Donald J. Sobol was an American author best known for his popular children's mystery series Encyclopedia Brown. He created clever puzzles that empowered young readers, notably in titles like Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective.
If you enjoy reading books by Donald J. Sobol then you might also like the following authors:
Ron Roy writes fun, engaging mysteries that invite young readers to piece clues together along with the characters. His series A to Z Mysteries follows three friends—Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose—as they tackle curious cases in their small town.
Like Sobol, Roy writes clear, clever puzzles that give young mystery lovers a satisfying sense of accomplishment at the end.
Gertrude Chandler Warner created gentle, accessible mysteries with warm, family-focused themes. Her book, The Boxcar Children, introduces four resourceful siblings who take care of each other while facing adventures and solving intriguing mysteries.
Readers who enjoy Sobol's thoughtful problem-solving and team-oriented storytelling will appreciate Warner's comforting, upbeat approach.
Franklin W. Dixon is the pen name behind the popular Hardy Boys mysteries. These classic books feature brothers Frank and Joe Hardy as they unravel exciting mysteries cleverly layered with clues and excitement.
Fans of Sobol's logical puzzle-solving and vibrant characters will find Dixon's adventures similarly inviting and enjoyable for younger readers.
Carolyn Keene, the name behind the beloved Nancy Drew series, offers exciting stories filled with mystery-solving, ingenuity, and courage. Nancy Drew is a spirited young detective tackling puzzling cases with determination and resourcefulness.
Readers who like Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown will appreciate Keene's clever, resourceful protagonist and well-crafted mysteries.
Ellen Raskin creates smart, witty mysteries built on logic and clever codes. Her award-winning book The Westing Game involves quirky, relatable characters solving a puzzling inheritance-based mystery loaded with intriguing clues and twists.
Fans of Sobol will enjoy Raskin's lively puzzle-solving and engaging storytelling that challenges readers to think carefully alongside the characters.
E. L. Konigsburg writes mysteries and adventures that blend puzzles and intriguing plots with interesting characters. Her book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler follows two siblings who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
They soon find themselves solving an unexpected art mystery. Konigsburg's style is clever and thoughtful, and she explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and curiosity.
Trenton Lee Stewart combines inventive mysteries with puzzles and riddles that challenge young readers. In his book The Mysterious Benedict Society, four gifted children are recruited to join a secret mission.
Together, they must solve tricky clues, navigate suspenseful adventures, and ultimately save the world. Readers who appreciate Donald J. Sobol’s logical thinking puzzles and engaging plots will enjoy Stewart's storytelling style and quirky characters.
Chris Grabenstein creates entertaining mysteries filled with playful puzzles and a humorous style. His book Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library involves a group of kids who must solve inventive puzzles to make their way out of an unusual, adventure-filled library.
Fans of Sobol will enjoy the mix of logic puzzles, riddles, and wit that Grabenstein weaves into his fast-paced stories.
Stuart Gibbs writes engaging mysteries and adventures full of humor, sharp dialogue, and relatable characters. In his novel Spy School, a clever but awkward middle-schooler is recruited to train as a spy.
He must rely on his brains and courage to solve puzzles, unravel conspiracies, and survive dangerous situations. Gibbs' books offer plenty of suspense and laughs, making them appealing to readers who like Sobol’s clever, problem-solving storytelling.
Blue Balliett writes unique mystery novels that incorporate art, puzzles, and clues, engaging readers through logic and observation.
Her novel Chasing Vermeer takes readers on an intriguing investigation into a stolen painting, exploring art history, math puzzles, and cryptic messages.
Balliett's thoughtful and creative approach to mystery-solving will resonate with readers who enjoy Donald J. Sobol's engaging puzzle-solving style and smart characters.
If you've enjoyed Donald J. Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, you'll probably like David A. Kelly's stories too. Kelly writes fun and entertaining mysteries for younger readers. His books invite readers to try and solve the puzzle together with the characters.
A great series to explore is The Ballpark Mysteries, where two friends solve mysteries at different baseball parks, blending sports excitement with clever detective clues.
Mac Barnett is a fantastic storyteller known for his humorous style and surprising twists. He captures the quirky and fun vibe that fans of Donald J. Sobol will appreciate.
One of Barnett's books, The Brixton Brothers: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, offers clever jokes, unexpected turns, and playful nods to classic detective fiction. It's perfect if you're looking for humor and mystery combined.
James Preller creates approachable mysteries that younger readers can easily relate to, much like Donald J. Sobol did. His series Jigsaw Jones Mysteries features kid detective Jigsaw Jones solving playful, everyday mysteries at school and in his neighborhood.
Simple clues and engaging puzzles make these books enjoyable for readers who love friendly, lively detective stories.
James Ponti's books offer exciting stories filled with witty dialogue, clever deductions, and intriguing puzzles. Like Sobol, Ponti writes mysteries that encourage readers to think along with the characters to unravel each case.
His novel Framed!, about a kid detective named Florian Bates who helps the FBI solve crimes through his observation skills, is smart, fast-paced, and genuinely enjoyable.
Kate Milford writes books that combine mystery with a vivid sense of place and adventure. Her style mixes intriguing puzzles with richly drawn characters and settings that feel real and inviting.
Fans of Donald J. Sobol who like some depth to their mysteries will enjoy Milford's Greenglass House, a snowy mystery set in an old inn filled with fascinating guests, hidden secrets, and a captivating atmosphere.