Families who loved A Star Witness by Carolyn Keene often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is ready to transition from early readers to longer chapter books and has a budding interest in science or logic. It is perfect for children who love to ask why and enjoy solving puzzles alongside relatable, curious characters. While part of a series, this story stands alone as a celebration of girls in STEM and the power of observation. In this adventure, Nancy and her friends visit a high-tech planetarium where a famous astronomer is scheduled to reveal a major discovery. When things go wrong, the girls must use their teamwork and critical thinking skills to figure out the truth behind the cosmic mystery. It is an engaging, low-stakes mystery that emphasizes that girls can be both tech-savvy and adventurous. It is ideal for ages 6 to 9 as a bridge to more complex middle-grade fiction.