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The 39 Clues Series
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Exciting mystery, heavily merchandised.
Themes in this book include: family relationships, honesty, revenge
updated 10.02.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The 39 Clues Series
Parents need to know that nearly everyone in this book is trying to kill, sideline, or deceive the heroes, who are orphaned children. There is some violence (arson, explosions, traps, and several fights with injuries) though it's mostly cartoonish. This book includes incentives to purchase cards, register on a Web site, and sign up for a contest with cash prizes. It's also being made into a movie with Steven Spielberg attached.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about marketing. Why does the book include playing cards? Why is there a Web site and contest, with cash prizes? What do the publishers have to gain by giving away money?
- What do they mean when they call this a "multi-platform series"?
Our Members Say
See all 17 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Awesome
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
pointless
Two words: Really. Boring. So I was able to pick out ANY book at Border's the other day, and I chose this one of course. I get home, climb into bed, open the book, and I'm content and pleased. Until I opened this book. It's way TOO overpriced for it's content and is too hard to follow. Waste of twenty dollars. Sorry dad.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Fun and exciting, but watch out for a few small things
Here's from my 11 year old daughter first. She says: "It's very good. I like that it has mysteries you have to figure out. The main characters care for each other and rescue each other. It's very mysterious. I love it." Mom says: "I like it a lot- and I am enjoying the mystery and intrigue just as much as the children. However, I could do without the harsh or belittling language used by most characters. I also hope that the main characters use their goodness to triumph in the end (the end of the series), because that is how they will be good role models-- not by sinking to the level of their adversaries. But overall- it's highly entertaining and even a bit educational."
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
eerer
blaa
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
39 clues
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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