Kids are into it, but unfortunately, it's a huge marketing gimmick...

one of my 3rd graders was looking for it, but I wonder if it is for older kids

My 12yo loves it. Also into the Rnger Apprentice series and the Templar's Apprentice series.

I would recommend the other two series over the 39 clues just because 39 clues is a Scholastic book, and gimmicky. I hav eonly read a couple

of chapters of each series. 12yo says Ranger's Apprentice is his favorite.

12yo tells me 39 clues has too many characters to keep track of - after a few books it gets confusing.

I had the same experience as an adult with the Wheel of the World series.