Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco book trailer!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • Read Your World’s AAPI Virtual Panel + 5 Book Bundle Giveaways!
    • I’m doing a Storytime at the 3rd Annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair
    • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books
    • NCSS Virtual Presentation: Farm to Table to Book
    • How Stories Can Help Students Feel Brave and Take Risks – NCTE Boston Presentation
Menu
Mystery Books with Diversity

17 Wonderful Diverse Mysteries for Tweens

Posted on May 25, 2016May 11, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Please welcome my guest blogger today, author Kristen Kittcher! We both came up with our favorite diversity mysteries for kids and I’m surprised how there is very little overlap!

I have a feeling that there are more great mysteries written by authors of color or with protagonists of color or with special needs. Can you help us out with your great suggestions? Thanks so much!

—————

There’s little I love more than reading books about smart, curious, and creative kids—especially if those adventures involve solving high-stakes mysteries that elude adults. So, it’s no surprise that I also love writing about them. My seventh grade best friends and wannabe super-sleuths Sophie Young & Grace Yang certainly go on some wild adventures in my own mysteries for young readers, The Wig in the Window and The Tiara on the Terrace.


But what’s even more wonderful than following the adventures of clever sleuths? When those novels’ heroes truly reflect the diverse spectrum of backgrounds and experiences of the real world!

17 Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18

Here are some of my recommendations to help stock your bookshelves with diverse mysteries for the mystery-loving teens and kids in your life:

The Spaghetti Detectives by Andreas Steinhöfel

This book, which won the German equivalent of the Newbery in 2009, follows the adventures of Rico, who struggles with learning differences, and Oscar, his genius best friend, who together blend their unique views of the world to apprehend a kidnapper. It’s a quirky book—made quirkier by the English translation, perhaps—but it’s a fun mystery that reveals the potential power of differences. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Vanished by Sheela Chari

This exciting tale of mystery, magic, and music follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Neela, who lives in Boston and dreams of being a musician. However, when her veena (a traditional Indian instrument) is stolen, she discovers it has a secret history her family has kept hidden from her. This is a beautifully written, rich, adventurous story that also explores shifting family relationships and friendships – all in a well-paced package that will delight kids. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Jumbies by Tracy Baptiste

I had to include this wonderfully spooky tale based on the Haitian folktale that will have you on the edge of your seat! Skeptical young Corinne LaMer doesn’t put much stock in the island lore about the monsters (Jumbies) who are said to live in the forest – that is, until one comes to her house…. Remarkably, this book manages to subtly examine themes of colonization and rebellion while remaining accessible to very young readers. Though not a traditional mystery, this adventure is plenty mysterious and thrilling. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Great Greene Heist and To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson

Leave it to funny, talented Varian Johnson to manage to set a political thriller around a middle school election with his fantastic heist book featuring clever hero Jackson Greene – not to mention its twisty, exciting sequel in which the wonderfully diverse “Gang Greene” must foil blackmailers. These are fun, fast-paced, clever books that also seamlessly weave in issues of politics and race. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]


Greenglass House by Kate Milford

When suspicious visitors begin showing up at the inn Milo’s parents run and a spate of thefts follows, he and his best friend Meddy try to get to the bottom of the strange mysteries of Greenglass House in this original, beautifully written, and hugely entertaining mystery from Kate Milford that’s also been optioned for film. An adopted orphan of Chinese descent, Milo’s heritage is integral to his identity and journey, as well. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Fake ID by Lamar Giles

A thrilling YA murder mystery with substance about a black teen in the Witness Protection program whose friend was murdered just before uncovering a major conspiracy. Not only did the protagonist win me over with his smarts, skepticism, and humor, but the family drama at its center added an extra layer of depth in this page-turner. [young adult, ages 14 and up]

Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

Legally blind herself, Laura Ellen wove her own experience into this gripping YA thriller about a teen with macular degeneration investigating the murder of a classmate. Not surprisingly, the hero’s experience rings very true and offers an unflinching emotional journey that readers won’t forget. [young adult, ages 14 and up]

Of course, any list is always just a beginning. I could keep going: there’s Siobhan Dowd’s wonderful The London Eye Mystery, featuring an autistic character who solves the mystery of his cousin’s disappearance; Y. S. Lee’s thrilling Agency series, set in Victorian London and centered around a whipsmart half-Chinese protagonist; N.H. Senzai’s Saving Kabul Corner which offers one of the few mysteries I’m aware of that centers around Middle Eastern characters; Kate Messner’s fun ensemble mystery Capture the Flag; Marcia Wells’ art-based mystery Eddie Red Undercover. Given the systemic historic barriers to publishing for writers of color, I recommend you look out for great indie-published mysteries, too: the first book in Brigette Alexander’s art-themed YA Celine Caldwell mystery series that just launched is well worth checking out!



There are more wonderful mysteries from authors of color or featuring protagonists of color that I’m missing – but hopefully, you’ll add your favorites in the comments. I firmly believe that the greater the range of books and experiences on kids’ shelves, the better!


KristenKittscherJacketPhoto (6)

KRISTEN KITTSCHER is the author of bestselling tween mysteries The Tiara on the Terrace and The Wig in the Window (Harper Children’s, 2013) which garnered a starred review from School Library Journal and was on ten Best of the Year lists. A graduate of Brown University and a former middle school English teacher, Kristen was named the James Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence in 2014. She presents frequently at schools, libraries, and festivals and is active in promoting community literacy initiatives in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, Kai. When Kristen is not reading, writing, or teaching, you’ll find her spending time with friends or hiking in the foothills near Pasadena with her dog, Mabel. Visit kristenkittscher.com to investigate more about her or follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@kkittscher).

The Tiara on the Terrace:Inspired by the Tournament of Roses, get ready for parades, pageantry, suspense, and a hefty dose of hilarity as 7th grade spies Sophie Young and Grace Yang trade their high tops for high heels to investigate a deadly crime in this clever Miss Congenialityset in middle school! When the director of the Winter Sun Festival meets an untimely end, it’s up to our favorite savvy, wise-cracking sleuths to solve the case–before they become its next victims.

The Case of the Burgled Bundle: A Mighty Muskrats Mystery by Michael Hutchinson

Review by American Indians in Children’s Literature:

“Here’s my first reason of four to highly recommend this book: Authenticity. The author is Cree, and the setting is a fictional Cree community in what is currently known as Canada, with Cree characters who are believable, likable, and never stereotypical. The mystery confronting the young sleuths is plausible and meaningful in their community (though it can certainly resonate with non-Native readers). The resolution is surprising (to me, at least) but logical and satisfying in that context.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

p.s. Related posts:

Best Mysteries for Kids

Mysteries Surrounding The Lemonade War Series

Children’s Books About Art Mysteries

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

Wonderful Diversity Mysteries for Ages 8-18

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

4 thoughts on “17 Wonderful Diverse Mysteries for Tweens”

  1. Maria Gianferrari says:
    May 25, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Unstoppable Octobia May is one (though it wasn’t my favorite). Susan Vaught’s Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy is wonderful and also features a character with cerebral palsy.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      May 26, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Hi Maria,
      Thanks so much for FOOTER DAVIS PROBABLY IS CRAZY. Sounds like a great book!

      Reply
  2. Katie Logonauts says:
    June 12, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Already have The Jumbies in my TBR stack and excited about exploring the rest. Thanks for including this with #diversekidlit!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 11, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      Hi Katie,
      I hear that there is a Jumbies sequel in the works!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • 21 Children’s Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month May 12, 2025
  • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction! May 9, 2025
  • Today is My Book Birthday for The Traveling Taco & 10 Book GIVEAWAY! May 6, 2025
  • 7 Train Books to get Young Readers on the Right Track + GIVEAWAY! May 5, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books May 2, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT