The Maze of Bones

April 14, 2023

Gr 4-7-Dan and Amy Cahill, a pair of orphaned siblings with white skin and red hair, find themselves in a dangerous world of adventure when their beloved grandmother Grace passes away, leaving a potentially massive inheritance to those willing to solve the mystery of the 39 clues. As the siblings find out, the Cahill family is one of the largest and most influential families in all of history, with members ranging from Benjamin Franklin to Louis Armstrong. If they are able to solve the treasure hunt, they will become the most powerful people on the planet. They're not alone in their quest, however, and their competitors are made up of distant members of their family of varying skin tones and ages. Luckily they're smart, and they have help in the form of their au pair, Nellie, who has brown skin and green and pink hair, and their grandmother's beloved cat, Saladin. Along the way, readers will learn a little bit about history, though it may be hard for some readers to parse what is real and what is invention. The character of Nellie does border on the trope of a BIPOC employee becoming a member of the family, and she does not get fleshed out much; readers may wonder if she has any family or connections outside of these children. The book moves quickly, aided by colorful and lively illustrations, and captures readers' attention from the start. VERDICT Sure to attract new readers and maybe some returning fans, this will likely be very popular and should be a first purchase for most collections.-Kadie Seitz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2008
Grades 4-8 In a bold leap forward in marketing strategy, this first book in the 39 Clues series introduces readers to what promises to be a sensational mix of reading, online gaming, card-collecting, and even a grand-prize sweepstakes. The premise of the book: Grace Cahill, matriarch of the worlds most powerful family, dies and leaves behind a challenge to her descendants. They can either inherit one million dollars, or forgo the money and receive the first of 39 clues that will lead them on an around-the-world adventure in search of, well, thats a secret. But its an earth-shattering secret, and with 10 books planned for the series (each by a different author), it had better pay off in the end. Riordan, who has plotted the main arc for the series, gets the ball rolling nicely with likable brother-and-sister heroes, a cast of backstabbing relatives, and a smattering of puzzles and clues to decipher in the quest for the ultimate secret. Whether this intriguing book represents the first major event in a shifting world of publishing, or is simply a clever money- and attention-grabbing ploy remains to be seen, but it will be fascinating to see what kids make of it. (Library edition does not include game cards).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

Starred review from November 1, 2008
Gr 4-7-When their beloved Aunt Grace dies, Dan, 11, and Amy, 14along with other Cahill descendantsare 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 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Amy and Dan (and their au pair) are just one team among many in ruthless pursuit of a hidden family treasure, the nature of which will probably not be revealed anytime soon in this projected ten-book series, card-collecting extravaganza, and sweepstakes. Synthetically packed with flights to Paris, double-crosses, and desperate escapes, the book mistakes busyness for excitement, but it's readable enough.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)