10+ Best Books Like Nancy Drew for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for captivating mystery books like Nancy Drew for 10-year-olds? If your young reader has devoured all the classic Nancy Drew tales and is eager for more sleuthing adventures, you’re in the right place! Keep reading as we dive into a variety of exciting books that will keep those little detective minds whirring and make them feel like the hero of their own story. Let’s uncover some new favorites together!

Fun Books Like Nancy Drew for 10-Year-Olds

• The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the Nancy Drew series, young detective Nancy Drew embarks on a quest to find a missing will after the death of a local town benefactor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic elements of mystery and problem-solving, encouraging readers to think critically and pay attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and budding detectives.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through complex puzzles and mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, strategic games, and working in teams.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar and solve various mysteries that come their way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resourcefulness and the value of independence while delivering engaging mysteries for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about adventure and self-reliance.

• Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler, illustrated by Susanna Natti
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to solve the mystery of a diamond robbery in a department store.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of using unique abilities to solve problems and help others.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of stories featuring young protagonists with special talents.

• The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Teenage brothers Frank and Joe Hardy work to clear the name of a friend's father wrongly accused of stealing a valuable collection of coins and discover a much larger mystery in the process.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines brotherly teamwork with thrilling adventure and mystery-solving that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Boys and girls who like action-packed stories and solving mysteries.

• Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Leroy Brown, also known as Encyclopedia for his intelligence, solves mysteries for his neighborhood friends and also for his detective-chief father.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story presents a mystery that the reader can try to solve along with Encyclopedia, promoting deductive reasoning skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive and challenging brain teasers.

Educational Books Like Nancy Drew for 10-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the mystery of Samuel W. Westing's death, guided by clues in his will, each hoping to inherit his fortune.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, logical reasoning, and comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a complex brain-teaser filled with intrigue and sharp twists that engage young minds in critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries with a large cast of characters.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the secret of a magician's notebook and find themselves involved in a mysterious adventure concerning the immortality and the senses.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, problem-solving, and understanding sensory details
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with humor and fantasy, making it a captivating read that stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secrets, codes, and fantastical adventures.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the ride ends, Salim has seemingly vanished into thin air. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, understanding of Asperger syndrome, and family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling mystery through the unique perspective of Ted, who is on the autism spectrum, offering insights into different ways of thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who are interested in seeing the world through different perspectives.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cousins Bonnie and Sylvia, along with their friend Simon, fight to save their home from the evil plans of a distant relative amidst a backdrop of an alternate 19th-century England.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, bravery, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure with strong themes of courage and survival against the odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling stories with strong, resourceful young characters.

• The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of children fascinated by ancient Egypt play an imaginative game that leads them to an unexpected discovery, intertwining their lives with a real-life mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge about ancient Egypt, creativity, and teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends educational content with a compelling mystery and encourages imaginative play.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and archaeology, and who love to use their imaginations in play.

Challenging Books Like Nancy Drew for 10-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter break, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story connected to the inn's past. As items start to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy decide to unravel the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together complex themes of identity, history, and folklore, requiring readers to keep track of multiple storylines and clues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that enhances critical thinking and appreciation for storytelling, offering a rich, layered mystery that unfolds beautifully.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate plots and ghost stories.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, maintaining the clocks and trying to repair an automaton left by his father. His secretive life and the automaton's mystery intertwine with the life of a bitter toy shop owner and a curious girl.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uniquely blends text and intricate illustrations to tell a complex narrative, requiring readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical reading experience that captivates the imagination and introduces themes of loss, hope, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate art and storytelling, and those interested in a different reading format.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game where books are hidden in cities all around the country. This discovery thrusts them into a thrilling adventure filled with ciphers and puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex ciphers and the historical context of famous writers, challenging readers to solve puzzles alongside the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes problem-solving and decryption skills, wrapped in an engaging narrative that encourages exploration and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young adventurers who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder, two sixth-graders, find themselves at the center of an art scandal. They use their problem-solving skills to chase down clues and uncover a centuries-old mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves understanding art history and the philosophies behind the patterns of coincidence and perspective, offering a multi-layered puzzle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and appreciation for art, while providing a suspenseful and intellectually stimulating mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and mystery solvers who enjoy stories that make them think and observe beyond the surface.

• The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this first book of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, governess Penelope Lumley is hired to care for three wild children who were found in the woods. She must teach them how to fit into society, while unraveling the mystery of their origins.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story combines elements of Victorian literature with a whimsical tone, requiring readers to understand and appreciate subtle humor and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's delightfully funny and clever, offering a fresh take on the themes of civility and the wildness of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky stories with a mix of mystery and comedy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If your child loves diving into mysteries like Nancy Drew, fostering good reading habits can turn this interest into a lifelong love for books. Here are some fun exercises designed for 10-year-olds to enhance their reading experience and skills. These activities are simple, engaging, and perfect for young sleuths eager to explore more mysteries and adventures in their readings.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps build a regular reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep it fun and stress-free.

• Create a Mystery Reader's Club
  • What it is: Form a book club focused on mystery books with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Meet regularly to discuss a book everyone has read, and maybe include some detective games!

• Map the Plot
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the main events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and remembering key details of the plot.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant moments or clues in the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book or imagine new scenarios for the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Try to think and speak like the character; it’s both fun and educational!

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: Write a short review summarizing the book and expressing personal opinions about it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, what you didn’t, and whom you would recommend the book to.

• Predict the Next Clue
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after each chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and predictive thinking skills.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check how many were right as you go along!

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make their journey through books like Nancy Drew even more thrilling and enriching. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build skills that are beneficial across all areas of learning. Happy reading and sleuthing!