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The39Clues (http://www.the39clues.com/)

common sense media says

Absorbing mystery game reveals clues and yields prizes.

parents & educators say
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is part of a game that combines The 39 Clues Scholastic books and collectible cards to solve a mystery. Registration is required to play and prizes are awarded at different stages.

Educational value: Includes historical figures like Annie Oakley and Marie Curie.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The homepage contains a sizeable plug for the book series and cards, which kids also need to purchase to get the full experience.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The39Clues

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about games that use a variety of media types to play. Is the mystery (and the prize) compelling enough to sustain your interest? Do the different play modes (books, online, cards) add to the game and increase interest -- or are you just in it for the money?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The book-card-game combination is an interesting idea and should get kids excited about reading. And there's no shortage of information to read on the site: Kids can check out everything from secret documents to historical recaps. The inclusion of real characters and events along with the Cahill mythology is another nice touch. The more kids get involved in the mystery, the more history they'll learn.

But hunting for clues is no small task -- and kids have to be willing to invest some serious time (and parents, money) to crack the case. In addition, not only do some of the online tasks take awhile to complete, the books are being released through 2010, which means the mystery won't be solved quickly. However, if your junior detective has the patience, the investigation should be a blast.

This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

cluehunter
kid, 11 years old
7
 
cool
it's a fun website but some of the mission puzzles are hard.
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Kassie243
kid, 12 years old
7
 
Meh...
It's a pretty fun website. Completely clean, but the games are a bore.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
ROCK MONSTER
kid, 10 years old
8
 
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
hinkpink
adult
8
 
Fun But Stupid
The39clues* is a fun website because you get to be a part of the story and can play fun games. The downside to this site is that it's so sad how in today's world, we feel like we have to attach the internet to a book. I feel like books should just be for reading and the internet should just be for the internet. This webstite tells you that you can win prizes but it's virtually impossible unless you spend your whole life playing a stupid game on the internet, trying to get a high score.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
javajones
kid, 11 years old
8
 
A fun, educational website.
This website is great! It has fun games and the cards are fun to collect.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (6)
farrell1
adult
10
 
Fun Fun Fun
Omg this is so fun! I have an account. I can't wait for some new videos, new books, and new cards
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1234567sar am fel
kid, 9 years old
4
 
review of 39
I like it alot
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
purpleeclipse
kid, 12 years old
8
 
Great Website!
The website is awesome! I love the books too. My teacher has an account on here. I do to.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
dragonsrule
kid, 12 years old
7
 
Great for the people who LOVE the books!
A great website that is fun to do, along with reading the books. I think this is good for kids 7 and up, IF they can do a good amount of reading. For fair readers of 7 or younger have a older sibling or parent to help; or better yet wait a while for them to have better reading skills, so that they can read. Also, there are a lot of stuff that involves the cards and books you have to buy, and some of the later missions get more difficult and stressful.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
Mist Man 608
kid, 10 years old
8
 
just starting
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

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