The39Clues

Website review by Erin Brereton, Common Sense Media
The39Clues Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Absorbing mystery game reveals clues and yields prizes.

http://www.the39clues.com/
Rate website

Parents say

age 9+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 11 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this website.

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.

Community Reviews

farrell1
farrell1 Adult
May 22, 2009
age 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
hinkpink
hinkpink Adult
January 25, 2009
age 8+

Fun But Stupid

The39clues.com 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.
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

As the online companion to The 39 Clues mystery book series, THE39CLUES.COM provides missions for kids to discover clues to the secret of the fictitious Cahill family's power. Each book in the series comes with six cards and adds another clue to the mystery. The cards give you leads, which you can use on the Web site to track down information and reveal more clues. The site also features several contests, including $500, $250 and $1,000 giveaways for players who participate.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Website Details

  • Genre: Gaming
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

Our Editors Recommend

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