10+ Best Adventure Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 10-year-old glued to their seat? Look no further! Our curated selection of adventure mystery books for 10-year-olds is packed with thrilling quests and mind-bending puzzles that are just right for young readers. Whether they're into mysterious codes, wild expeditions, or unexpected heroes, there's something here for every young adventurer. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise to spark imagination and adventure!

Fun Adventure Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids 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 crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with brain-teasers and puzzles that challenge the mind, making it a thrilling and intellectually engaging read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving mysteries and puzzles.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve clues and figure out puzzles to escape from an extraordinary library designed by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and creativity through a captivating story set in an enchanting library full of surprises.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy games, libraries, and clever challenges.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them on a thrilling adventure involving secret societies, a magician, and the quest for immortality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and mysterious read that keeps readers guessing and laughing at the same time, perfect for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like secrets, codes, and humor mixed with their mysteries.

• Wildwood by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Prue McKeel's life changes when her baby brother is kidnapped by crows and taken to the Impassable Wilderness, a dense forest on the edge of Portland. Prue and her friend Curtis embark on a quest to rescue him, unveiling a secret world full of warring creatures, peaceful mystics, and powerful figures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the charm of a fairy tale with the excitement of a modern adventure and mystery, providing a rich and imaginative experience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love stories about magical forests and hidden worlds.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of Samuel W. Westing, which turns out to be a puzzle challenge, with the winner inheriting his vast fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle-filled mystery that encourages problem-solving and deduction skills, wrapped in a compelling story.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy twisting plots and sharp turns.

Educational Adventure Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that shrinks them so they can explore the famous Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute. As they journey through these miniature worlds, they uncover secrets and mysteries from the past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History, art appreciation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends history with a magical adventure, making it not only fun but also educational.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy history, art, and magical adventures.

• The Island of Dr. Libris by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Billy is spending the summer in a cabin that belongs to the mysterious Dr. Libris. When he discovers that the books on Dr. Libris's shelf can bring characters to life, he embarks on thrilling adventures with Robin Hood, Hercules, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literature, mythology, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and introduces readers to classic literature and mythology in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love classic tales and imaginative adventures.

• Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Young Stuart Horten, ten-years-old and not-so-tall, moves to a new town only to find himself involved in a quest to discover his great-uncle Tony Horten’s lost workshop full of magical inventions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering, critical thinking, history
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with science and history, sparking curiosity and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Inventive kids and budding engineers who love a good mystery.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art heist and uncover a truth that will change their lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that introduces young readers to the world of art and the importance of seeing things differently.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• The Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Emily and James embark on an exciting adventure across San Francisco, hunting for hidden books and solving puzzles left by the enigmatic writer Garrison Griswold.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cryptography, literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving through a captivating treasure hunt that combines literature and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and treasure hunters who love books and adventures.

Challenging Adventure Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: At a smuggler's inn, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story that is mysteriously interconnected. As objects begin to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must decipher clues and uncover secrets about the inn and its visitors.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a multi-layered plot that intertwines various narratives requiring careful attention and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich narrative that enhances reading comprehension and critical thinking, wrapped in a captivating mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate plots and character-driven stories.

• Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she discovers a magical book and a family secret. She and a new friend, Freddy, solve puzzles and face dangers as they uncover the truth about the hotel and its strange inhabitants.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes sophisticated puzzles and an advanced vocabulary that challenge young readers' comprehension and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the mind through puzzles and mysteries, encouraging readers to think critically while being thoroughly entertained.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and lovers of magical mysteries.

• The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In medieval France, three children with special talents and a dog that has returned from the dead embark on a perilous journey to thwart the king’s plans and save precious books from being burned.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex historical contexts and ethical dilemmas, providing a deeper understanding of medieval history and culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines history, adventure, and moral questions, offering a rich reading experience that broadens perspectives and sparks curiosity about the past.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and ethical exploration through storytelling.

• The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as the governess for three wild children who were raised by wolves. She must tame the children and solve the mystery of their origins, uncovering secrets about the estate and its family along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and the setting in Victorian England require an understanding of historical language and customs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and mysterious tale that encourages empathy and the understanding of different backgrounds and behaviors.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and whimsical mysteries.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into a creepy old house, she discovers that the paintings on the walls hold mysterious powers. Olive must uncover the secrets hidden within these paintings and save the house from dark forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex fantasy elements and a sophisticated narrative that requires imaginative thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book blends fantasy with mystery, providing a thrilling adventure that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and supernatural mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of adventure mystery books for 10-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key to enhancing your enjoyment and understanding of the stories. Here are some fun exercises to help young readers like you get the most out of your books. Each activity is designed to be engaging and beneficial, so let's get started!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times and durations for reading each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and builds a daily reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable spot and a consistent time each day to make reading a routine.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings and events in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the adventure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark different locations and events as they happen in the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as your favorite characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and realistic.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and enhances critical thinking.
  • Tips: Prepare questions about the story and characters to guide your discussion.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Predict what will happen next after each chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many come true as you read along.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Link events or clues in the book to solve the mystery before the characters do.
  • How it helps: Improves deductive reasoning and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Keep notes on key clues or suspicious characters as you read.

These exercises are not just fun; they're a fantastic way to dive deeper into the books you're reading and improve your reading skills. So, grab your favorite adventure mystery book, try out these activities, and watch as the stories come alive in more exciting and engaging ways. Happy reading!