Sir Arthur Conan Doyle invented the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. Since Doyle’s writing is too difficult for most kids, I’ve found alternatives, easier-to-comprehend books for kids and teens related to Sherlock Holmes plus a few other fun goodies as well…
Sherlock Holmes for Kids
Sherlock Holmes in the Hound of the Baskervilles BabyLit® by
Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes (A Stepping Stone Book) by
Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus, illustrated by Paul Galdone
Living with the famous Sherlock Holmes is how Basil learns to be a skilled detective. He must race against the clock to find the kidnapped mouse twins before it’s too late. Kids will love these suspenseful beginning reader mysteries narrated by Basil’s friend, Dr. Dawson.
Sherlock Holmes Activity Book by David Shimmell
My daughter loves the 32 brain teasers in this puzzle book about Victorian London and Sherlock Holmes. Puzzles include hidden pictures, mazes, word jumbles, and memory games.
Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw (ages 6 – 9)
I enjoyed this book very much! It’s about a boy, Rollie, and his friend, Cecily, who receive a mysterious and exclusive invitation to attend a school for budding detectives. Of course, there’s a mystery afoot and Rollie and Cecily are determined to get to the bottom of it. (series)
Sherlock Holmes for Children Audio CD
Brings the world of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to life for children. WOW – we literally couldn’t get out of the car for school one day because we had to see what would happen! I highly recommend this.
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond by Sam Hearn (ages 7 – 10)
This is a decent introduction/adaptation with age-appropriate characters and crime. Meet John Watson, the narrator and the new kid at school, who is befriended by Martha and Sherlock. When their class is on a school field trip, a weird fake-crime happens at the museum only Sherlock discovers it wasn’t a fake crime. In fact, a precious gem was stolen and Sherlock is sure he knows where the thieves hid it. Illustrations and scrap-book style entries make this visually appealing.
The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg (ages 7 – 10)
Kids will love this relatable, interesting story about John Watson who has just moved with his mom to Harlem. He meets a very unique girl named Shelby Holmes who reluctantly allows him to tag along with her as she solves her latest crime — who took a posh, show-dog from a classmate’s secure house.
The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Saddleback’s Illustrated Classics) by
The Case of the Left-Handed Lady: An Enola Holmes Mystery (series) by
Sherlock, Lupin & Me: The Dark Lady by Irene Adler (ages 8 – 12)
I totally love this story — so does my 11-year old! The setting is late 1800s, France. The heroes? Three best friends, one of whom just happens to be Sherlock Holmes. Only in this story, he’s a young boy. You’ll fall in love with the spunky, Irene Adler, our author and junior detective as she and her best friends seek to solve the small beach town’s greatest mystery.
The Chess Queen Enigma A Stoker & Holmes Novel series by Colleen Gleason (YA)
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in the Stoker and Holmes series. The main characters, Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes, become entrenched in the mystery of a missing chess queen that is thought to unlock treasures and power.
Fire Storm (Sherlock Holmes: The Legend Begins) by Andrew Lane
I’ve read two books in this series and really love them — it’s so interesting to read Lane’s version of an adolescent Sherlock who is developing his skills and passion for solving mysteries. This series is well-written and very entertaining.
A Study in Sherlock Candle
A Study in Sherlock candle combines scents of rich mahogany, genuine leather, fresh coffee and a hint of tobacco. Sounds awful to me — what do you think?
Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty (YA)
Miss James “Mori” Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes are in high school and compete to solve crimes. I haven’t read this series yet but I can’t wait to give it a go.
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallari (YA)
This Watson, Jamie, is the direct descendant of that John Watson and it’s no coincidence that he’s at the same boarding school as Charlotte Holmes who is the descendant of Sherlock Holmes. When the two are framed for the murder of a classmate both hated, they pair up to solve the crime themselves. But more crimes are committed, each with a nod to their ancestor’s famous stories, and neither can figure out who is doing it. Is there a Moriarty around? If you’re like me and an Arthur Conan Doyle fan, you’ll LOVE the details that pay tribute to the original stories! This book does mention sex and drugs.
Sherlock Homes for Dummies by Steven Doyle and David. A Crowder
This is an easy-to-read tome of everything Sherlock from information about the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the many adaptations and interpretations of the character. I found it very useful to sort out what was really authentic to Doyle’s Sherlock and what were later additions by actors (the kind of pipe he smoked) or incorrect lore.
Sherlock: Season 1 (Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman)
This is one of the BEST scripts and developed programs for television I’ve ever seen — I LOVE this show! Yes, it’s worth owning. As far as age-appropriateness, I would suggest 13 and up due to language and content. Obviously it’s a personal call depending on what your family is comfortable with . . . If you like this show, you’ll want to go to the fan site, Sherlockology.
Anna says
This is a great list! Just a heads up, I really wouldn’t consider House of Silk to be YA– it’s solidly adult, IMO, with some very mature themes of violence and sexual abuse. Good book, but not one I would let my daughter read until she was at least 16.
Melissa Taylor says
Thank you so much, Anna, for telling me since clearly not one that I read myself. I’ll update the post right now.
Rita Lynn McKenzie says
Melissa, I’ve looked at several of the books you’ve recommended and reviews don’t seem to agree. Such as, https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/1562549006/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&showViewpoints=0
The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (SAddleback’s Illustrated Classics)
Classic Starts Sherlock had many edit problems.
Have you looked at the Puffin Classics Sherlock Holmes series?
Melissa Taylor says
I haven’t considered the Puffin classic books since I was going for children’s and YA adaptations here. I’m not totally sure what you mean by the reviews don’t agree but I’ve read all but one of the books listed, the Lock and Mori book. Can you clarify?
Sara says
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars by Tracy Mack is a great series for middle-grade to junior high readers!
Melissa Taylor says
GREAT — thanks so much for the suggestion!!
Selena @ Look! We're Learning! says
Thanks for this list! I was wanting to introduce my 11-year-old to Sherlock Holmes and these look like awesome resources!
Elodie says
There is The Baker Street Boys series by Anthony Read. The Book People used to sell them as a box set.
Melissa Taylor says
Thanks! I discovered that this series is out of print — at least for us in the U.S. — which is why I didn’t include it. Did you like the series?