Before Rick Riordan's 39 Clues was Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game

Title: The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
Author:Ellen Raskin
Ages: 8 and up
Rating: 4 out of 5 shin kicks

The Westing Game was first published in 1978, but its intriguing plot and quirky characters will still appeal to today's middle grade readers.

In the book, Sam Westing is an eccentric millionaire whose will contains a challenge for his sixteen heirs.  Whoever solves the mystery will inherit his fortune.

What kids will love:

• trying to unravel the mystery 
• the funny characters
• the constant action

What parents will love:

• unlike Rick Riordan's The 39 Clues series, there are no products being promoted (i.e. Clues Card Packs)
• sharing a timeless classic with their kids

It's no Mystery why Young Cam Jansen Series Appeals to Reluctant Readers

Series: Young Cam Jansen
Author: David A. Adler
Ages:  6 - 8

Rating:  5 out of 5 camera clicks

Cam Jansen has a photographic memory that she uses to solve everyday mysteries, such locating a classmate's missing tooth.

What kids will love:

• Trying to see if they can solve the mystery.
• Familiar settings and situations (e.g. classroom, school trip, outing with friends).
• Testing their own memory skills with the quiz in each book.  
• The colourful illustrations featuring Cam and her friends, family and teachers.   

Parents will love:

• The stories appeal to both genders.   
• Trying to solve the mystery too!

Favourite tile: Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game