10+ Best Murder Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect spine-tingling read that's just right for young sleuths? Dive into our latest roundup of murder books for 12-year-olds, where mystery and intrigue rule the page. Whether your young reader is a budding detective or simply loves a good whodunit, our carefully curated lists are packed with tales that are bound to captivate and thrill. Keep reading to discover your next great mystery adventure!
Table of Contents
Fun Murder Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing's will, which promises a fortune to the one who can understand the clues.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, perfect for keeping young readers engaged.
- Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy a good challenge.
- Greenglass House by Kate Milford
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents, who run a smugglers' inn, encounter a mysterious group of guests that seem to know a lot about the inn’s past.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories, smuggling tales, and mystery in a snow-bound hotel, making reading an adventurous and thrilling experience.
- Perfect for: Readers who love ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of history.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global disaster.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through an engaging and intricate plot filled with creative puzzles and unique characters.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy solving puzzles and partaking in adventures that test their intellect and courage.
- Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James rush to unravel puzzles hidden in books scattered throughout San Francisco to uncover a mysterious treasure before it falls into the wrong hands.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced adventure that celebrates the joy of reading and puzzle-solving, encouraging readers to see the fun in books.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers who love reading and decoding hidden messages.
- 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 his pod comes back, Salim doesn’t exit. They embark on a thrilling chase across London to find him, using Ted's unique way of thinking to solve the mystery.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, real-time puzzle while showcasing the importance of different perspectives and sibling teamwork.
- Perfect for: Young sleuths who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about different ways of seeing the world.
Educational Murder Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
- Genre(s): Mystery, Art
- Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art theft and uncover a forgery.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, art history, pattern recognition, and critical thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully intertwines mystery with lessons on art and history, encouraging readers to see connections in seemingly unrelated events.
- Perfect for: Young detectives with an appreciation for art and puzzles.
- The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box and get involved in a secret society and the history of an ancient magician.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and secret codes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor, suspense, and cryptic puzzles, making the reading experience both educational and thrilling.
- Perfect for: Curious readers who enjoy secrets and solving mysteries with a supernatural twist.
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the extraordinary library created by the eccentric game maker, Mr. Lemoncello.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, problem-solving, teamwork, and knowledge of literature.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and collaboration through fun and interactive challenges within a fantastical setting.
- Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and readers who dream of getting locked in a library overnight.
- Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
- Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller
- Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone finds himself involved in a high-stakes murder trial where he must use his legal knowledge to uncover the truth.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical reasoning, and analytical thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique insight into the judicial process through the eyes of a kid, making complex legal concepts accessible and engaging.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in law, justice, and thrilling courtroom drama.
- Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, a rising sixth-grader, launches into action with her best friend Dale to solve a murder mystery that shakes their small town.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, social skills, and community awareness.
- Why we recommend this book: Its witty narrative and vibrant characters offer a compelling mix of humor and suspense.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy heartfelt tales and a good mystery with quirky, memorable characters.
Challenging Murder Books for 12-Year-Olds
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she finds herself wrapped up in a compelling puzzle that involves a homeless man and a series of events that seem interconnected.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and subtle clues that require the reader to think critically and pay attention to detail.
- Why we recommend this book: It blends elements of mystery with science fiction in a way that challenges young readers to think about time and relationships in new ways.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make them think deeply about the plot and characters.
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, young Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, tending to the clocks and trying to repair an automaton left by his father, uncovering family secrets and forming unexpected friendships.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique format, which includes a mix of text and full-page illustrations, requires readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: This beautifully illustrated novel offers a captivating mystery and a touching story, encouraging readers to think about the role of machines and people in our world.
- Perfect for: Visual learners and readers who appreciate a blend of art and narrative in their stories.
- The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
- Synopsis: Three children in a fictional city find their lives intertwined as they each discover a mysterious object that has the power to change their fates.
- Why this book is challenging: The complex plot and the historical setting require readers to understand and appreciate a past era, as well as grapple with multiple narrative threads.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure, mystery, and historical context, providing a rich reading experience that encourages historical empathy and problem-solving.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate plots and learning about different historical periods through fiction.
- The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, illustrated by Jon Klassen
- Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
- Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess to three wild children who were raised by wolves. She must teach them how to fit into human society, uncovering the mystery of their past.
- Why this book is challenging: The book combines a complex mystery with advanced vocabulary and a Victorian setting that requires comprehension of historical social norms.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s humorous and quirky, with a mystery that keeps readers guessing, making it both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh with their mysteries and are curious about historical settings.
- The Shadows by Jacqueline West
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
- Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into a strange old house, she discovers that the paintings on the walls hold mysterious powers and secrets.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves complex themes of art, fantasy, and reality, requiring readers to differentiate between what is real and what is imagined.
- Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines elements of fantasy and mystery, encouraging readers to think imaginatively and question the nature of reality.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love stories where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of murder mysteries and thrilling tales, it's not just about enjoying the story. Developing good reading habits can enhance your experience and help you get the most out of every book. Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored for 12-year-olds to boost those reading skills while exploring murder books:
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on how much you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a consistent habit.
- Tips: Start with small, manageable goals, like a chapter a day.
- Chapter Summaries
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember key plot points.
- Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on main events.
- Character Maps
- What it is: Create a visual map of all the characters and their relationships.
- How it helps: Helps keep track of characters, which is especially useful in books with large casts.
- Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced.
- Question Corners
- What it is: Write down questions that you have while reading and find the answers as you go.
- How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the text.
- Tips: Review unanswered questions at the end of each reading session.
- Predict the Plot
- What it is: Try to predict future events or the ending of the book based on what you've read so far.
- How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
- Tips: Share your predictions with friends or family to make it more fun.
- Reading Aloud
- What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud to yourself or others.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you process the story differently.
- Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.
Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through murder books more enjoyable but also sharpen your reading and comprehension skills. Grab your favorite mystery, get comfy, and start sleuthing through the pages like a pro! Happy reading!