Books About Puzzles

The Best Puzzles Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about puzzles? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Puzzles

Ready Player One
Sale price
$3135
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline · Book #1 in the Ready Player One series

In 2045, a virtual treasure hunt turns deadly as rivals vie for control of a digital empire.

480 pages· 132,733 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,349,112 ratings
$33.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 2045, Wade Watts escapes his grim reality by immersing himself in the OASIS, a vast virtual world. When its creator dies, he leaves behind a series of puzzles promising immense wealth and control of the OASIS to the first solver. Wade cracks the initial clue, igniting a fierce competition with ruthless adversaries willing to kill for the prize. As the stakes rise, Wade must navigate a perilous quest filled with pop culture riddles and deadly rivals. Can he outsmart them and claim the ultimate prize, or will he become another casualty in this high-stakes game?
Winterhouse
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Winterhouse

By Ben Guterson, Chloe Bristol (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Winterhouse series

An orphan unravels a hotel's magical secrets, risking everything to break its curse.

370 pages· 76,175 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 13,358 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Orphaned Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she uncovers a magical book of puzzles. As she delves deeper, she learns of her unique connection to the hotel and its dark secrets. With the fate of Winterhouse and her newfound friends at stake, Elizabeth must solve the mystery and break the curse. But will her discoveries come at too high a cost? Adventure and intrigue await in this enchanting tale of magic and mystery.
Last Exit to the End!
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9

Last Exit to the End!

Minecraft Ironsword Academy series

Can they save their digital friend before the server crashes?

144 pages· 15,025 words· Est. 3 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 10 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Morgan and the team face their greatest challenge yet: rescuing their digital friend Eek from a crashing server. Using a medieval fair as cover, they must outsmart the fierce Ender Dragon and the watchful Principal Ferris. Will their daring plan succeed, or will Eek be lost forever? Dive into the thrilling conclusion of the Ironsword Academy series, where the boundaries between the real and digital worlds blur, and every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #5 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

Four kids race through life-sized games to uncover a secret in Lemoncello's new factory.

304 pages· 44,667 words· Est. 5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,627 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Luigi Lemoncello, the master game maker, invites four kids to his secretive Gameworks Factory. Inside, they face colossal challenges like skyscraper Jenga and real-life Chutes and Ladders. The prize? A titanium ticket and a chance to join an elite group vying for Lemoncello's empire. As they navigate these thrilling games, the true mystery of Lemoncello's legacy unfolds. Who will claim the ultimate prize and uncover the hidden secret?
I'm Just a Kid
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2023

I'm Just a Kid

By Chandele Morris, Jeric Tan (Illustrator)

A child learns to manage overwhelming emotions with a little help from Mom.

28 pages· 302 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 238 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ben loves puzzles but struggles with big emotions when things go awry. His frustration often leads to outbursts, leaving him and his mom searching for solutions. In 'I'm Just a Kid,' Ben embarks on a journey to understand and manage his feelings. With his mom's guidance, he discovers mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to calm his anger. Will Ben find the balance he needs to enjoy his playtime without the emotional storms? This story is a vital tool for teaching children emotional resilience and anger management, perfect for parents and educators alike.
Europa
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Europa

By James Ponti · Book #7 in the City Spies series

Spies race to stop a criminal's escape and prevent attacks across Europe.

384 pages· 61,693 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 2,008 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: The City Spies face their toughest mission yet as a criminal mastermind threatens chaos unless freed. Racing through Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, they must solve cryptic codes and unravel clues to prevent disaster. Can they outsmart the villain and keep Europe safe?
The House With No Keys
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

The House With No Keys

By Lindsay Currie · Book #2 in the The Delta Games series

A new escape room tests friendships and reveals hidden secrets.

248 pages· 47,212 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 590 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sarah, Hannah, and West face their toughest challenge yet at The Mystery Mansion, a rival escape room promising a hefty prize. As secrets unravel and trust wavers, can they escape with their friendship intact? With everything on the line, nothing is as it seems, and not everyone plays fair. Will they outsmart the mansion or fall victim to its mysteries?
I Spy Mystery
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

I Spy Mystery

By Jean Marzollo · I Spy series

Solve riddles and uncover hidden objects in captivating photos.

37 pages· 414 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 859 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a world of search-and-find riddles with stunning photographs. From cluttered attics to seas of marbles, each page challenges you to spot hidden objects. Can you become the ultimate I Spy detective?
Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #6 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

Thirteen kids compete for a gaming empire, but sabotage threatens everything. Can they save it?

304 pages· 35,361 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 916 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Kyle Keeley and twelve others face the ultimate challenge to win Mr. Lemoncello's gaming empire. As they navigate thrilling games and puzzles, a mysterious threat looms, aiming to destroy everything Mr. Lemoncello stands for. With imagination and knowledge at stake, can Kyle outsmart the saboteur and claim victory? Journey from the New York Public Library to the exhilarating Lemoncelloland amusement park, where every clue could be the key to saving the empire. Adventure, mystery, and unexpected allies await in this high-stakes race against time. Will Kyle's dreams come true, or will chaos reign?
Trust No One
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Trust No One

By Linda Sue Park · Book #5 in the The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers series

A hidden traitor threatens Amy and Dan's family. Can they uncover the mole before it's too late?

190 pages· 40,444 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 15,397 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his sister Amy face their greatest challenge yet. With seven family members kidnapped by the elusive Vespers, they must uncover a traitor within their ranks. As time ticks away, Amy and Dan race to identify the mole before another hostage falls. Who can they trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? The stakes are life and death, and the siblings must act swiftly to save their family and themselves from a devastating blow.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Puzzles Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about puzzles for preschool and elementary-age readers.

I Spy: A Balloon
Series
Sale price
$399

I Spy: A Balloon

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Solve picture riddles and find hidden objects in a spring-themed adventure.

Twenty Questions
Sale price
$1799

Twenty Questions

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Explore questions with endless answers and discover where they lead.

Fun and Games
#8 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

Fun and Games

Ages 5–7 · 2023

Unicorn and Yeti navigate playful challenges in a magical world of games.

Yasmin the Doctor
Series
Sale price
$595

Yasmin the Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A puzzling illness challenges Doctor Yasmin's detective skills.

The ABC Mystery
Sale price
$1495

The ABC Mystery

Ages 3–7 · 1993

An alphabetical list holds the key to a stolen art mystery.

View all puzzles picture books
Browse by age

Puzzles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about puzzles for developing and independent readers.

The World-Famous Nine
Series
Sale price
$1699

The World-Famous Nine

Ages 9–12 · 2024

Can Zander and Natasha uncover the secrets of The Nine before it's too late?

Escape Room: Game Zero
Sale price
$799

Escape Room: Game Zero

Ages 9–12 · 2026

Trapped in a game, Eden must solve puzzles to escape before losing her life.

View all puzzles chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about curses and spellsBooks about enchanted placesBooks about imaginary placesBooks about popular cultureBooks about problem solvingBooks about utopias