not least, be sure to write about the characters in the book, their personalities, and maybe some of your favorites.
3.) Remember, you're writing a book review, not a book report. You want your review to hold your opinions on the book. Anyone can read an objective summary about a book. Your book review is special because it holds your views on the book. Include your likes and dislikes, and write about the book from all aspects and not just one. Maybe you like the villains in a certain fantasy story but you thought that the tale was too long and convoluted. Or you read a contemporary story that was exciting at first but grew worse as it went on. Also think about the type of people who would enjoy the book. Your great granny might not be so thrilled about reading that thrilling, gory, and murder-filled mystery, for instance. If you loved a book, but you think that it might be inappropriate for little kids, write that. Your readers will thank you for thinking of them.
4.) You might want to include some interesting tidbits of information about the book and/or author into your review. For example, "Did you know that Adora Svitak loosely based the Diary of a Pre-Teen character Joan on her older sister Adrianna?" This is not an absolute must, however.
5.) Writing a book review is not, contrary to myth, drudgery and hard work. In fact, writing a book review can be just the opposite! Whatever you do, there is one thing that you cannot miss. Be sure to HAVE FUN!!!
1.) Be sure to include essential information. Essential information includes things like author's name, title of the book, etc. Give your reader essential information before launching right into your in-depth views on the book. It's confusing to read a book review when you don't know the book being reviewed. However, you probably don't just want to say, "The title of the book is _____ and the author is ______ ."
Instead, weave the essential information into the first few lines of your book review. An example would be: "Have you ever wished that you could live underwater? Children's fiction author Ickelrickelmickel LeThiampackitur brings readers inside the world of a mermaid colony in the Chesapeake Bay with his new epic, There's a Lot of Water, Hmm?" (Obviously, I made this up, but you get the message.)
2.) Be sure to write about:
a.) the book's setting
b.) what the book is about (duh!)
c.) the book's genre
d.) what the "voice" of the narrator is like
e.) the characters in the book
You probably already know what a book's setting is--the setting is the place and time where the story is set. You should write what the book is about without giving away secrets or spoiling surprises in the book. That can definitely be hard...I know from experience! Look at some other book summaries for inspiration. A book's genre is a very important part of the book. The genre is basically the type of book. Is the book mystery? fantasy? contemporary? anthromorphic? Knowing a book's genre, along with other things, can help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not. Remember, readers--don't be afraid of exploring new genres. You might discover a new favorite book! Talk about the voice of the narrator as well. Who is the narrator? Is the narration first-person, second-person, or third-person? And last but certainly not least, be sure to write about the characters in the book, their personalities, and maybe some of your favorites.
3.) Remember, you're writing a book review, not a book report. You want your review to hold your opinions on the book. Anyone can read an objective summary about a book. Your book review is special because it holds your views on the book. Include your likes and dislikes, and write about the book from all aspects and not just one. Maybe you like the villains in a certain fantasy story but you thought that the tale was too long and convoluted. Or you read a contemporary story that was exciting at first but grew worse as it went on. Also think about the type of people who would enjoy the book. Your great granny might not be so thrilled about reading that thrilling, gory, and murder-filled mystery, for instance. If you loved a book, but you think that it might be inappropriate for little kids, write that. Your readers will thank you for thinking of them.
4.) You might want to include some interesting tidbits of information about the book and/or author into your review. For example, "Did you know that Adora Svitak loosely based the Diary of a Pre-Teen character Joan on her older sister Adrianna?" This is not an absolute must, however.
5.) Writing a book review is not, contrary to myth, drudgery and hard work. In fact, writing a book review can be just the opposite! Whatever you do, there is one thing that you cannot miss. Be sure to HAVE FUN!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Review of Peter and the Starcatchers
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Peter and the Starcatchers is a suspenseful fantasy book that tells what happens before the classic Peter Pan story. This story follows Peter Pan and the Lost Boys on a long sea voyage on a dingy ship along with a new friend, Molly Aster. However, also roaming the seas is the Sea Devil, the most-feared pirate ship commanded by the infamous Black Stache, or Captain Hook. (At this point he doesn't have his hand cut off.) The pirates are after magical treasure, and the search for the treasure leads the pirates to a picturesque island, also known as Never Land. Peter Pan and his friends end up on the island too, as well as some men who want the treasure to present to their evil king. The pirates, men, and children face several dangers on the island such as bloodthirsty warriors, giant flying crocodiles, hairy spiders, and much more. This thrilling adventure story will keep you constantly turning the pages until you reach the very end!
-Priya Ganesan
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Peter and the Starcatchers is a suspenseful fantasy book that tells what happens before the classic Peter Pan story. This story follows Peter Pan and the Lost Boys on a long sea voyage on a dingy ship along with a new friend, Molly Aster. However, also roaming the seas is the Sea Devil, the most-feared pirate ship commanded by the infamous Black Stache, or Captain Hook. (At this point he doesn't have his hand cut off.) The pirates are after magical treasure, and the search for the treasure leads the pirates to a picturesque island, also known as Never Land. Peter Pan and his friends end up on the island too, as well as some men who want the treasure to present to their evil king. The pirates, men, and children face several dangers on the island such as bloodthirsty warriors, giant flying crocodiles, hairy spiders, and much more. This thrilling adventure story will keep you constantly turning the pages until you reach the very end!
-Priya Ganesan
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