Families who loved Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Notebook by Mary Amato 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 feels like they do not quite fit the mold or struggles to express their big ideas in a traditional classroom setting. It is an ideal choice for the young observer who loves mysteries but needs a gentle nudge toward self-confidence and creative expression. The story follows Edgar Allan, a boy who feels ordinary until he uses his unique perspective and a notebook of poetry to solve a classroom mystery. It beautifully balances the logic of an investigation with the emotional depth of finding one's voice. Parents will appreciate how it validates introverted or artistic children while modeling healthy peer collaboration. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful read for children ages 7 to 10 who are navigating the social dynamics of elementary school.
