10+ Best Mystery Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your young reader on the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our curated selection of mystery books for 9-12-year-olds is packed with twists, turns, and brain-teasing adventures that are sure to captivate. Whether your child is a budding detective or just loves a good whodunit, dive into our lists to discover their next favorite mystery. Keep reading to explore all the exciting options!
Table of Contents
Fun Mystery Books for 9-12-Year-Olds
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
- Synopsis: Sixteen heirs who are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing’s will find themselves entangled in a thrilling mystery involving clues and a large inheritance.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, engaging young readers in a complex but fun plot.
- Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy unraveling complex plots.
- 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 mysterious 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 encourages teamwork, creativity, and the use of intellect in solving challenges, making it a stimulating read for young minds.
- Perfect for: Kids who love code-breaking, puzzles, and adventures in a school setting.
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be one of Michelangelo's sculptures.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a historical art mystery, encouraging both imagination and a love for museums and history.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.
- The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
- Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
- Synopsis: Teen detective Nancy Drew embarks on her first case to find a missing will in this classic mystery that has captivated generations of readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic detective work and the importance of perseverance and attention to detail, all wrapped in an engaging story.
- Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of classic mystery stories.
- 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 come out. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
- Why we recommend this book: It features a protagonist with Asperger syndrome, offering a unique perspective and promoting understanding and empathy among readers.
- Perfect for: Young sleuths who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about different perspectives.
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all things related to board games. He wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library designed by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello. But the catch is, getting out requires solving puzzles and decoding clues scattered throughout the library.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun-filled adventure that promotes problem-solving and a love for reading through interactive gameplay elements within a story.
- Perfect for: Gamers and book lovers who enjoy a good puzzle and a fast-paced story.
Educational Mystery Books for 9-12-Year-Olds
- Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
- Genre(s): Mystery, Art
- Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and math to solve the mystery.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, art history, and pattern recognition.
- Why we recommend this book: It intricately weaves art history with mystery, engaging readers in a thrilling chase that educates as it entertains.
- Perfect for: Young art lovers and budding detectives who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.
- 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 thrilling adventure concerning the secretive and dangerous Symphony of Smells.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, teamwork, and investigative skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, secretive story that captivates with its quirky characters and imaginative plot, encouraging curiosity and persistence.
- Perfect for: Kids who love secrets, codes, and adventures that are out of the ordinary.
- The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
- Synopsis: When the Grace children move to their great-great-aunt's house, they discover a field guide to fairies and realize that the creatures described are actually real—and living right in their new giant backyard.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, imagination, and appreciation for nature.
- Why we recommend this book: It blends the mystery of a new home with the enchanting possibility of magical creatures, sparking imagination and a sense of wonder.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by nature and fantasy.
- The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that shrinks them so they can explore the sixty-eight miniature rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago, leading them on a series of adventures throughout history.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical journey through history with a blend of art, making it a captivating educational experience.
- Perfect for: History buffs and young explorers who dream of time travel and magical adventures.
- Greenglass House by Kate Milford
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a secretive story, leading to a treasure map and a thrilling hunt for smugglers' loot.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, storytelling, and understanding of adoption and family dynamics.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines a cozy setting with a thrilling mystery, providing warmth and intrigue in a beautifully described inn filled with secrets.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy snowy settings, tales of treasure hunts, and stories about finding one's place in the world.
Challenging Mystery Books for 9-12-Year-Olds
- The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
- Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Three children from different backgrounds—a street musician, a maid, and an apprentice clockmaker—find their lives intertwined as they each discover a mysterious artifact that leads them on an adventurous quest through a bustling city.
- Why this book is challenging: It weaves together multiple complex storylines, requiring readers to keep track of various plots and characters, enhancing their multitasking and critical thinking skills.
- Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich tapestry of historical settings and intricate plot developments that challenge young readers while providing a thrilling adventure.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical contexts, complex narratives, and character-driven stories.
- Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her friend James embark on an exciting adventure across San Francisco, hunting for hidden books and solving puzzles left by the enigmatic writer Garrison Griswold.
- Why this book is challenging: It incorporates ciphers, codes, and complex puzzles, requiring readers to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving throughout the story.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography with fast-paced adventure, encouraging readers to solve puzzles alongside the protagonists.
- Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young detectives who enjoy interactive and intellectually stimulating mysteries.
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station, as he tries to solve the mystery of his father’s death and a mechanical automaton.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique blend of text and intricate illustrations challenges readers to interpret visual and textual clues, promoting visual literacy alongside traditional reading skills.
- Why we recommend this book: Its innovative use of visuals and narrative forms creates a unique reading experience that captivates and educates.
- Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who appreciate a blend of art and storytelling.
- The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
- Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess at Ashton Place and discovers that her three young charges have been raised by wolves. She must solve the mystery of their origins while educating them in human ways.
- Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated language and themes, exploring Victorian society, and the complexities of wild versus civilized behavior, challenging young readers to think critically about these concepts.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous and intriguing look at social norms and animal behavior, wrapped in a mysterious storyline.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of humor, mystery, and historical settings.
- The Shadows by Jacqueline West
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
- Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive moves into a crumbling mansion, she discovers that the paintings on the walls hold the secrets to the disappearance of the house’s previous inhabitants.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates elements of classical literature and art, requiring readers to engage with complex ideas and historical contexts.
- Why we recommend this book: It blends fantasy with mystery, encouraging readers to unravel the plot while exploring themes of art and history.
- Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by art, history, and supernatural mysteries.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there, young detectives! If you're diving into the world of mystery books, you're in for some thrilling adventures. To make your reading experience even better, I've got some fun exercises that will not only enhance your enjoyment but also help develop your reading habits. Let's check them out!
- Create a Detective's Notebook
- What it is: Keep a special notebook where you jot down clues and suspects as you read.
- How it helps: Helps you keep track of all the twists and turns in the story.
- Tips: Update your notebook right after your reading session to keep details fresh.
- Draw the Crime Scene
- What it is: Draw what you imagine the crime scene looks like based on the description in the book.
- How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the story and attention to detail.
- Tips: Use the book's descriptions to add as many details as you can to your drawing.
- Predict the Plot
- What it is: Before you finish the book, try to predict the outcome or who the culprit is.
- How it helps: Improves your analytical thinking and deduction skills.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and see how many you get right at the end!
- Character Maps
- What it is: Create a map or chart that shows the relationships between different characters.
- How it helps: Helps you keep track of complex character interactions and developments.
- Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced or as relationships evolve.
- Reading Aloud Sessions
- What it is: Set aside time to read parts of the book aloud, either to yourself or to others.
- How it helps: Improves your reading fluency and helps you understand the story better.
- Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.
- Question and Answer Time
- What it is: After each chapter, write down questions you have and try to answer them as you read on.
- How it helps: Keeps you engaged and actively thinking about the story.
- Tips: Share your questions with friends or family who are also reading the book and discuss your thoughts.
These exercises are not just fun; they're your secret tools to becoming a super sleuth in the world of mystery books. By keeping your detective skills sharp and your mind engaged, you'll be solving mysteries alongside your favorite characters in no time. Happy reading, young detectives!