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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your tween's mind buzzing and engaged? Look no further! Our latest roundup of riddle books for 12-year-olds is packed with puzzles that promise to challenge and entertain. Whether your child is a budding detective or a curious problem solver, these books are designed to sharpen their wits and provide hours of fun. Keep reading to discover our top picks for riddle books that are sure to captivate and stimulate young minds.

Fun Riddle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Puzzle
  • 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. The children must solve a series of puzzles and riddles to save the world from a dire threat.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with brain-teasing puzzles, making it not only fun but also intellectually stimulating for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and who enjoy stories about teamwork and friendship.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter the new town library designed by the world-famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello. What starts as a fun challenge turns into a thrilling escape game with high stakes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, intriguing book that promotes problem-solving and critical thinking, wrapped in a fun, game-like setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy games and puzzles, and stories that are fast-paced and interactive.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box that leads them to investigate a magician's mysterious death and a secret that must remain hidden.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and guessing. It also touches on the importance of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love cracking codes and solving mysteries, and who appreciate a bit of humor with their suspense.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs who are brought together to hear the will of the self-made millionaire, Samuel W. Westing, find that they could inherit his fortune only if they can solve the puzzle of his death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers complex puzzles and an intriguing plot, providing mental stimulation and fostering a love for problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good challenge and young detectives who like to piece together clues.

• The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Winston Breen loves puzzles, and when he finds some strange pieces of wood hidden in an antique box, it leads him and his friends on an unexpected treasure hunt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles that the readers can solve along with the protagonist, making it interactive and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy interactive stories where they can participate in the adventure.

Educational Riddle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When puzzle enthusiast Winston Breen and his friends attend the national Puzzle Day competition, they find themselves caught up in a real-life mystery involving sabotage and a race against time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving skills, teamwork, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines puzzles that the readers can solve themselves with a compelling mystery, making it both challenging and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love brainteasers and mysteries, and those who enjoy competitive scenarios.

• The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Puzzle, Competition
  • Synopsis: Young Gil Goodson competes in the Gollywhopper Games, a series of puzzles and stunts, hoping to win a chance at a new life for his family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, imaginative book that encourages creative problem-solving and resilience in the face of challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling competitions and clever puzzles.

• 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 shrinks them so they can explore the sixty-eight miniature rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago, leading to a series of exciting and mysterious adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, imagination, curiosity about art and culture
  • Why we recommend this book: It magically blends history with adventure, sparking curiosity about art, architecture, and history.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who are fascinated by art and history, and who enjoy a touch of magic in their mysteries.

• Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Stuart Horten, ten-years-old and not-so-tall, moves to a new town only to embark on an adventure involving his great-uncle's mysterious mechanical inventions that lead him on a treasure hunt.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, historical insight, mechanical understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a whimsical story that combines clever puzzles with a heartwarming quest, all while introducing elements of physics and history.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who delight in puzzles and inventions, and those with a penchant for history and adventure.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art heist mystery that involves clever puzzles and coded messages.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art appreciation, problem-solving, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sophisticated plot with intellectual puzzles and introduces young readers to the world of art and art history.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy a challenging mystery with a cultural twist.

Challenging Riddle Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three children from different backgrounds - a street musician, a maid, and a clockmaker's apprentice - find their lives intertwined as they each discover a mysterious and magical artifact in their 19th-century city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together three complex storylines, requiring readers to track multiple characters and plots simultaneously.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical elements with fantasy, providing a rich, multilayered story that encourages deep thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings, intricate plots, and a touch of magic.

• 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 is installed. When both Calder and the sculpture disappear, his friends Petra and Tommy fly from Chicago to help solve the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates art and philosophy into the mystery, requiring readers to think abstractly and make connections between different clues and ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book challenges young minds to think creatively and appreciate the intersection of art and mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, art, and mysteries that go beyond the conventional.

• The Book of Riddles by Fabrice Mazza and Sylvain Lhullier, illustrated by Nicolas Thers
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of complex riddles and puzzles designed to challenge the reader's reasoning and problem-solving skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: The riddles are intricate and require advanced logical thinking, pattern recognition, and lateral thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sharpens critical thinking and provides a fun, engaging way for readers to challenge themselves.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy testing their intellect and problem-solving abilities.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch that has the power of invisibility. He becomes embroiled in an adventure that pits him against a sinister figure determined to possess the watch.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is complex and filled with cryptographic clues and psychological depth, requiring readers to engage with the story on a deeper level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense with philosophical questions about power and morality, offering a rich reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling adventures with a moral depth and complex characters.

• The Emperor's Riddle by Kat Zhang
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Cultural
  • Synopsis: During a family trip to China, Mia Chen becomes involved in a quest to find an ancient treasure related to the Chinese emperor. She must solve riddles and face challenges to uncover the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The riddles are deeply tied to Chinese history and culture, requiring knowledge and analytical skills to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through an engaging and adventurous narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers interested in other cultures and histories, and those who enjoy a good mystery intertwined with real historical elements.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of riddle books, you're in for a treat! Not only are they fun, but they also sharpen your mind. Here are some exercises to help you get the most out of your reading experience. These are perfect for 12-year-olds looking to develop good reading habits while enjoying the twists and turns of riddle books.

• Set 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: Keeps you focused and helps in building a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Discuss the Riddles
  • What it is: Talk about the riddles with friends or family members who are also reading the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows you to see different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to explain the riddle and its solution to someone else; it can deepen your understanding.

• Predict the Outcomes
  • What it is: Before solving a riddle, pause and predict the possible answers.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engages your analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions; it’s fun to see how often you’re right or close to the answer.

• Create Your Own Riddles
  • What it is: Try creating your own riddles based on the themes or characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps you understand how riddles are structured.
  • Tips: Share your riddles with friends or family and challenge them to solve them.

• Visual Mapping of Riddles
  • What it is: Draw or map out the elements of a riddle to visualize the problem better.
  • How it helps: Helps in breaking down complex riddles into manageable parts.
  • Tips: Use diagrams or symbols to represent different elements of the riddle.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about having fun and getting smarter while you're at it. So, grab your riddle book, pick a cozy corner, and let's get cracking on those brain teasers! Happy reading!