Parents' Guide to

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Series

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Younger Nancy Drew solves cases in beginning mystery series.

Book Carolyn Keene For Beginning Readers 2016
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Series Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 6+

Based on 2 parent reviews

HappiestReader
HappiestReader Parent of 7-year-old
October 21, 2020
age 4+

Our 4yr old Loves them - She asked to be Nancy Drew for Halloween

Our 4yr old loves this Clue Crew series. She began listening to them on audible and now is asking us to buy the books after finishing what was available on audible by herself. We love how the mysteries turn out to be genuine mistakes or pranks gone wrong instead of intentional acts of stealing or death. We also love how she is already finding connection with other women leaders like RBG as she learns they also grew up reading Nancy Drew. We love the reading comprehension she is developing by attempting to solve the mysteries through out the story and then recites back to us later on what really happened in the story. Even our 8 year old tunes into these Clue Crew books when his book shelf is bare. Great job - building an audience for Nancy Drew early without inappropriate content!

This title has:

Educational value
GraupFamily
GraupFamily Adult
May 13, 2019
age 7+

We just finished Scream for Ice Cream

This was the first we've read of the series and it was a great introduction to Mystery for our daughter. We enjoy mystery books and have read some Nancy Drew in the past but we weren't sure our daughter was ready for that yet, but these proved to be perfect. A mystery to be solved with several false leads until the end, and always at a fun level with abit of adventure. I'm thrilled to see how many there are since our daughter is such an enthusiastic reader.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In the NANCY DREW AND THE CLUE CREW series, third-grader Nancy Drew joins forces with her two best friends, Bess and Georgia (but please call her George!) to solve the mysteries that come across their path. Most of the cases involve finding things that have disappeared -- ballet slippers, kids’ toys, a horse from a locked pen -- and the girls have to keep organized case files and maintain friendships while hunting for clues.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (3):

The mysteries that the Clue Crew takes on are just complicated enough to have a few twists in each story, but they’re situations a young reader might find herself in. Who put the mean note in the pocket of Bess’s stuffed bear? Where's the doll that went missing at the sleepover? What happened to the recipe for the ice cream contest?

There’s very little social drama among the girls in Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, which is refreshing. When there’s a conflict or hurt feelings, the girls talk it out and squash rumors quickly, rather than letting the drama escalate. It’s a great model for navigating young friendships, and showing how important communication and honesty are.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about mystery stories. What's fun about seeing a kid solve mysteries in her neighborhood with friends her own age?

  • What other mystery books have you read and enjoyed?

  • In Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, how do the girls handle it when one friend is mad at another? Have you ever accused someone of doing something wrong or mean, only to find out the whole thing was a misunderstanding?

Book Details

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