Oh, you’re looking for books like Encyclopedia Brown, huh? That boy detective sure has a way with puzzles and mysteries, doesn’t he? Now, if you or a young’un is hungry for more of that, I got a few suggestions that’ll keep that detective spirit going! These books come packed with clues, sneaky characters, and mysteries waiting to be solved. Let’s dig into a list that’s as juicy as a big ol’ bowl of stew.
1. Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
First up, we got Nate the Great. This boy’s a little younger and simpler than Encyclopedia, but he’s sharp as a tack! Nate solves all kinds of mysteries around his neighborhood, from lost pets to stolen paintings. And I’ll tell ya, he loves pancakes about as much as he loves clues! These books are nice and short, so they’re perfect for a quick read before bedtime.
2. Cam Jansen Series by David A. Adler
Now, Cam Jansen’s another kid detective, and she’s got herself a photographic memory! That’s right; just one look and she remembers everything. She goes around solving mysteries with her friend Eric, and they get into all sorts of cases at school, the park, and even the zoo! Kids who enjoy Encyclopedia Brown will love following along as Cam uses her super memory to catch all kinds of sneaky folks.
3. A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
These books cover all the letters of the alphabet, and each one’s got a different mystery! There’s three friends – Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose – and they’re like a little detective team. They start with “The Absent Author” and work their way all the way to “The Zombie Zone.” These are perfect for kids who want something like Encyclopedia Brown but with a fresh twist every time. Plus, they’re nice and easy to read.
4. The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
If you want something a bit more challenging, then the Hardy Boys might be just right. These two brothers, Frank and Joe, get wrapped up in some serious mysteries, from haunted houses to bank heists! The language might be a tad harder for younger readers, but the stories are so exciting they’ll want to keep going. And there’s a whole stack of these books, so they’ll be busy for a while!
5. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
These four siblings are always getting into something mysterious. They start out living in an old boxcar and wind up solving mysteries wherever they go. The Boxcar Children series has that same cozy, small-town feel as Encyclopedia Brown but with a bit of adventure too. Each book has a fresh mystery, so there’s always something new for curious readers.
6. Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene
Now, if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, Nancy Drew might be the ticket. Nancy’s a teenage sleuth, so she’s got more experience under her belt. She tackles mysteries that are a bit tougher, and her stories are full of twists and turns. It’s a great pick for readers who are growing out of Encyclopedia Brown and want a stronger challenge.
7. The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch
Now here’s a fun one. The Secret Series is all about secrets, clues, and mysteries, and the author even keeps their own name a secret! This series is a bit more magical and strange, but it’s full of mystery and suspense that kids who love Encyclopedia Brown might just enjoy. It’s a tad different, but that keeps it fresh, don’t it?
8. Sherlock Holmes Adaptations
Ah, you can’t beat the classic. Now, Sherlock Holmes isn’t exactly for kids, but there’s lots of kid-friendly adaptations out there. Kids who get a kick out of solving cases and noticing details will be thrilled to step into the shoes of Holmes. They’ll learn all about observation and critical thinking, just like Encyclopedia Brown, but with a Victorian twist.
9. Lulu’s Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst
This one’s got a spunky character named Lulu, and while she’s no detective, she’s got a curious mind that leads her to solve a few mysteries. It’s a fun read with a bit of humor, and the writing is simple and playful, just right for younger readers who are growing into mysteries.
10. Sammy Keyes Series by Wendelin Van Draanen
Last but not least, there’s Sammy Keyes. Sammy’s a smart, quick-thinking girl who stumbles into some serious mysteries around her town. This series is a little more modern, with plenty of humor and heart. If a reader loves Encyclopedia Brown but is ready for something a bit more grown-up, Sammy Keyes is the way to go.
There you go! These books should keep any young detective’s mind sharp as a tack and their nose deep in mysteries. Just like Encyclopedia Brown, each of these series has its own charm and plenty of twists and turns. Give one a try, and who knows? You might just find a new favorite detective in the bunch.
Tags：[books like Encyclopedia Brown, children’s mystery books, young detective stories, books for young readers, mystery books for kids, similar books to Encyclopedia Brown, kids detective series]
