The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)

By Ellen Raskin

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • Ellen Raskin's unforgettable, timeless classic continues to be cherished by young readers of each new generation.

"Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review

A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Sam Westing may be dead ... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!

Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense.

Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award • An ALA Notable Book

BUY THE BOOK

Published Apr 12, 2004

192 pages

Average rating: 7.12

160 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

K Olson
Jan 14, 2025
8/10 stars
Loved the humor.
Cindy Huskey
Jul 25, 2026
4/10 stars
I don’t get all the 4- and 5-star reviews. It makes me wonder if we read the same book.
Ambergypsy
Jun 22, 2026
8/10 stars
A superb children's detective mystery story! [Newbery Award]
raeallic
Oct 09, 2025
6/10 stars
I really enjoyed this read. It was a bit convoluted, with too much info, and too many points of view. But! Well worth the entertainment.
Susanj882
Aug 21, 2025
9/10 stars
Clever and keeps you hooked. Quick read too.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.