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* book reviews for ages 9-18. We are the only reviewer of children’s books to use a criteria based upon accepted definitions of good character. Reading books whose main characters learn from their mistakes and demonstrate good choices assist in forming the same in the mind of the child. Such books support character education and citizenship initiatives in your school, and family values in your home. They can be useful tools in discussion groups too. As you compile your summer reading list for your children or students, encourage the child towards these books. Although we review books that often do not meet our criteria (and so have not been posted on our website), we do have several reviews for great books in each age group to upload in the near future. So please keep checking for new reviews!

* Don’t forget our blog which has companion commentary for each book review: www.litlandcom.blogspot.com . Give us your thoughts about these books or ask questions too!

* The parents and teachers corner has extensive activities for many of the books we have reviewed. Even if you do not plan to read the book, check out the activities as the websites may be of interest for either personal or classroom use.

* Over 400 items in our bookstore have been hand selected with extra information given when helpful. We keep in mind how these books can be used: family book clubs, friends reading marathons, and as tools for connecting all subjects in the classroom/homeschool curriculum. For example, our Laura Ingalls Wilder store has versions of her books for all age groups, including biographies for each reading level, and a cookbook. This can be particularly useful for families reading together or homeschooling, allowing all members of the family to read versions of the books appropriate for their age and ability.

* Our bookstore also includes a teaching and homeschooling area housing books and materials to complement the subjects typically taught across early grades through high school.

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Debra Black

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” ~Ann Frank

So what do we think? Tuck Everlasting

 So what do we think? Tuck Everlasting

Babbitt, Natalie. (1975) Tuck Everlasting. Thorndike Press/Square Fish, Scholastic Inc. ISBN 10: 0312369816; reviewed ISBN 0-7862-5181-6. Publisher reading level grades 5-6. Litland.com age recommendation 10-14. See full review at http://www.litland.com/

Publisher description: Time drags by for Winnie Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who lives in a house bordering the woods owned by her family. Winnie spends her summer days under the watchful eye of her grandmother. Most of the time it's too hot to be out in the sun, and when Winnie does actually venture outside, she never goes beyond the fence of the yard. But one morning she sneaks away into the woods and there she sees a young man drinking from a mysterious spring of water he uncovers at the base of tree. The young man, Jesse Tuck, discovers Winnie watching him. So he kidnaps her.


Our thoughts:


This is a fabulous story. Mae and Angus Tuck, along with sons Miles and Jesse, have a problem; they accidentally became immortal. But they don’t want to be. Angus Tuck dreams of what it is like to go to Heaven, and teaches Winnie about the wheel of life which his family has “stepped off”. While at first the Tucks may seem to be the ‘bad guys” as they kidnap Winnie, we see the truly bad person is the man in the yellow jacket who manipulates people and information to paint a false picture of the situation. Then using this to his advantage, he coerces the Fosters into making a decisions to give up part of their local legacy. The author goes beyond just the unjust act itself (manipulation of the Fosters) to letting us know its true consequences: chipping away at the family heritage.

There is a scene near the end where Mae Tuck shoots the man in the yellow jacket. Rather than unnecessary detail of the shot’s physical impact, Babbitt stays focused on the meaning and consequences of the action itself. In doing so, she strengthens the moment rather than depleting it.

Her writing style is rich with nary a word wasted. The reader is left feeling love and care for all of the earth’s creatures, compassion for the Tucks, and respect for others who don’t understand but are well meaning. We can picture in our minds the toad, the heat wave, early morning fishing, and the heaving of the galloping horse.

This is also a story of a girl coming of age in 1880. A time in history when children were still allowed to be children and, yet, once a teen they take on adult responsibilities quickly. For the first time, Winnie has her own life experiences that are not shared by her family, and so she is learning how to deal with that feeling of loving and hating independence at the same time; having a secret you can’t share with those who love you even though it isn’t a bad secret; having to use adult wisdom at a young age. It is an interesting way to look at childhood, that of having shared experiences contrasted with those that a person experiences independent from their family, and the reader can feel the confused emotions thanks to the author’s excellent work. When with the Tucks, Winnie enjoyed having them as her own friends that she didn’t share with her family. Now that they needed help, it was an uncertain state of mind in which to be.

All of this is held within the context of the Tuck’s view of themselves. Although voiced by son Miles, it is clear the entire family sees that they should make a difference in the world. The domino and ripple effects of the actions by one single person are known and felt. Winnie chooses to make a difference in the world. She realizes she must make small mistakes to accomplish the larger mission of protecting the world from the curse held in the spring’s water. As in the old poem quoted in the book:

“Stone walls do not a prison make,

Nor iron bars a cage.”

There are other kinds of prisons in life, and the Tucks were living in one until the end of time.  

This is an excellent book for families to read together. It is appropriate for all ages, although of most interest to readers in 5th-8th grades. Choosing this story for your family reading hour or book club will give you much to talk through, and grow together as a family. It would also be an excellent teacher choice for in-class reading. In either the home or school settings, this book would be useful in an integrated curriculum using literature to learn about American history in the 19th century. Talking about books such as Tuck Everlasting is an important part of understanding and growing in our own value system, while also giving concrete examples for good behaviour to emulate. We cannot say enough about this great book!

Honorable mention: Big Daddy's Dream

  Big Daddy’s Dream

Dorham, Sylvia. (2007) Big Daddy’s Dream. USA: Trafford Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-4251-3337-5. Recommended ages 8 and younger.See www.litland.com

Publisher’s description: Based on a true story, Big Daddy follows his dream to build a city. In a cabbage patch in what is now Daly City, California, he sees the setting for his dream. Big Daddy's Dream follows him through a forty-year career as his dream leads him to build not only a city, but a multi-cultural family and community. When he shares his story with his children and grandchildren, he inspires a whole new generation of dreamers. Vividly illustrated, "Big Daddy's Dream" will inspire your children and students to build their own dreams. (Trafford Publishing)

Our thoughts:

Coming from a long line of carpenters, this book brought tears to my eyes. It has an important message to children that they CAN achieve their dreams. But underlying that message is the realization of the cumulative effect of a lifetime of work. There is also a message of humility, as Big Daddy did not seek fame nor fortune; rather, to quietly help others. The book’s multigenerational theme ties the youngest child to the heritage of his elders. It is a touching store that will inspire young children that no dream is impossible. Enjoy it!

So what do we think? The Neil Gaiman interview

Author Neil Gaiman’s Dark World: CBS interview available at


http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6282354n&tag=contentMain;contentBody .

Wondering who is the mind behind the books Coraline and The Graveyard Book? Get a peek into the mind of Neil Gaiman. Joking about his serial-killer doll and acknowledging he sees the joy of the monsters and ghost fiction is in “the miraculous”, we can better understand how his fascination for the dark side of the supernatural world flavors and guides his writing.

As an example, in the book and movie Coraline, the character ends up in a world on “the other side”. She doesn’t choose to go back to her family because of love for the family. Rather, it is a self-serving choice in which she prefers her dysfunctional life over that presented in the world “on the other side”. It has been praised as being kiddie pre-Goth.

In contrast, Litland.com continues to uncover books that nurture the soul rather than test it. Unlike other book reviewers who promote all new releases and top sellers, we highlight those plus lesser-known authors whose plots present choices of right over wrong and whose characters (while not perfect) can think selflessly of others. We encourage families to talk about all potential books and together choose which to read.

We support parents and teachers who select books that demonstrate the behaviour they wish to see in their students and children. As author Linda Sue Parker recently stated "Reading is the safest way to practice your life".

So what do YOU think?

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief (the movie)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief (the movie) (Released February 12, 2010)

Litland.com recommends for teenagers and adults. It lightly deals with issues of single parenting, abusive and absentee parents. Sexual humour is threaded throughout. The characters are drugged in a scene which visually portrays the essence of being high and enjoying it.

While Litland.com is not in the habit of reviewing movies (check out www.pluggedinonline if you want a movie review), we are planning to upload the review for this book soon and thought viewing the movie on its premier night would be a fun introduction to the series.


What can we say; it is Greek mythology after all! So parents who had the privilege of a traditional education reading the classics should recall all of the issues that could be dealt with in any story based upon Greek myths. Starting to get worried about whether the content is appropriate for your kids? Don’t! At least don’t worry about the older kids. For the most part, the movie presents only that information from the myths that is necessary to understand their society, the Gods and the hierarchy. The wealth of accurate mythological detail in the movie is amazing and makes it fun to guess what may be coming next. But it’s not squeaky clean... don’t be surprised at the sexual connotations throughout, beginning early on with the daughters of Aphrodite in bikinis inviting the boys to their party. Grover the Satyr is lady crazy and, when the threesome lands in Las Vegas, he is surrounded by women pawing at him and planning to marry him. The Las Vegas scenes include some cleavage-revealing dresses but only one film shot up close. And Persephone in the Underworld (hell) makes very clear what she intends to do with Grover.


In the book, the main character Percy is a 12 year old boy. In the movie, the main characters appear to be much older teens and Grover chases women, not girls. This film very clearly deals with older teen/young adult issues, not those of middle school boys.


We may have missed it, but only caught two uses of profanity (a--) and a sexual reference early on (the Gods came down to earth to “hook up” with mortals). Visually, a few of the scenes are pretty intense and the sword or knife fights show cutting of skin and bleeding. But it is primarily the sexuality of the film that renders it inappropriate for elementary and middle school children. The Las Vegas scene went on for too long. It begins with the three main characters being drugged and experiencing being high in a way that appealing to the senses. Although the characters eventually figure out why it is happening and escape, there is no moral lesson learned from the incident. It then proceeds into campy Vegas action of women who, although clothed, are intended to be sexual objects. Grover begins to act more like a rap artist chasing the ladies, and later ladies are all over him. It is as if they took adult content and attempted to down-age it by eliminating most (not all) close-up views of body parts and using tween-friendly vibrant colors for the set. Nothing about this scene fit in with the rest of the movie.

A new look at single mom’s and absentee dads. The movie’s setting portrays Percy and his mother living with a drunken, unemployed and abusive stepfather. Percy does not understand why his mother remains with the man but the reason is made known to us early on (and is another example of the humour woven throughout!). He holds resentment for his father abandoning them. Later, we meet Luke who holds much more resentment towards his own father, instructing Percy to “kick his a—“ if he sees him. While in the beginning, it may look like a diss-the-dad film, don’t let this fool you. Pay attention to how Poseidon is watching over Percy throughout, longing to be with his son but unable to for reasons beyond his control. It is also clear that Percy’s mother and father loved each other very much. Which leads to the very strong relationship between Percy and his mother.

The movie’s storyline and dialogue emphasizes the classic virtues, loyalty to family and friends, civic duty, honesty, and self-discipline. It is very funny throughout too. All aspects of the production quality are excellent and the action is fast-paced. And so, with the exception of the Las Vegas scene and the sexual connotations that pop up elsewhere, it demonstrates good character and was very enjoyable.

Interestingly, we sat between three boys of about 9-10 years in age, and two older teenage girls. Most of the audience were families or tween/teen children, although some younger children did attend. The boys did not laugh or respond during the entire film, while the rest of the audience (including those two teen girls next to us) clearly enjoyed it immensely. Let’s face it; the boys probably didn’t know enough about the Greek myths to enjoy it, and were too young to enjoy the humour too. So if your elementary or middle school children want your money to see this movie, keep them at home and rent them the DVD for Inkheart instead. Send your teens to the theatre to see this movie.


And tell them not to leave the theatre until after the credits, or they will miss the surprise ending!

So what do we think? The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper's Nest

The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper’s Nest

Lerangis, Peter. (2010) The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper’s Nest. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-0-545-06047-9. See www.litland.com  for full review.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! No wait, that was the Wizard of Oz! But our African adventure in The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper’s Nest does have the occasional viper, hyena, and creepy crawly cross its pages sufficiently to remind us we aren’t in Kansas any more!

Although varied across the different countries, the African tribal cultures have some similarities. As collectivist societies, they believe each person is part of a circle of relations. Past, present and future in time are as one. Native spiritual beliefs mix with the modern (usually Christian or Muslim), resulting in a deep belief in and attachment to the existence of a soul and its import to the community as a whole. In Book 7, Lerangis has integrated just enough of the language and “ways” of the native Africans to create a sense of authenticity for its characters and plot setting, while still keeping the story sufficiently “light” so that its energy and pace can build as Amy and Dan succeed from one narrow escape to another.

Similar to book 3, Lerangis has filled these pages with subtle humour. Puns like Uncle Alastair being “the whac-a-mole of reliability. One minute he’d pop up in your life as protector and best friend. The next minute, he’d betray you and you’d want to bonk him down again.” add fun to the realistic dialogue of the characters. 

Newly added shadowy figures continue to intrigue us, wondering when they will pop up again. The reader has tidbits of knowledge that Amy and Dan do not possess because we hear the self-talk of other clan members. This, in a Hitchcock-like style, creates tension for readers as we think we know who they should (and should not) trust.

Looking at the dialogue between Amy and Dan pages 84-85, culminating in  “Mom and Dad would be proud of you. They valued life.” (p. 85), sometimes the advice the siblings give one another in this series seems so simple, and yet profound, it can almost serve as a guide for parents or teachers to use proactively teaching conflict resolution and collaboration skills. Details such as these are important to illuminate for those schools who have integrated character education or leadership themes into their curriculum.

When considering how good character and virtues are demonstrated in a story, it is important to consider what its main characters choose not to do, as well as their actions and words. Other questions to ask...does the story illuminate why the character makes a certain choice? Do the characters learn from their mistakes? In The 39 Clues Book 7: The Viper’s Nest, this occurs throughout the story. Watching Amy and Dan mature in their own wisdom helps the reader to better differentiate wisdom and virtue. This is an excellent book and highly recommended!

The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle

Carman, Patrick. (2009) The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle.  New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06045-5. See full review at litland.com.

This book begins with word puzzles and mysteries to solve. Clues to find clues to the main clue! Along with it, the author sets the stage not only with details explaining the hunt for the 39 clues, but also Amy and Dan’s relationship and longing for their parents (p. 20).

Each book further develops one of the “bad guys” while also bringing more depth to the character of focus in the previous book. In book 5, Hamilton Holt shows more of his human side, willing to collaborate with Amy & Dan in order to please his dad. Irina’s character shows some concern for Amy & Dan, avoiding an opportunity to harm them, and we are given hints of some trauma in her past. While the bad guys remain a scary threat, they become more human too.

Amy and Dan’s superior pre-planning and information gathering definitely aid them in uncovering the clues by their deadline. We see their collaboration with and leadership of the Holts, taming their competition. Although the underdogs, they definitely elevate to being leaders in this race.

Final thoughts:

To those of us living in the west, Russia is a place of mystique and intrigue. With “secrets in Russia that had to be protected at all costs”, this feeling is captured brilliantly in book 5. Its colorful composition fuels the imagination.  New entries include a mysterious person directing Amy and Dan in their hunt. Planes, trains, motorcycles and on foot, the detailed description lets us feel as if traveling with the characters. The myths surrounding various historical persons of the last Tsar family add intrigue. We suggest quick Internet searches on these myths as you read along, and see if you can solve mysteries of history!

So what do we think? Horns & Wrinkles

Helgerson, Joseph. (2006) Horns and Wrinkles. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-10: 0618981780. Publisher originally listed grades 4-6 but more recently grades 5-9, ages 10-14.

(Please read criteria and full review found at http://www.litland.com/)

This story is reminiscent of old-time folklore passed down the generations. It brings forth visions of when those who lived along and worked the lakes and rivers in past centuries spoke of its magical properties, and of forests full of trolls and fairies. Helgerson successfully invokes feelings of nostalgia amongst his readers similar to reading a Mark Twain story but without as much southern slang, a modern-day touch which may make it more appealing to some readers. The writing style is easy, fluent and interesting, building in fun quips such as when Claire tries to see inside her own eyes: “I crossed my eyes for a look at myself”. Between the antics of Claire, Duke, and the trolls, plus character’s telling tales of the past, this book has one adventure after another and is sure to hold your attention. You’ll resist the urge to shout hooray too! This is really an enjoyable book for all ages that we highly recommend!

So what do we think? 39 Clues book 6: In too deep

Watson, Jude. (2009) The 39 clues book 6: In too deep ISBN-10: 054506046X. Please read criteria and full review found at http://www.litland.com/ .

Each book of this series has its strengths. In book 6, we return to strengths found in the inaugural book 1: integrity, honesty, avoid blaming others, taking responsibility for oneself, and family loyalty. After a few stumbles of character, Amy & Dan have re-found themselves. Although the book begins early on with a questionable comment from Dan “Let’s go kick some little-old-lady butt”, the author chose the straight path of integrity, authenticity, and good clean adventure for Amy & Dan. The heavy focus on developing Amy’s character and filling in more details of the mystery took precedence so that negative elements were avoided and unnecessary.

Good role models are brought into this book with the introduction of cousin Shep and his “mates”. Their efforts to protect and rescue Amy and Dan are done in a manner that generates excitement and leaves the reader wanting to applaud them. This is in stark contrast to role models given in today’s literature and media who commonly use undue violence, manipulation and deceit to achieve their goal. Additionally, the “bad guys” cousins are developed further which allows us to see which ones are truly evil, and which are having their moments of reforming and capable of doing good. Hamilton and Irena act in unexpected ways to aid Amy and Dan. Not only does this add complexity to the characters, but reminds the reader to not “judge a book by its cover” and that most of us have redeeming natures. Thus, rather than being lost in shallow characters as often found in entertainment today, the author presents us with depth necessary for Amy and Dan to discern when to ally with a cousin and when to act alone. Such discernment is a use of wisdom and is a classic virtue treasured throughout time from the early Greeks to present day society.


Final thoughts:

This book takes the reader deeper into the emotions and feelings of Amy and Dan, primarily Amy. We have a deeper understanding of the characters not only because of additional background on the events surrounding their parents depth but primarily because, through self-talk, we see how they are dealing with those memories. Similarly for the various cousins involved in the chase, those character profiles deepen as well. Each has become more complex as we see their personal history, pain and suffering, and come to understand where good and bad character co-exist in each. As Amy and Dan come to realize this as well, they mature in their understanding of their own responsibility to the well being of the world as a Cahill.

So what do we think? 39 Clues book 4: Beyond the Grave

Watson, Jude. (2009) The 39 clues book 4: Beyond the grave. ISBN-10: 0545060443 Please read criteria and full review at http://www.litland.com/

This book takes off with action straight away as Dan and Amy are chased by Irina. There is sufficient information about past events woven into the first few chapters that the reader can understand the events within context of the hunt. History, culture and religion are smoothly tied together, allowing the reader to see how the historical actions of an Egyptian queen, a Muslim commander and the Magi of the Christian bible (each important to the history of the region) are interconnected.

The self-talk of Amy and Dan is realistic yet neither is overly negative to the other. An example would be Amy thinking her brother has a computer for a brain (p. 31). This book is also a good example of how the main characters think their way out of “traps” without being mean, disrespectful to authorities or breaking the law. Example p. 20-22.

A host of real emotions are demonstrated as well as appropriate ways of dealing with it. Remorse is shown for past lying, cheating and stealing. Amy wonders if they are becoming as bad as the Cahills. Her questioning of their grandmother’s honesty threatens to break Dan and Amy apart permanently, but they realise they need one another. The self talk p. 117 clearly articulates feelings of family loss and emptiness from separation. They voice their distress particularly over family loss (p. 132-33) and feelings are clearly articulated; no doing harm to one another and no “getting even”. P. 140 they openly talk through their differences and the family bonds take precedent over squabbles, demonstrating loyalty.

In one situation, they consider calling the police, showing they automatically consider doing the right thing. No negativity expressed about authorities; rather, handled very matter-of-fact without hesitation.

Although not as frequent as book 3, this author has given us moments of subtle humor. An example is the beginning of chapter 8, in which Dan comments “After all these years of hating museums, he’d turned into a permanent exhibit.”

Self-respect: we see moments of Amy’s low self-esteem grow such as page 151, but it is never taken to the extreme of self denigration or depression. There is always an air of hope or seed of optimism. This makes her character very realistic, very unlike a hero, the underdog whom we want to root for as she continues to show strength, courage and determination in spite of her self-doubts.

Finally, each book further develops one “bad guy” in the Cahill family, allowing the reader to better understand his or her motives and see their human side. In book 4, Irina’s self-talk gives hints that she is suppressing emotional pain from life experiences. Her character is given depth and emotions.

Final thoughts

This was a really fun book. The action scenes depict the main characters’ every move, making the reader feel as if they are in the scene. Yet it does so without gore and violence, manipulation, dishonesty (of the main characters), or any negativity. The feud between Amy and Dan is heart-wrenching and, again, we can understand their feelings and distraught. Yet family ties conquer all, and they rely upon their strengths throughout the story to keep ahead of the “bad guys”. Excellent book!

So what do we think? 39 Clues book 3: The Sword Thief

Lerangis, Peter. (2009) The 39 clues book 3: The sword thief. ISBN-10: 0545060435 Please read the criteria and full review at http://www.litland.com/

The book begins with an adequate overview of the situation, building further details into the conversations and self talk so that, with few words, the reader is oriented to the context of the series. That is very helpful. But wait, has a poser taken over Amy? This shy, intelligent teenager is suddenly saying the word “like” so many times it seems the author is trying too hard to be “acceptable” to an audience. What audience was intended to read this? We want an authentic Amy not an imitation of what adults “think” kids are like! Is this younger generation so looked down upon that authors cannot give us an intelligent character to enjoy? Fortunately the answer is yes! So don’t let these first few pages turn you off to the book. Just read a bit further...

Chapter 1 starts off with great action. The first two chapters re-introduce many characters and the family pride returns. And Amy can speak intelligently again! We have returned to the story and characters that we grew to love from Book 1. And they remain throughout the book so that, by its end, these few weaknesses of chapter 1 are entirely forgotten. The humor woven throughout its tapestry leaves the reader light of heart while enjoying the fast-paced action. Fun!


Final thoughts:

Although Book 3 is shorter than its predecessors, it is well written in that it is rich in both action and character development. The characters have become real again, easy to embrace. The action is surreal yet described in a manner that the reader feels as if in the thick of it. Through Uncle Alastair’s self-talk, we see glimpses into his childhood and hidden emotions, rendering his character multi-dimensional. What may be presumed “bad guys” are now being unveiled to the reader in more true form. Good character development, great humor, exciting action...an excellent book!

So what do we think? 39 Clues book 2: One false note

Korman, Gordon. (2008). The 39 clues book 2: One false note ISBN-10: 0545060427 . PLease see criteria and full review at http://www.litland.com/

NOTE: This is a book families should discuss before choosing it for their reading list.

While their aunts, uncles and cousins continue to use lies, deceit and brutal force to find clues, Amy and Dan exercise classic virtues of courage, cunning/intelligence, and caring to win challenge after challenge. Or so we would hope after Book 1, but...

Of course, the book’s “voice” and style changed from book one as the authors changed hand. The style in this book is more common, perhaps less poetic and fewer profound moments stirring the reader’s emotions. Instead we are presented with regular denigration and poor judgment by the protaganists. Ch. 2 p. 16 Natalie makes insulting comments about Amy and Dan by telling her brother Ian “They always look like homeless people”. This demonstrates insensitivity to the truly disadvantaged. Couldn’t the bad guys insult the main characters without insulting us readers too? There must be a better way to represent Natalie and Ian as the spoiled brats they are.

Slang overdone such as “man’ as in “soggy cigars man” (ch. 4, p. 27) and “dissed” (p. 32) do not add to our vocabulary nor the story’s color. One expects the entertainer/star Jonah Wizard to use common slang, although his character’s communication is starkly different from Book 1 due to an overuse of it in Book 2. The character was more cunning in Book 1. After all, if historically the Cahill’s represented the most prominent people in the world, why the need to dummy-down these characters?

The word idiot is overused. All three main characters, who used to be the “good guys”, now are simply competitors lowering their standard of behaviour including constant criticism, cynicism and negativity. Example of Dan talking from ch. 5 p. 38: “If I was a stuck-up idiot with my head on a Pez dispenser, where would I hide the diary I jacked?”. Dan, you are already talking like the stuck-up idiot that you criticize!

Writing: The writing style of this book is typical. The sentence structures were weak and non-complex; it was not thought provoking. The vocabulary was basic as if written towards younger readers yet the violence was appropriate for older children age 9+. Transitions are ok but more crude and elementary. The constant negativity seems to stem from a lack of creativity in writing. Dan is constantly criticizing how dumpy each hotel room is (ch. 11 is one example); his “talk” is begging to be replaced with thought-provoking metaphors or good humor. This book seemed more like a poorly written fan fiction than a professional publication.

Moral character and demonstration of ethical behaviour: There isn’t any! In book two, our heroes are morally-challenged from its beginning. Pages 29-31 the kids deliberate with their au pair Nellie about stealing a vital document from cousin Jonah. The author might have had Amy, Dan and Nellie take the honest route of informing police to search Jonah’s room and find the stolen document. This would have resulted in him going to jail and being unable to compete against them for a while. Or, they may have decided to steal the document for the purpose of returning it to its library owners (note the absence of authority figures, as the children do not even ponder choices that include authorities in the solution). However, instead they choose to steal the document for themselves after feeling self-pity regarding their own underdog position in the competition. Their au pair, Nellie, agrees to participate with them in a moment that is not well articulated by the author. So their reasoning for stealing is that they supposedly have no other choice because of their disadvantages (as orphans, no adults or parents, no money, young age). Really?

Further along, pages 98-99, Nellie is asked to cause a diversion by asking the store clerk for directions (the legal and harmless choice). She exclaims this would stereotype her as a dumb female and be sexist (as if it mattered since the unflattering portrayal of her character has already been that of a dumb punk rocker with a nose ring). So she chooses to steal cd’s from the store clerk, damaging them as she runs away with them. The need of the author to use feminism as an excuse for immoral behavior in itself is an insult to females, as is eliminating the opportunity for Nellie to show her intelligence and abilities had she caught the clerk’s attention in an honorable manner. So in fear of being stereotyped as a dumb female, the character acts stereotypically like a dumb teenager. Go figure.

They have forgotten that their advantage was precisely those virtues that can only grow out of disadvantage: honesty, courage and caring. The lack of resources forced them in Book 1 to innovate and solve their problems, or get themselves out of a fix. That creative thinking made Book 1 stand out as exciting and unique amongst children’s lit. Knowing that Amy and Dan exhibited high moral character, we then knew they wouldn’t stoop so low as to behave like their counterparts, because in doing so they would lose their advantage! Instead, in Book 2, we are bombarded with negative attitude such as “That’s what cheating is for.” (p. 38).

The increased negativity and slang, writing that lacks engagement of the reader, and general negative or dull discourse between the characters dulls the reader’s mind. This book has less explanation and emphasis on the historical and geographical adventures that the characters undertake in their search for clues. Those details in Book 1 added to its richness; Book 2 is impoverished.

With that said, there is one moment carried forward from book one where Dan not only uses his visual memory but does so creatively: “Dan tried to visualize the tunnels as they appeared on a map” (ch. 10 p. 71). Amy finds moments to admire Dan. They recognize their strengths are completely different from one another (in comparison to Mozart and his sister whose strengths were similar).

Approach to the sacred: When they approach a building in Salzburg, they think it is a church. Dan criticizes by stating “Like Mozart wasn’t boring enough”. They have a run-in with a group of Benedictine monks (ch. 10 p. 79-80) that are said to be “cursing” Amy & Dan. The description of the monks behavior is as a scary group of men ganging up on them, handling them roughly. On page 80 Nellie refers to them as “deranged monks”. Whereas in book 1, the author used the ancient church as a place to marvel in history and intrigue, this author tackily treats it without sense of its historical import or respect to its uses (or his readers).


Final thoughts:

One has to read past the first 100 pages of the book for it to get interesting, and finally the Janus Hall adventure is worth the wait. However, even it is plagued with self-pity and negativity. Dan whines “What happened to all the loser Cahills? You know, the average Joes like us who never got rich and famous?” (p. 156). It takes until the end of the book for goodness to shine through. Dan shows concern for leaving the Kabras injured (p. 168); Amy reflects positively upon Dan, their shared victory as a team (p. 168); they realise the importance of their strength, their wit; and their parents smiled down upon them. But these are the only positive moments in the entire book, and we must wait until the end to experience it.
Book 1 smoothly wove into its discussion numerous details about places, things and people. Book 2’s discussion has less smooth detail and more negative self-talk or open criticism. These kids were extremely likable in Book 1 but not as much now. As Dan gains confidence that leads to cockiness (fortunately, a few books down the road in this series we see this mature a bit into wisdom and strong character). As for now, this book is very typical of the children’s lit market, as well as all children’s media (television, movies, computer games, Internet sites) in that it sensationalizes kids with questionable behaviour and poor decision making while minimizing or eliminating authority figures. Overall, it is OK if you don’t overdose on too much negative stuff like this, but not necessarily something to make an effort for. Since the collector cards are available separately from the book, it is possible to skip this book altogether in the series, and read #3 instead, without missing any details important to the storyline. Final word: this is a book families should discuss before choosing it for their reading list.

So what do we think? 39 Clues book 1: The maze of bones.

Riordan, Rick. (2008) The 39 clues book 1: The maze of bones. ISBN-10: 0545060397. Please see criteria and full review at http://www.litland.com/

This book is really all about family loyalty and pride. Being orphaned for seven years, one would think Amy and Dan would have come to know one another and develop a closer relationship since they have nothing else in the world but each other. But they had not until this adventure began. The orphans demonstrate teamwork while the antagonists end up causing many of their own problems. This reinforces that crime or bad behaviour “doesn’t pay”. Good behaviour demonstrating moral character is successful throughout the story.

The author smoothly integrates details about people, places and things into the “thoughts” of Amy and Dan, and even of the antagonists (“bad guys”) so that it is rich in detail stirring the reader’s own emotions of wonderment, pride and loyalty, sadness, fear, and courage. Coupled with a creative vocabulary (when was the last time you heard someone called a “git”?) and a melding of the past with the present, Riordan challenges the reader intellectually and emotionally.

Perhaps also most impressive about this book is that which is missing: mean behaviour is not countered with meanness. When in a pinch, Amy and Dan innovate their way out of problems rather than resort to deceit, manipulation or violence. Authority figures are present and realistic rather than made to look stupid as in much of media geared towards kids. Cynicism and negativity are minimized. People, places and things are treated with respect rather than ridiculed or denigrated.

Overall, this was an exciting read, even for adults. With its rich composition, it captures the adventurer spirit of movies like National Treasure and Spy Kids. Competition with mean-spirited cousins is dealt with by taking the “high road” of integrity. The kids thoughts are always on family: Grace, their parents, and each other. Chapter transitions are smooth with effective cliffhangers. Protagonists demonstrate high standards, good character and virtuous behaviour, all of which becomes their strength and advantage over the competition.

Final thoughts:

Rick Riordan, best known for his popular fantasy series', picks up a new style while retaining his fantastic writing voice. The quality and detail put into the writing of the first book of The 39 Clues is far superior to many that crowd the shelves in the libraries. He approaches possibly violent or scary situations and writes them in a way that it tones down the frightening bit whilst remaining gripping. Though he writes in the perspective of third person, Riordan uses his writing voice to create three dimensional characters as opposed to just what an observer would see. Also, rather than have the standard brother sister fighting relationship, Riordan shows the deeper feelings of love combined with frustration between Amy and Dan. The Maze of Bones is a fantastic start to what is sure to be a seat gripping, page turning series.