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The world of mystery and detective children's book has truly grown over the many years. For many, Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy, Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown have been the entry for these stories. Here are some newer takes on mysteries and young detectives.
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Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Myrtle Hardcastle lives in a quiet English town. Nothing interesting ever happens there until one night her neighbor, a talented botanist, is found dead. Myrtle is serious this was no accident. To prove it to everyone, she will uncover this mystery of the deceased botanist. This is a read that is full of great detail and is the start of a very well written mystery series, The Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries.
Framed by James Ponti
Young Florian has just moved to Washington, D.C. and has created a system to help him understand this town and get around. He calls it T.O.AS.T., The Theory of All Small Things. After sharing this with a new friend they may have accidentally discovered the clues to a mystery at the National Gallery. Now, agents of the FBI want Florian and his T.O.A.S.T. to help solve the case. In this character driven mystery, discover spots you may know of in Washington, D.C. with Florian and his friend Margaret.
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
In her debut book, Blue Balliett has woven an interesting story of two kids who are highly intrigued and knowledgeable of the artist Vermeer. Follow along with Petra and Calder as they combine their smarts, talents and ingenuity to solve puzzles and uncover a long-standing mystery surrounding a missing painting of the famed artist. This is a story that the author took pride in developing as a true mystery, connecting to her interest of the art world.
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs
A genius with codes and not yet old enough to start working, Charlene "Charlie" Thorne is recruited by the FBI to help locate a special equation. Albert Einstein's last equation could save the world or destroy it; it is now left up Charlie to find the equation before it falls into the wrong hands. This is a fast-paced story that has incredible journeys and problem-solving skills that any young mystery lover could enjoy.
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
A fan of the Scavenger hunt game created by her idol, Emily and her family has moved to San Francisco. She is now in the hometown of Garrison Griswold, where she can't wait to really participate in the great Book Scavenger hunt. After making a friend, Will, who is also a fan of the Book Scavenger it is reported that Garrison Griswold had been mugged and is in a coma. Emily and Will find themselves now in the thrall of great mystery and treasure hunt. This is an enticing and puzzling mystery full of clues, readers can follow along with.
About the Author
Mark is a Children's Librarian at the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library. He loves to provide suggestions to kids on their next reads, if it is fantasy be prepared of an armful of books. Besides his love for fantasy material of all age groups, Mark is also well acquainted with skills in visual & sewing arts. Outside of work he may be holed up in his personal makerspace for a whole weekend in his home in Maryland with his two dogs laying down at his feet.