Mystery books for 3rd grade: Mystery and Suspense Books

The 8 Best Mystery Books for 3rd Graders

Mystery books are a fantastic way for children to improve their reading skills, enhance their critical thinking abilities, and ignite their imagination. With so many options out there, it can be tough to find the perfect mystery book for your 3rd grader. This article aims to help you explore popular series and standout standalone titles, and offers tips for choosing age-appropriate mystery books for your young reader. Let’s dive into the world of mystery and adventure!

Why Mystery Books are Great for 3rd Graders

Mystery novels are more than just entertaining stories; they offer several benefits for young readers, especially those in the 3rd grade. Let’s examine the advantages of introducing mystery books to your 3rd grader.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Mystery stories often involve puzzles, riddles, and hidden clues that the protagonists must decipher to solve the case. By following along and trying to crack the mystery themselves, 3rd graders learn to think critically and analytically. These essential life skills enable children to develop problem-solving abilities and make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives.

For example, when reading a mystery book, a child may encounter a character who is acting suspiciously. They may begin to question the character’s motives and try to piece together clues to figure out what is really going on. This type of critical thinking can be applied to real-life situations, such as when trying to solve a problem at school or figuring out a difficult math problem.

Encouraging Active Reading

Unlike some other genres, mysteries require readers to pay close attention to details in order to solve the puzzle. This encourages active reading and helps 3rd graders enhance their reading comprehension skills. With each new clue or plot twist, kids become more interested in the story, encouraging them to read more and improve their overall reading abilities.

Furthermore, active reading can also help children develop empathy for the characters in the story. By putting themselves in the shoes of the protagonist, they can better understand the character’s motivations and emotions. This can help children develop stronger social skills and emotional intelligence.

Building Vocabulary and Comprehension

As children read mystery novels, they’ll encounter new words and phrases that expand their vocabulary. This newfound knowledge not only strengthens their language skills but also improves their overall reading comprehension. In addition, understanding complex plots and character relationships will contribute to their ability to grasp complex concepts in other areas of learning.

For example, a child who reads a mystery book may encounter a word like “alibi” or “clue,” which they may not have encountered before. By looking up the definition and understanding how the word is used in the context of the story, they can expand their vocabulary and improve their comprehension skills.

In conclusion, introducing your 3rd grader to mystery books can have a multitude of benefits, from developing critical thinking skills to building vocabulary and comprehension. So next time you’re at the library or bookstore, consider picking up a mystery novel for your young reader!

Top Mystery Series for 3rd Graders

Introducing a mystery series can be an excellent way to foster a love of reading in your child. Not only do these books provide a sense of adventure and excitement, but they also help children develop critical thinking skills as they try to solve the mysteries alongside the characters. Here are some popular choices that will keep your 3rd grader entertained and engaged.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

This classic children’s series follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings who live in an abandoned boxcar in the woods. They solve mysteries together, often involving lost pets, hidden treasures, and family secrets. The Boxcar Children series boasts over 150 books, providing ample opportunities for young readers to develop their love for mysteries. The books also touch on themes of family, friendship, and perseverance, making them a great choice for parents looking for books that teach important life lessons.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene

A spinoff of the original Nancy Drew novels, this series is perfect for 3rd graders who enjoy solving mysteries alongside the young detective. With Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, young readers can join Nancy and her friends as they solve age-appropriate mysteries and face various exciting challenges. The books also feature diverse characters and touch on themes of teamwork and problem-solving, making them a great choice for parents looking for books that promote inclusivity and empathy.

A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy

With 26 books in the series, each one revolving around a letter of the alphabet, A to Z Mysteries follows three friends who tackle mysterious happenings in their town. Packed with adventure, intrigue, and suspense, this series will keep young readers captivated as they hone their reading skills. The books also touch on themes of friendship and loyalty, making them a great choice for parents looking for books that teach important values.

The Hardy Boys Secret Files by Franklin W. Dixon

This modern adaptation of the classic Hardy Boys adventures is ideal for 3rd-grade readers. Each book in the series contains an exciting mystery that Frank and Joe Hardy must solve, often involving codes, riddles, and puzzles. The Hardy Boys Secret Files will inspire kids to become active readers and critical thinkers. The books also touch on themes of bravery and perseverance, making them a great choice for parents looking for books that teach important life lessons.

Introducing your child to these mystery series can be a great way to encourage a love of reading and help them develop important skills and values. Whether your child is a fan of adventure, suspense, or problem-solving, there is a series out there that is sure to capture their imagination and keep them engaged for hours on end.

Standalone Mystery Books for 3rd Graders

Are you looking for a book that will leave your 3rd grader on the edge of their seat? Look no further than these standalone mystery novels. Not only do they offer unique and engaging stories, but they also encourage young readers to think critically and solve puzzles along with the characters.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game, a Newbery Medal-winning novel, is a classic mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Sixteen heirs are pitted against each other in a contest to solve the enigmatic puzzle left behind by the deceased millionaire, Samuel W. Westing. As the group unravels the mystery, readers are treated to a suspenseful tale filled with twists, turns, and surprises.

But The Westing Game is more than just a mystery. It also explores themes of family, identity, and the importance of working together. Your 3rd grader will enjoy trying to solve the puzzle alongside the characters and will be delighted by the unexpected twists and turns.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a thrilling adventure that entertains and encourages young readers to explore the importance of friendship, cooperation, and embracing their unique abilities. Four extraordinarily gifted children are recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict to uncover the truth behind a mysterious plot.

As the children work together to solve the puzzle, they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they discover that their differences are what make them a strong team. Your 3rd grader will love following the characters on their exciting journey and will learn valuable lessons about teamwork and friendship along the way.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

Chasing Vermeer is a unique mystery that combines the appeal of a classic whodunit with elements of art history. Two 6th-grade friends embark on a dangerous adventure to recover a stolen painting and thwart an art thief. Along the way, they must decipher hidden codes and solve puzzles to uncover the truth.

Your 3rd grader will love following the characters on their thrilling adventure and will be fascinated by the art history woven into the story. Chasing Vermeer is a perfect book for young readers who love puzzles and mysteries.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a beautifully illustrated novel that weaves together history, art, and mystery in a way that will captivate readers of all ages. The story follows a young orphan living in a Paris train station, who discovers an intricate automaton that leads him on a thrilling adventure.

Your 3rd grader will be enchanted by the stunning illustrations and will love trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a perfect book for young readers who love history, art, and adventure.

These standalone mystery novels are sure to captivate your 3rd grader and leave them eager for more. Not only do they offer exciting stories and engaging characters, but they also encourage young readers to think critically and solve puzzles. So why not pick up one of these books today and let your child embark on a thrilling adventure?

Tips for Choosing Age-Appropriate Mystery Books

When it comes to selecting the perfect mystery book for your 3rd grader, there are several factors to consider. Not only do you need to think about your child’s reading level, but you also need to ensure that the book’s content is appropriate for their age. Here are some tips that can help you make the best choice for your child.

Assessing Reading Level and Content

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a mystery book for your child is their reading level. You want to select a book that is not too challenging but also not too easy. This will help your child build their reading skills while also enjoying the story. It’s also essential to ensure that the content is age-appropriate. Some mystery books may contain themes that are too mature for young readers, so it’s a good idea to pre-read the book or read reviews to make sure the story aligns with your child’s current stage of development.

For example, if your child is a beginner reader, you may want to look for books with shorter sentences and simpler vocabulary. On the other hand, if your child is an advanced reader, you may want to choose a book with more complex sentence structures and a wider range of vocabulary.

Considering Your Child’s Interests

Another important factor to consider when choosing a mystery book for your child is their interests. Selecting a book that incorporates topics or themes that your child is passionate about can make the story more engaging and inspire your child to delve deeper into the mystery genre.

For instance, if your child loves sports, you may want to look for a mystery book that involves a sports-related mystery. Similarly, if your child is an animal lover, you may want to choose a mystery book with animal characters or a storyline that revolves around animals.

Seeking Recommendations from Teachers and Librarians

Teachers and librarians are fantastic resources when it comes to book suggestions. They can provide you with age-appropriate recommendations that cater to your child’s interests, reading level, and personal preferences. They may also be able to suggest books that align with your child’s school curriculum, which can be an excellent way to supplement their learning.

Overall, with so many fantastic mystery books to choose from, 3rd graders have endless opportunities to enhance their reading experience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By using these tips and suggestions, you can help your child find their next favorite mystery novel and foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

FAQs

How well should 3rd graders be able to read?

3rd graders should be able to read fluently and accurately, with only a few mistakes along the way. You should not have to help your 3rd grader a huge amount to correct pronunciation or explain word definitions.

Who are some good mystery writers for 3rd-grade readers?

Michael Buckley, Walter R. Brooks, and Donald J. Sobol are all good examples of children’s mystery writers.

What are the best mystery books for 3rd graders?

The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler, Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, and Nate the Great by Marjorie W. Sharmat are all good options.

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Eddison Monroe

Writer & Director of Content at RT Book Reviews

Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison’s passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.

Eddison’s writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.

A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.

Latest posts by Eddison Monroe (see all)

20 Must-Read Spooky and Mystery Books for Kids

Ghosts, goblins, and ghastly deeds can be an entertaining hook for finicky readers. This is especially true as campfires and Halloween décor start putting kids in the mood for scary stories. These mystery books for kids  are a wonderful addition to your classroom library.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

Great Chapter Book Mysteries

Scaredy Bat and the Missing Jellyfish: An Illustrated Mystery Chapter Book  by Marina J. Bowman

This detective series is filled with colorful graphics to help younger readers follow along as a child vampire attempts to solve mysteries with her pals.

Case Closed #3: Haunting at the Hotel by Lauren Magaziner

The third installment of this middle grade series is an interactive adventure as readers get to “choose” the next plot elements that happen en route to solving the case. 

Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

An unknown villain imprisons Jessie in his least favorite activity—a video game. And if he can’t figure out how to beat this mysterious culprit, he’ll be stuck in the virtual world.

A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young

Award-winning author Karen Romano Young spins a clever caper around a group of tweens trying to crack a case that may help them prevent their beloved local library from closing.

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Favorite Middle Grade Mystery Books

Aline and the Blue Bottle by Carolina Ugaz-Morán

A Halloween birthday party turns into the beginning of a quest for a young girl who finds out she has magical powers and has to locate a hidden artifact. 

Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon

A group of tweens is drawn into waking versions of their own nightmares in a spooky game of hide-n-seek.

Just South of Home by Karen Strong

A town legend might be the lost key to reuniting a family of this juvenile ghost story set in a fictitious Southern town.

Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega 

Two best friends accidentally cast a spell they must figure out how to reverse before their hometown is doomed. 

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

A girl of Lipan Apache descent has inherited the ability to see the spirits of dead animals—a gift that may help her uncover the truth about her cousin’s death.

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

The first book of the new Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries is a clever caper about a budding tween criminologist attempting to solve a local murder.

Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh

Written by We Need Diverse Books co-founder Ellen Oh, this ghost-filled adventure is well-suited for middle-schoolers.

Awesome Young Adult Mystery Books

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A teenage girl must crack a “whodunit case” in Korea at the beginning of the 19th century.

Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

A teen fiddler uses her secret ability to summon ghosts from their graves in order to help her brother in this new YA read that also includes LGBTQ+ romance as a subplot.

All of This Is True by Lygia Day Penaflor

This contemporary YA mystery is also available in Spanish—ideal for bilingual teens looking for a suspense-filled narrative in their native language.

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

A teen searches for her missing best friend in this gritty urban thriller.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu

Obsession is the driving force behind this fast-paced plot surrounding two besties’ warped connection.

If You’re Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser

Social media is the only lead two high schoolers have when they begin to investigate the disappearance of a friend who seems to have vanished.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones 

A historical setting with a horror twist sets the tone for an eerie story about a teen gravedigger assisting a mapmaker to end an ancient curse.

Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp

Bestselling own voices author Marieke Nijkamp’s latest dark tale involves five teenagers who begin a murder mystery game that goes horribly awry.

White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig

Ex-boyfriend drama ends up being the least Rufus’s worries after he finds his sister at a crime scene—and has only one night to prove her innocence.

What are your favorite mystery books for kids? Share in the comments below.

Plus, our favorite Halloween books !

list of books for children 7-8 years old

Extra-curricular reading for primary school students in grades 1-2 (7-8 years old). In this list, we single out books for the first independent reading, for adults to read to children. It is very important not to scare away the young reader who has taken the book into his hands and is going to overcome it on his own. Let the first books be suitable for the child in terms of content (we choose not too small ones) and in terms of the amount of text (many pictures and not very much text in large print). With each new book, the amount of text can be slightly increased and be sure to help – read a page or two aloud in a “simple” book and read other, more complex texts until the child says: “I myself!”.

Photo @kamyshonok_books

Ungerer Tomi

Adventures of the Hryullops family

850₽ 680₽ Buy

For independent reading. Stories about a family of restless adventurers, Hryullops pigs, building rafts, extracting alternative fuels, exploring caves, being captured by the Indians, repairing engines and … always returning home to mom’s cake. Gorgeous illustrations and a small amount of text – the perfect combination for the first independent reading and a lot of ideas for summer games in the country and in a city apartment.

Anna Taraska

Point with error

750₽ Buy

Fascinating detective about the life of signs and letters. For independent reading.
An investigation into the disappearance of a beloved pet with punctuation marks, numbers, letters as the main characters! The main character, the girl Tochka, goes in search of her pet using notebooks and textbooks. encyclopedias and even music notebooks that are on the bookshelf! This book may well become the first longread of a novice reader.

Dahl Roald

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

850₽ Buy

Reading for adults to children and for independent reading.
A world-famous story from the No. 1 storyteller in the world – Roald Dahl. There is a mysterious chocolate factory owner, mysterious men, exciting adventures, a golden ticket lottery and a lot of magic. But most importantly, the main character! This is the most ordinary boy who unexpectedly falls into this whirlpool of amazing events!

Sokovenina Elena

System errors D.T.

700₽ Buy

Hilariously funny story of friendship between a child and an IT specialist. For adults to read to children and for independent reading.
Do not scold children, they are good! They don’t need to be drunk. As Uncle Tyoma once sawed a bath – with a hacksaw. You have to be friends with them, even if they seem to speak a different language. Uncle Tyoma is an IT specialist, so not everyone understands him either (yes, everyone tries). He’s a strange dude, that is, a man. That’s why Uncle Tyoma gets along so well with Anya. And vice versa. Not that they speak the same language. But there is contact! A child and an IT specialist are friendship forever.

Nilsson Frida

Hedwig is finally going to school! Book One

700₽ Buy

Required reading for those who are going to the first grade or just finished it! And then you can read what happened to the main character in the second grade and what happened next. For independent reading.
A witty and slightly hooligan series of books by the famous Swedish writer Frida Nilsson about a curious, restless, inventive girl Hedwig begins with stories about first-graders and their experiences.

Alexandra Mizelinsky, Daniel Mizelinsky

On the way to Yellowstone

2 800₽ 1 960₽ Buy now

A fun and unique encyclopedia about nature! And the information in it is given not in small print in a boring column, but in the form of a comic book with an exciting plot.
Bison Kuba and squirrel Ulya, residents of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha reserve, at the invitation of a relative of Kuba from Yellowstone, set off on an amazing journey through the national parks of the world. From the book you will learn about the northern lights, thermal springs, deserts, ice, ecosystems and much, much (repeat a hundred times) more.

Posukh Olga

Micro-superheroes. The most invisible

850₽

Coming soon

For adults to read to children and for independent reading.
Does your child like comics? Great! Offer him a science comic drawn and written by Olga Posukh, a biologist and researcher at the Academy of Sciences! A series of her books tells about different animals with amazing abilities. which, at first glance, only superheroes can have.

Olesya Gonserovskaya, Diana Yanbarisova, Alexandra Smirnova

From the nest

900₽ 450₽ Buy

A whole team worked on this book, which included an artist, a biologist and a writer. For independent reading.
For an adult thrush it would be an ordinary day, but Kira is a fledgling. She just fell out of her nest and today is her first big adventure! Watching the story of Kira, her new acquaintances and discoveries, we will learn how this wonderful world works – the world of the forest. You will get answers to a lot of questions. which arise in the forest not only in a child, but also in an adult.

Vostradowska Teresa

Encyclopedia of the mouse: the world big and small

900₽ 450₽ Buy

Colorful travel book with practical tasks. A guide to the wonderful world of nature will be a little mouse who just loves to read encyclopedias and decided to write her own. For adults to read to children and for independent reading.
Travel around the big and small world with the Mouse: study the underground inhabitants, collect a herbarium, try to lure insects to a piece of raw meat, look inside an anthill, learn to distinguish bird trills, catch tadpoles and grow parsley.

Roman Belyaev

How does the bridge work?

950₽ Buy Now

Unusual and not at all boring popular science book about engineering and architecture. For adults to read to children and for independent reading.
She tells the young reader about how bridges work. How they are built, what tasks they solve, where are the most famous and unusual bridges in the world. The author talks about this consistently and clearly, page by page, traveling with the reader through times and countries. The book is available not only to the Russian reader and has been translated into several foreign languages.

NATIONAL CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECT “BOOK OF THE YEAR: CHILDREN CHOOSE”

What is “Book of the Year: Children’s Choice” as an educational project?

Children from 5 to 17 years old who decide to participate in the Project undergo special training and become book experts. Together, child experts from different institutions and cities make up the Children’s Jury. They read and evaluate all competition books. The Children’s Jury is the most honest, critical and incorruptible Jury, because it includes different children: fans of long works and lovers of beautiful large illustrations, children who read a lot, picky children and children who do not like to read much, preschoolers and high school students, as well as elementary school students and teenagers, children from metropolitan schools and children from rural schools, children from the Central region and children from the outskirts of Russia, children of the electronic era and children who do not have a computer. The Children’s Jury consists of about a thousand expert children from different parts of Russia. They have one thing in common – these Children have freely chosen to become book experts, they do not depend on Adults! Adults (parents, teachers) do not interfere in the affairs of children, do not influence their choice of the best books.

What do the children do in the project? “They get acquainted with the novelties of modern children’s literature and get a unique experience: they learn to evaluate a book according to criteria, choose the best books for themselves.

• They have undergone special training and are able to give a reasoned assessment of the book.

• They are guided by the criteria and their impression of the book.

• They responsibly choose the best book for themselves and their peers.

• These are the readers who set fashion in the children’s environment!

• Experts are attentive, critical, honest and discriminating.

Children-experts are given complete freedom of choice! Everyone will learn from them which books are the most fascinating, the most colorful, the most serious, the most unusual, the most touching, the most informative, the most mysterious and the most optimistic.

The rating of the best children’s books in Russia depends on the results of the children’s evaluation of books in the Project.

So, preschoolers and schoolchildren are the main participants in the competition; for the duration of the project, they constitute a special children’s reading movement, which has analogues in Europe and America.

What is Book of the Year: Children’s Choice Book Competition?

This is the only independent book competition in Russia where CHILDREN’S books are judged only by CHILDREN! Only – Children, and only the Children themselves (without the influence and pressure of the world of Adults)! Competitive books are novelties: works of domestic and foreign authors published for the first time in Russian this year for children of the age category from “6+” to “16+”, artistic, educational, famous authors and debutant authors, old texts with new authors illustrations, electronic and audio books.

6 copies of each competition book receive three types of territorial distribution: they are sent to expert children in large cities, small towns and autonomous regions of Russia.

Children evaluate competitive books according to criteria. Each competition book is read by 6 to 100 expert children.

As a result of statistical processing of criteria-based assessments by the Children’s Jury, rating lists of competition books are compiled for several age categories

• books for readers aged 5-6.
• 1st class,
• 2-3 grades,
• 4th class,
• 5-6 grades,
• 7-8 grades,
• grades 9-11.

As a result, shortlists of the best books of the current year, according to the choice of children, are formed – for different age categories.

As a result of statistical processing of criteria-based assessments by the Children’s Jury, rating lists of competition books are compiled for several age categories

• books for readers aged 5-6,
• 1st class,
• 2-3 grades,
• 4th class,
• 5-6 grades,
• 7-8 grades,
• grades 9-11.

As a result, shortlists of the best books of the current year, according to the choice of children, are formed – for different age categories.


Winning book publishers receive an honorary badge of “Best Books of the Year: Children’s Choice”. The shortlists of the Children’s Choice Book of the Year contest are published in electronic and print media, distributed to kindergartens, schools, libraries, children’s centers and bookstores.