10+ Best Puzzle Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your teen engaged and challenged? Look no further than puzzle books for 14-year-olds! These books are not only fun but also great for sharpening those critical thinking skills. Keep reading as we dive into various exciting options that will keep your young puzzler hooked for hours!

Fun Puzzle Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a lift, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about sixty teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies. A new boy arrives every thirty days. The original group has been in "The Glade" for two years, trying to find a way to escape through the Maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope when a comatose girl arrives with a strange note.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and packed with puzzles and mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It challenges readers to think critically and solve problems alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love thrilling adventures and brain-teasing puzzles.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and a fan of all kinds of games. When he wins a coveted spot to be one of the first twelve kids to go into the new town library designed by game maker Luigi Lemoncello, he’s ecstatic. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines reading with game-playing in a unique setting, making it a fun and engaging way to encourage problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young puzzle enthusiasts and gamers who enjoy a good mystery.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: The mysterious death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing brings together an unlikely group of heirs who must uncover the secret of his death by solving the puzzle he left behind. Split into pairs and given clues, they vie for the inheritance while uncovering secrets about themselves and each other.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle-filled book that encourages readers to think logically and pay attention to detail, enhancing critical thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Teens who delight in mysteries and games of logic.

• The GCHQ Puzzle Book by GCHQ
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Puzzles, Brain Teasers
  • Synopsis: This book features a compilation of puzzles, codes, and ciphers modeled after the ones used by the British intelligence and security organization, GCHQ, to recruit their codebreakers. It ranges from easy puzzles to complex problems that require serious brainpower.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a real challenge as well as a fun way to develop logical and lateral thinking skills, which are crucial at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Young codebreakers and anyone interested in cryptography or mathematics.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children, led by the peculiar Mr. Benedict, are on a mission to infiltrate a mysterious institution to stop a global disaster. The children must use their unique abilities and intellect to solve puzzles and face challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity, teamwork, and the power of intelligence and perseverance in solving complex problems.
  • Perfect for: Curious and intelligent young readers who enjoy solving puzzles and cracking codes.

Educational Puzzle Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Perplexors: Level D by MindWare
  • Genre(s): Educational, Puzzles, Logic
  • Synopsis: This book is filled with brain-teasing logic puzzles that provide clues to solve mysteries. Each puzzle requires careful thought to determine who, what, where, or when something occurred using deductive reasoning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It sharpens logical reasoning and critical thinking skills in a fun and challenging way.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy solving complex logic puzzles and improving their reasoning abilities.

• The Ultimate Brain Bender Activity Book by Joe Rhatigan
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Puzzles, Brain Teasers
  • Synopsis: This activity book challenges readers with a variety of puzzles, including crosswords, word searches, and optical illusions, designed to test different types of problem-solving skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, visual perception, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a diverse set of puzzles that enhance different cognitive abilities and keeps young minds engaged.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a variety of challenging activities that test different brain skills.

• Math Riddles For Smart Kids by M Prefontaine
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzles, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book contains a collection of math riddles and brain teasers designed to challenge and entertain young minds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical skills, logical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning math fun and engaging through challenging riddles that stimulate critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young mathematicians and any teen who enjoys puzzles and wants to enhance their math and logic skills.

• Brain Games for Clever Kids by Gareth Moore
  • Genre(s): Puzzles, Logic, Brain Teasers
  • Synopsis: Packed with puzzles that range from simple fun to challenging, this book includes sudoku, logic puzzles, and memory challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Memory, logic, concentration
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a variety of brain-teasing puzzles that are perfect for improving cognitive functions and keeping the mind sharp.
  • Perfect for: Teens who thrive on solving diverse and stimulating mental challenges.

• The Kid's Awesome Activity Book by Mike Lowery
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Puzzles, Creativity
  • Synopsis: Features games, puzzles, and doodle activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun and imaginative activities that keep teens engaged while boosting their creative and analytical skills.
  • Perfect for: Creative teens who love drawing, solving puzzles, and engaging in a variety of hands-on activities.

Challenging Puzzle Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Can You Solve My Problems? by Alex Bellos
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzles, Logic
  • Synopsis: A collection of the most intriguing puzzles from throughout history, ranging from ancient challenges to modern-day brain teasers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a variety of difficulty levels, with some puzzles that even challenge adults, requiring advanced logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a historical perspective on puzzles, enhancing both problem-solving skills and knowledge of puzzle history.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy history and challenging their minds with complex puzzles.

• The Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection by Dr. John Watson, curated by Tim Dedopulos
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzles, Logic
  • Synopsis: A compilation of puzzles that are inspired by the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, testing logic, observational skills, and deductive reasoning.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles require a deep level of thought, mimicking the intellectual challenges faced by the famous detective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It immerses readers in the world of Sherlock Holmes, promoting critical thinking and attention to detail in a fun and familiar context.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic literature and mystery who love solving complex puzzles.

• Montague Island Mysteries and Other Logic Puzzles by R. Wayne Schmittberger
  • Genre(s): Logic, Puzzles, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This book includes a series of logic puzzles that are intertwined with a fictional narrative set on Montague Island, where players solve mysteries to progress through the story.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles integrate advanced logic problems with a narrative, requiring readers to keep track of complex details and use deductive reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines storytelling with puzzle-solving, offering a unique challenge that develops critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy a good story along with their brain teasers.

• The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical Recreations by Boris Kordemsky
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Logic, Puzzles
  • Synopsis: This book presents a collection of math-based puzzles, each offering a unique and challenging problem-solving experience derived from everyday situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles often require unconventional thinking and a strong grasp of mathematical concepts, making them tough even for adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages mathematical thinking in practical, real-world scenarios, enhancing both math skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Perfect for: Math lovers and those who appreciate a challenge that requires thinking outside the box.

• Lateral Thinking Puzzlers by Paul Sloane
  • Genre(s): Puzzles, Logic, Brain Teasers
  • Synopsis: A collection of puzzles that require an unconventional approach to problem-solving, challenging the reader to think laterally rather than linearly.
  • Why this book is challenging: These puzzles defy standard logical pathways, requiring creative and 'sideways' thinking to arrive at solutions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It develops creative thinking skills, which are crucial for innovative problem-solving in real-world situations.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy challenges that require creativity and a break from traditional problem-solving methods.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of puzzle books, you're probably eager to sharpen your skills. Not only are these books a fun challenge, but they can also help you develop some stellar reading habits. Here are a few exercises tailored for 14-year-olds that will help you get the most out of your puzzle book adventures.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize After Reading
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of what you read in your own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to capture the main ideas and why they matter in your summary.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the puzzles and themes in the book with your peers.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Form a small book club or join one that focuses on puzzle books.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new or interesting words you find while reading.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and improves language skills.
  • Tips: Use these new words in your daily conversation or writing to better assimilate them.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Relate the puzzles or stories to real-life events or personal experiences.
  • How it helps: Enhances your ability to relate and apply what you read to different contexts.
  • Tips: Write down any connections you make in a notebook or discuss them with someone.

• Challenge Yourself
  • What it is: Pick puzzle books that are slightly above your current skill level.
  • How it helps: Pushes you to improve your problem-solving and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Don't be discouraged by difficulty; view it as a growth opportunity.

Wrapping up, each of these exercises is designed to not only make your puzzle book experience more engaging but also to help you build strong, lasting reading habits. Give them a try and see how much more you can get out of your reading sessions. Happy puzzling!