I remember getting absorbed in Nancy Drew mystery novels when I was a few years older than Gummyworm (6) is now. I would read them too late at night and get creaped out, too afraid to fall asleep.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew is nothing like that! Gummyworm has gotten quite wrapped up in this series, so I thought I had better read one cover to cover (I had only skimmed it before to make sure it was OK). I can see why she likes. Nancy and her three friends are sweet. The mysteries are simple enough for her to have a chance at guessing but not so obvious (to a first grader, at least) that they aren’t entertaining. Definitely nothing creepy or scary here.

What I like: Nancy and her friends, though each very different, interact with kindness. Nancy places a high value on telling the truth. There is a cute and simple craft project at the end of the book.

What I didn’t care for: In this particular book, there was a lot of interaction between Nancy’s Crew (third graders) and some fifth graders. There was a little hero worship, I felt, toward the older girls. I also disliked that the girls used the word “omigosh” several times. I know most people feel that term to be innocuous, but we don’t allow it, and I know those of you who feel the same way will appreciate the heads up.

Overall, I think this is a good series for girls who are reading chapter books but not yet ready for something thicker. I don’t want Gummyworm to stay at this level too long, though, so I’m hoping we can find something a little more challenging but still sweet and interesting. Any suggestions?

Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to recommend the next level up of Nancy Drew books after paging through one of them at the library.

Take it further:

• We had fun making the glitter wand craft in the back of the book. It was simple, and we already had all the supplies.
• I enjoy this kind of themed book because it will hopefully lead to interests along the lines of the subject matter. Check out more books about medieval times with your child or look up information on the web. Here’s a good site to start with that has minimal ads.
• We have these awesome Castle Blocks that my kids love playing with.
• You could buy or build a cardboard castle. Here are simple instructions and, if you are feeling a bit more creative, instructions for a complex castle.

Hope you have fun exploring the Middle Ages and solving mysteries with the Clue Crew!

Categories: Chapter Books, fiction, girls, reading challenge, series | No Comments »