SLIS 5420, Module #8: Maze of Bones

This week: Mysteries! I can't say I've read a true mystery novel in a while, so admittedly, I stuck within my comfort zone. Rick Riordan is one of my favorite children's authors (and a Texan!!) and I've been meaning to read The 39 Clues for a while, so I had nothing to lose! Alas, I am not disappointed: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is a new favorite!

Summary

Readers are immediately immersed in mystery within the first few sentences of The Maze of Bones as Grace Cahill signs her "alternate will" in her last moments of life. The will she signed calls for a select group of her relatives to make a choice between inheriting 1 million dollars or going on a 39-clue challenge that will "...lead you to the most important treasure in the world and will make you powerful beyond belief," (location 274 of 3201).

The main characters (and brother and sister), Amy and Dan, are among the relatives chosen to compete in the 39-clue quest. With nothing to lose (as they are orphans and their favorite grandmother is now dead), Amy and Dan forgo the millions being offered and, with 6 other "teams" assembled from their competitive relatives, embark on a cross-Atlantic journey with only 1 confusing clue in their possession in hopes of solving the 39 clues.

Along with their au pair, Nellie, the duo attempt to solve the first clue, which leads them to various places their famous relative, Benjamin Franklin, visited and lived. Solving the clues, however, becomes the least of their worries, as Grace's mansion mysteriously burns down, their relatives threaten to "off" them in hopes of winning the ultimate prize, and a strange man in a dark suit keeps appearing in the shadows.

With Dan's knack for numbers, memorizing patterns, and computer skills, and Amy's love of libraries and history, the trio successfully navigate the Catacombs of the Paris and ultimately, locate the second clue. The Cahill's next adventure will lead them to Vienna, Austria, where there relatives and danger are surely close behind.
My thoughts

I know I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but I truly can't believe I haven't read The Maze of Bones before! I was hooked from the very first page and the fast-paced tone kept me reading!

Even better, I had so many connections while reading... My friend has just come back from Paris (the main setting of The Maze of Bones) and the entire time I was reading, I kept picturing her pictures in my head. It was awesome! Coincidentally, I've just finished Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin (2006), by Gene Barretta and so much of what Amy and Dan learned about Benjamin Franklin, I'd learned about, too!

My only hesitation with The Maze of Bones is not actually about the book, but rather, The 39 Clues series itself. The series is what I think of as today's "mega-series" with 11 books (and counting) all written by various authors. I can't help but wonder if each book will be as good as the first. In my experience, usually a series written like this isn't as fun because of the various authors' styles. I guess I'll have to keep reading to confirm or deny my predictions!

What have others said?

From Booklist (2008):

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 world’s 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, that’s a secret. But it’s 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.

And, from School Library Journal (2008):

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, collectible 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.

Some ideas for the library or classroom

The Maze of Bones is a perfect text for a theme night in the library! First, the book, along with the others in The 39 Clues series can be the featured texts in a month-long promotion on mysteries and suspense novels. Students can explore the web site in the library as well as read paired non-fiction texts on France and Benjamin Franklin. As a conclusion to the "mystery month," the library can host a "39-Clues Theme Night." The students which attend can dress as the different characters in the book and go on a "scavenger hunt" similar to the one described (with less danger, of course!). The students can use the knowledge from the book and teamwork to find clues and solve a mystery!

I love using the first book in a series as a read-aloud. This way, the students get hooked on the series and build background together. After reading the first book, students (even those with low comprehension skills) can read the rest of the books independently. The Maze of Bones is a great read-aloud that will surely get students hook on The 39 Clues and allow for several "teachable moments" along the way. Students can research the different aspects of history in the book, from the Catacombs to Benjamin Franklin and Mozart. In addition, the unique, over-the-top characters will make for great "beginning" characterization lessons. Furthermore, the book is jam-packed with opportunities for inference; students can keep a notebook full of "clues" as they read. I can't wait to suggest The Maze of Bones to both my students AND teachers!

References

Chipman, I. (2008). [Review of the book, The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan]. Booklist, 105(4), 39.

Riordan, R. (2008). The Maze of Bones. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

The maze of bones.(2008). [Review of the book, The 39 Clues #1 by Rick Riordan]. School Library Journal, 54(11), 136.