10+ Best Mystery Books for 10-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young reader? Dive into our curated selection of mystery books for 10-year-old girls that promise to captivate and engage their curious minds. From thrilling adventures to mind-bending puzzles, we've gathered a variety of stories that are just right for her age and interests. Keep reading to explore our lists and find the mystery that will keep her hooked!

Fun Mystery Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join young Nancy Drew and her friends as they solve their first case involving a missing movie during a sleepover party.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces problem-solving and critical thinking in a fun, relatable setting, perfect for encouraging young readers to enjoy mystery-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of classic characters in new adventures.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home in an abandoned boxcar and begin to solve various mysteries around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes values like resourcefulness and teamwork through engaging and suspenseful storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about family bonds and young adventurers.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at a mysterious institute.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles and riddles that challenge the mind, making it a thrilling read that boosts problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzlers and strategic thinkers who love a good intellectual challenge.

• Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler, illustrated by Susanna Natti
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Fifth-grader Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to solve the mystery of a jewelry store robbery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages attention to detail and memory use, all wrapped up in an exciting narrative.
  • Perfect for: Keen observers and aspiring sleuths who enjoy fast-paced mysteries.

• The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Time Travel
  • Synopsis: Two children discover a magical lake that takes them back in time where they uncover secrets linked to their own home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with historical intrigue, offering a captivating adventure that also sparks interest in history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love time travel tales and unraveling historical mysteries.

Educational Mystery Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story that is mysteriously connected to the inn.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, storytelling, understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that intertwines mystery with ghostly folklore, perfect for stimulating the imagination and enhancing analytical skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a supernatural twist.

• The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends and amateur sleuths Sophie Young and Grace Yang spy on their odd school counselor and stumble upon a real mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, critical observation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with suspense, providing a fun yet challenging mystery for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love playing detective and enjoy stories about friendship and teamwork.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and James embark on an exciting treasure hunt through books after discovering a mysterious book that is part of a game created by a reclusive genius.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Puzzle-solving, literary knowledge, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates classic literature into a modern-day treasure hunt, making it an educational and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young puzzle solvers and book lovers who enjoy decoding and problem-solving.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Psychological
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the ride ends, Salim has mysteriously vanished.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding different perspectives, logical deduction, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective through the eyes of Ted, who has Asperger syndrome, blending emotional depth with a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychological mysteries and exploring diverse characters.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve clues and puzzles to escape from an eccentric billionaire's high-tech library.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, library skills, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced adventure filled with puzzles and games that promote critical thinking and collaboration.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy exciting, game-like scenarios.

Challenging Mystery Books for 10-Year-Old Girl

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the mystery of Samuel W. Westing's death, guided by clues he left behind in his will.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex plot and intricate puzzles require advanced reading skills and logical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and deduction skills through a uniquely interactive mystery.
  • Perfect for: Avid mystery solvers and readers who enjoy complex puzzles and twists.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents to solve an art heist.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together puzzles, pentominoes, and art history, requiring readers to engage with diverse and complex concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It merges mystery with art appreciation, enhancing both analytical and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art enthusiasts who love a cerebral challenge.

• 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 alchemy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated vocabulary and complex plot twists that challenge the reader's comprehension and predictive abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and eager to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy secrets and unraveling mysteries with a touch of humor and fantasy.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel the secrets surrounding her life and her friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's structure and the integration of time travel concepts demand careful reading and thoughtful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of mystery and speculative fiction, offering profound themes about friendship and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and complex narratives that make them think deeply.

• The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of children create an elaborate "Egypt Game" in a backyard storage yard, which leads them to uncover real mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves historical references and a sophisticated plot that requires understanding of cultural and historical contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and teaches about ancient civilizations while weaving a suspenseful and engaging mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and history buffs who love blending learning with fun and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books and you're around 10 years old, you're in for a treat! Mystery books are not just thrilling—they're fantastic for improving your reading skills and sparking your imagination. Here are some fun exercises to help you get the most out of your mystery reading adventures. Let's make reading even more exciting!

• Create a Detective Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook where you write down clues and suspects from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of all the twists and turns in the plot.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after each reading session to keep details fresh.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: Sketch scenes from the book to help visualize the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and memory by connecting words to images.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect drawings; focus on the key elements of each scene.

• Predict the Ending
  • What it is: Guess who the culprit is and how the story will conclude before you finish the book.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how close you were at the end!

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a chart or map that shows how different characters are connected.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex relationships and keeping track of multiple characters.
  • Tips: Use symbols or colors to denote different types of relationships.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Discuss the book with friends or family members who have read it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through perspective-sharing and debate.
  • Tips: Ask each other questions about why characters acted in certain ways or what could happen next.

• Scene Reenactment
  • What it is: Act out a key scene from the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the narrative and character motives.
  • Tips: Assign roles and maybe even dress up as the characters for more fun!

• Mystery Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new words found in the mystery book.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and improves language skills.
  • Tips: Try to use new words in your daily conversation or in writing exercises.

So there you have it! With these exercises, you'll not only enhance your reading skills but also have a blast unraveling the mysteries in your books. Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is to practice regularly and to challenge yourself with new and exciting reading activities. Happy sleuthing, young detective!