10+ Best Sherlock Holmes Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect detective stories to spark the imagination of young readers? Look no further than Sherlock Holmes books for 10-year-olds! These tales are tailor-made to captivate curious minds and introduce them to the thrilling world of mystery and deduction. Keep reading to discover a variety of Sherlock Holmes books that are just right for your budding detective.

Fun Sherlock Holmes Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, illustrated by Joseph Ciardiello
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This collection features some of the most famous cases of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they solve mysteries that baffle Scotland Yard.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to classic detective stories in a way that's engaging and not too complex. The illustrations help bring the thrilling plots to life.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and budding detectives.

• The Extraordinary Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, illustrated by David Mackintosh
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime
  • Synopsis: Follow Sherlock Holmes through a series of his most puzzling cases, including the famous "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle."
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great way to dive into the world of detective fiction with stories that are tailored to be accessible for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking.

• Young Sherlock Holmes by Andrew Lane
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This series kicks off with "Death Cloud," where a teenage Sherlock Holmes embarks on his first investigation, uncovering a deadly plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives readers a glimpse into the early life of Sherlock Holmes, filled with action and adventure suitable for their age group.
  • Perfect for: Teens and tweens interested in the origins of famous characters and those who like fast-paced stories.

• Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection: Shadows, Secrets and Stolen Treasure by Stephanie Baudet, illustrated by Arianna Bellucci
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: A lighter take on the classic Holmes stories, this collection is perfect for children, featuring simplified language and fun illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically rewritten for children, making the intriguing world of Holmes accessible to younger audiences without losing the essence of mystery and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to the mysteries genre and fans of illustrated books.

Educational Sherlock Holmes Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles – A Graphic Novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Ian Edginton, illustrated by I.N.J. Culbard
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel adaptation brings to life the eerie and enthralling story of the legendary beast that haunts the Baskerville family. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are on a mission to debunk the supernatural elements and find the real killer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, visual literacy, analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: The graphic novel format makes the complex story of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" more accessible and engaging for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of supernatural mysteries.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars: The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas by Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes teams up with the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of street-smart children, to solve the mysterious death of circus tightrope walkers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, historical context, deductive reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces younger audiences to the Sherlock Holmes universe through the eyes of relatable child characters, making it easier to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mystery and adventure, and those interested in Victorian London.

• Sherlock Holmes: Children’s Stories by John P. Roche
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: This book compiles various adventures of Sherlock Holmes, retold in a simpler language for children to easily grasp the intriguing plots and complex deductions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to classic literature, presented in a child-friendly format that maintains the suspense and challenge of the original stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and logical reasoning.

Challenging Sherlock Holmes Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders by Larry Millett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the icy winter of Minnesota, Sherlock Holmes is called upon to solve the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy businessman during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates complex historical details and advanced vocabulary that are challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intriguing twist by placing the famous detective in an American setting, enriching the reader’s experience with a blend of history and mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and intricate plot lines.

• Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb and Other Cases by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime
  • Synopsis: This collection includes several lesser-known but intriguing cases solved by Holmes, including the bizarre case of an engineer who loses his thumb.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plots and a sophisticated writing style that require careful reading and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It exposes readers to a variety of Holmes’s cases, enhancing their problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate complex stories and developing their detective skills.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows by James Lovegrove
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In this darker take on the Holmes universe, Sherlock investigates supernatural occurrences that lead him into a world of dark arts and looming danger.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel combines Victorian language with complex fantasy elements, offering a challenging read for youngsters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling blend of mystery and fantasy that keeps readers engaged while expanding their imagination beyond traditional detective stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of horror, fantasy, and classic detective work.

• The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes by Jamyang Norbu
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes embarks on an adventure across Asia, solving mysteries in exotic locations, from India to Tibet, after his supposed death at Reichenbach Falls.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces cultural and historical contexts of Asia in the late 19th century, which are likely unfamiliar and complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book takes young readers on a geographical and cultural journey, enriching their knowledge and widening their perspective on global history.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of global history intertwined with mystery.

• Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Holmes and Watson find themselves teaming up with other famous detectives of the era to solve a case involving supernatural forces and mythical creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates elements of horror and supernatural, along with Victorian-era English, which demands higher comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique crossover that introduces young readers to other literary characters while maintaining a gripping, suspenseful plot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy supernatural elements and crossovers from other classic literary works.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the world of Sherlock Holmes can be a thrilling adventure for young readers. To make the most out of this experience, it's important to develop strong reading habits. Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored for 10-year-olds that will not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their engagement with the stories of the great detective.

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook for observations and clues found in the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages attention to detail and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Encourage your young reader to write down at least one interesting observation per chapter.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Drawing maps based on the settings described in the books.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding and visualizing the story’s geography.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils to differentiate between various locations mentioned in the book.

• Character Connection Chart
  • What it is: A chart connecting characters and their relationships with each other.
  • How it helps: Aids in keeping track of the characters and their roles in the plot.
  • Tips: Update the chart after reading each chapter to include new characters.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Making predictions about the plot before reading the next chapter.
  • How it helps: Enhances anticipatory reading skills and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check their accuracy as the story progresses.

• Word Detective
  • What it is: Looking up new or unfamiliar words found in the text.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep a list of new words and their meanings in the detective's notebook.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Scheduled discussions about the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through reflection and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Prepare three questions about the story to discuss after each reading session.

These exercises are designed to make reading Sherlock Holmes not only more educational but also incredibly fun. By engaging in these activities, young readers will develop a deeper understanding of the narratives and characters, while also honing their detective skills. So, grab your magnifying glass and let's start the investigation into the world of literature!