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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 10-year-old on the edge of their seat? You've come to the right place! Our roundup of thriller books for 10-year-olds is packed with stories that blend mystery, adventure, and suspense in just the right measure for young readers. Dive in as we explore various captivating books that promise to be instant hits with the young thrill-seekers in your life. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Thriller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Thriller
  • 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 brain-teasing puzzles and mysteries that will keep young readers hooked while improving their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and secret missions.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, along with other children, must solve puzzles and riddles to escape from the new town library, designed by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines the thrill of a mystery with the joy of a scavenger hunt, encouraging creative thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young gamers and puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• 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 that leads them on a thrilling adventure involving a magician's diary, a secret society, and an immortality potion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a perfect mix of humor, mystery, and adventure, making reading fun and engaging for kids.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy secrets and solving mysteries.

• Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Young detective Nancy Drew embarks on a quest to find a missing will after the death of a local townsman, uncovering secrets and facing danger along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the thrill of detective work and the satisfaction of solving a challenging case.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of classic mystery stories.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs compete to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's will, discovering secrets about themselves and each other in the process.
  • Why we recommend this book: This clever puzzle-filled book enhances critical thinking and encourages readers to piece together various clues.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mysteries and games, and who enjoy stories with a large cast of characters.

Educational Thriller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, the siblings tackle an exciting and dangerous mystery that takes them across the city in a race against time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, geography of London, understanding of Asperger syndrome
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a suspenseful plot with a unique narrator who sees the world in a special way, making it not only thrilling but also enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and those interested in seeing the world from a different perspective.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art heist and uncover a century-old mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, art history, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about the importance of art and history, and how both are woven into our present.
  • Perfect for: Young art lovers and budding historians who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• The Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game where books are hidden and clues to find them are left behind. This leads them on a thrilling adventure across San Francisco.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cryptography, historical knowledge, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic blend of literature and adventure, ideal for encouraging exploration and cooperative problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love books, treasure hunts, and code-breaking.

• Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, & a Very Strange Adventure by Lissa Evans
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Stuart Horten, ten years old and small for his age, moves to a new town only to find himself on a quest involving his great-uncle's mysterious, magical inventions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, history of magic and inventions, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks curiosity about how things work and the history of magic and invention, all wrapped up in a thrilling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and magicians in the making, and anyone who loves a good mystery with a dash of history.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into the old stone house on Linden Street, she finds out that the paintings on the walls hold mysterious shadows and secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, art appreciation, courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating blend of art, mystery, and fantasy that encourages readers to think creatively and face their fears.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong female protagonist and a touch of magic.

Challenging Thriller Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: During winter break, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a series of odd, secretive guests at Greenglass House, a smugglers' inn. Together with his friend Meddy, Milo uses old maps, strange stories, and other clues to uncover the secrets of the inn.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of identity, adoption, and belonging, with sophisticated language and intricate plot twists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed setting and a deeply layered mystery that enhances critical thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good, twisty mystery with a cozy, atmospheric setting.

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In 1952, Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London where she befriends Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. Together, they discover Benjamin's father's apothecary shop is a front for a magical, ancient network of spies. They are drawn into a dangerous adventure involving a nuclear threat and magical books.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines historical context with complex scientific and alchemical concepts, requiring readers to engage with both the historical and fantastical elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends history, science, and magic in a way that stimulates the imagination and educates about a significant historical era.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and scientists who like their adventures with a dose of magic and espionage.

• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in 1665 London, Christopher Rowe, an apothecary apprentice, finds himself embroiled in a deadly puzzle involving secret codes, alchemical concoctions, and a series of murders.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is filled with complex puzzles and codes, along with accurate historical and scientific details that require careful reading and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride through a historical setting, combining cryptography, chemistry, and a fast-paced plot to keep readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cracking codes and aren't afraid of a little historical intrigue.

• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Thriller, Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Steve's baby brother is ill, and his family is dealing with the stress differently. When a mysterious wasp queen offers to “fix” the baby, Steve must confront the creepy, unnatural forces around him.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative deals with complex themes of family, illness, and the ethical implications of making difficult choices, presented through a chilling, suspenseful story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, thought-provoking tale that combines real-life fears with supernatural elements, encouraging readers to think about morality and personal strength.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a spine-tingling story with deep, emotional themes.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In an alternative 19th-century England overrun with wolves, cousins Bonnie and Sylvia face cruel Miss Slighcarp who has taken over Willoughby Chase. They must survive and reclaim their home through courage and resourcefulness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's setting in an alternate history presents a unique narrative challenge, alongside rich language and complex character dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling, adventurous plot with brave protagonists, providing a fun and engaging way to learn about resilience and resourcefulness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings with a fantastical twist and strong, heroic characters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of thriller books for 10-year-olds, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books packed with suspense and adventure, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop strong reading habits. Here are some fun exercises to enhance your reading experience and make the most out of every page turn:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time or how many pages you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading schedule and builds reading stamina.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember key plot points and characters.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and fun; use bullet points or doodles to make them more engaging.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what you think will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement with the text and stimulates critical thinking.
  • Tips: Share your predictions with a friend or family member who is also reading the book, and see who gets closest to the actual plot.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write about why.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection to the story and enhances empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to pick different characters in each book you read to expand your understanding of various traits and behaviors.

• Visual Vocabulary
  • What it is: Create a visual vocabulary list with new words from the book along with their meanings and illustrations.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and makes learning new words more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to illustrate each word in a way that helps you remember its meaning.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your thriller books more, but you'll also build skills that are essential for becoming a proficient reader. So, grab your book, pick your favorite spot, and let the adventure begin!