Problem Solving Books for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links.

An important skill I think is vital to teach to kids is problem solving. Life is full of problems that need solving, so the better we can prepare kids for this world, the better off they will be in this world.

I am trying hard to teach my kids to be leaders and problem solvers, people who are not afraid to jump in and help when they see a need and do their part. This is not always an easy skill to teach!

One way I teach problem solving is through the books we read. Books can be such a positive (or negative!) influence on how kids think. Today I have compiled a list of problem solving chapter books for kids. All of these books have themes that have kids solving a problem in creative and ingenious ways. I love having my kids read books like this because it encourages my own kids to think in creatively. Problem solving is a necessary skill for kids to start learning at a young age. People who know how to solve problems easily and in creative ways will be better leaders now and in the future.

Problem Solving Books for Kids

The 39 Clues, a series by various authors tells of 2 kids who travel the world on an adventure hunting clues to that lead to the family fortune.

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein is a library adventure lie no other! A group of kid are chosen to stay in the new fantastic library overnight and can only escape by discovering all of the clues.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Candy Shop Wars by Brandon Mull – My son says the second one in the series is the best on this topic.

Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner (read my Review)

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss is a story about a 12-year-old girl who joins a geocaching style game with books that lead to coded clues around the country.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

The Genius Files by Dan Gutman

Hatchet by Gary Paulson is about a boy who learns to survive on his own in the wild.

You can find many of these on Audible!