10+ Best Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep a 12-year-old glued to their seat? Look no further! Our latest roundup of Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds is packed with thrilling plots and intriguing characters that are sure to captivate young minds. Whether they're solving puzzles or uncovering secrets, these books promise adventure at every turn. Keep reading to dive into our exciting lists of Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds and discover their next favorite read!

Fun Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Children's 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 crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles, mysteries, and adventures that will keep readers engaged and stimulate their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and secret missions.

• 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 Symphony of Smells, a box that leads them to a mysterious and secretive people and a dangerous adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and mystery, making it a fun and engaging read that encourages a love for reading through its playful use of language and riddles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quirky characters and secret societies.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley wins a chance to stay overnight at the new town library, designed by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The fun turns into a thrilling escape challenge where Kyle and his friends must solve clues to find their way out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that promotes teamwork and critical thinking, all set in the fascinating environment of a library filled with games and puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love games, puzzles, and libraries.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, competing for a $200 million inheritance by figuring out the secret of his life and death.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a complex puzzle as well as a deep dive into the personalities and motives of a diverse cast of characters, enhancing critical thinking and understanding of human nature.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves a good whodunit.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Children's Fiction
  • 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 embark on a thrilling race against time to find him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also depicting the importance of family and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy family-centered stories and puzzles.

Educational Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and mathematics to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, art history, pattern recognition, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art and puzzles within a suspenseful plot, making it a stimulating read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In 17th century London, an apothecary's apprentice, Christopher Rowe, finds himself at the center of a deadly plot involving secret codes, alchemical lore, and a series of mysterious murders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific inquiry, code-breaking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure filled with historical details and cryptic puzzles that engage readers in a thrilling chase through the past.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love history and mysteries with a touch of science.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Emily and James embark on an exciting adventure across San Francisco hunting for hidden books through the clues left by the eccentric game creator Garrison Griswold.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, problem-solving, literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, treasure hunting, and literary trivia, offering a dynamic and engaging reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy scavenger hunts and decoding messages.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his family, who live in an old smuggler's inn, receive unexpected guests that lead to the discovery of old secrets and ghostly tales.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Storytelling, logic, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cozy mystery that weaves together folklore and intrigue, perfect for those cold, snowy days.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like ghost stories and mysteries with a historical twist.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that allows them to shrink and explore the famous Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute, leading them on a series of adventures through history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art appreciation, history, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique combination of magic, art, and history, providing both education and entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who dream of time travel and magical adventures in art and history.

Challenging Mystery Adventure Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in 1952, fourteen-year-old Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London where she befriends Benjamin Burrows, a boy who dreams of becoming a spy. Together, they discover Benjamin’s father is an apothecary who holds the key to a book of ancient magical secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines historical context with complex magical elements and moral dilemmas, providing a rich narrative that challenges the reader's understanding of history, science, and ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel not only entertains with its thrilling plot but also educates about the Cold War era, blending historical facts with fantastical elements to spark imagination and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and magic, who enjoy stories that blend reality with fantasy.

• The Calder Game by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Calder Pillay travels with his father to a remote village in England, where a sculpture by Alexander Calder draws attention. When both Calder and the sculpture disappear, his friends Petra and Tommy fly to England to help solve the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates themes of art and mathematical concepts, along with a complex plot that involves cross-continental clues and cultural references, requiring advanced comprehension and analytical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating mystery that stimulates critical thinking through its integration of art history and geometry, encouraging readers to see connections in seemingly unrelated objects and events.
  • Perfect for: Art enthusiasts and young detectives who love solving puzzles that involve a deep understanding of cultural contexts.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into an old mansion, Olive discovers that the house's paintings are gateways to another world. With the help of three talking cats, she must uncover the dark shadows lurking in the house.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative layers multiple dimensions of reality with a complex cast of characters, both human and non-human, which challenges young readers to keep track of various plot threads and character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a mix of suspense and fantasy, providing a thrilling adventure while encouraging imagination and the exploration of more sophisticated themes like reality versus illusion.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about parallel worlds and mystical beings, with a good mystery to solve.

• The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ani Mells is unexpectedly captured by the governor’s wardens and taken to a quarantine colony for the deadly Scourge disease. She must uncover the truth about the disease and its cure while navigating through the treacherous political landscape.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a complex plot with political intrigue and a sophisticated theme of social injustice, requiring readers to understand nuanced concepts and motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: This gripping tale not only provides a thrilling mystery but also explores deep ethical questions and the importance of bravery and friendship in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate a strong, resourceful heroine and stories that combine adventure with a deeper look at societal issues.

• York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate New York City, three kids, Tess, Theo, and Jaime, follow a centuries-old cipher to solve a mystery that could save their home. The journey leads them through hidden treasures and dangers lurking in their city's history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex cipher at its core, requiring readers to think critically about history, technology, and puzzles. The alternate reality setting also challenges their ability to merge historical knowledge with fictional scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fascinating adventure through a richly imagined world, combining elements of steampunk and historical mystery to captivate and educate readers about perseverance and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and tech-savvy readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a modern twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young adventurers! Diving into mystery adventure books is like embarking on a thrilling quest from the comfort of your own room. To make the most out of your reading experience, I've put together some fun exercises that will not only boost your reading habits but also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books. Let’s get started!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a consistent reading habit and integrates reading into your daily routine.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable and quiet spot for your reading time to make this a part of your everyday routine.

• Character Connection Chart
  • What it is: Draw a chart linking characters and their relationships or roles in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps keep track of complex plots and characters.
  • Tips: Update the chart as you progress through the book to adjust for new revelations and relationships.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, write down predictions about the plot.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Compare your predictions with actual outcomes to see how well you're understanding the story dynamics.

• Vocabulary Builder
  • What it is: Make a list of new or interesting words you find while reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves understanding of the book and language in general.
  • Tips: Try to use these new words in your daily conversations or in writing exercises.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: After finishing a book, write a brief summary and your personal reflections.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and gives you space to express your thoughts and feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn’t like, and what you learned from the book.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a small reading group to discuss the book.
  • How it helps: Allows sharing of different perspectives and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to bring up specific scenes or decisions characters made and explore different viewpoints.

Alright, you're all set to turn your mystery adventure reading into a super engaging and beneficial hobby! These exercises will not only make your reading sessions more fun but also help you develop strong reading habits. Grab your books, and let the adventure begin!