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    The Children's Book Review

    The 39 Clues: Book Two: One False Note: Gordon Korman

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor3 Mins Read Ages 9-12 Books with Boy Characters Books with Girl Characters Brain Twisters Interactive Mysteries Reluctant Readers
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    By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: October 20, 2009

    The 39 Clues: Book Two: One False Note

    by Gordon Korman

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Hardcover: 220 pages

    Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (December, 2008)

    What to expect: Mystery, Action, Suspense, Babysitter, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Orphans, Travel

    Here is what I had to say after reading book one: Calling all reluctant readers! Action, mystery, suspense, and orphans, all mixed into a well-balanced, fast read. Not to mention the interactive website and collectible clue cards. Maze of Bones is the first book of a ten book series written by ten different well-known authors. Rick Riordan (author of The Lightning Thief) has set the pace well, creating a suspenseful adventure and scattering it with secretive clues. Riordan has outlined the rest of the series, but it will be completed by the 9 other authors.

    Note: A discovery I made is that the books will be completed by 5 authors, each writing 2 of the books in the series.

    Author number 2 of 5, Gordon Korman, transitions readers smoothly into book two, One False Note, and manages to strengthen the readers relationship with the characters. As the Cahill siblings continue on their journey to win the race by solving the mystery of all 39 clues, determination and self discovery are key themes. Knowing your grass roots, extended family and all, can be a huge part of understanding one’s self. The Cahill’s certainly have an exciting and powerful family, including Benjamin Franklin (book one), and a whole branch of artistic members, including the historical figures Mozart and Picasso (who both appear in book two).

    Remaining true to the readers, Korman mixes history with a dash of hip-hop (Snoop Dog) and current themes to hold their interest levels. He has packed in plenty of action and suspense, not to mention a bunch of geographical locations. From Paris to Germany to Austria and then Italy, readers truly are presented with a nice tasting of culture and scenery as the pace of the race for clues quickens.

    Publisher’s synopsis: THIS JUST IN! Amy and Dan Cahill were spotted on a train, hot on the trail of one of 39 Clues hidden around the world. BUT WAIT! Police report a break-in at an elite hotel, and the suspects ALSO sound suspiciously like Amy and Dan. UPDATE! Amy and Dan have been seen in a car . . . no, in a speedboat chase . . . and HOLD EVERYTHING! They’re being chased by an angry mob?!?

    When there’s a Clue on the line, anything can happen.

    Add this book to your collection: The 39 Clues: Book Two: One False Note

    Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book One: Maze of Bones

    Visit the website: www.the39clues.com

    Have you or your children been reading and playing along? Let us know what you think, leave a comment below.

    What to Read Next:

    1. The 39 Clues: Book Three: The Sword Thief: Peter Lerangis
    2. The Prometheus Project: Douglas E. Richards
    3. The 39 Clues ® Global Reading Adventure Heats Up Today with Release of “Book 7: The Viper’s Nest”
    4. The 39 Clues: Book One: Maze of Bones: Rick Riordan

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Bianca Schulze Gordon Korman The 39 Clues
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    Previous ArticleRipley’s Believe It or Not: Seeing Is Believing
    Next Article The Youngest Templar: Trail of Fate: Michael P. Spradlin
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    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    1 Comment

    1. Juno on November 17, 2011 10:53 am

      This website did not answer my question thank u very much!

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