Synopses & Reviews
The eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times Lucky
Mo LoBeauone half of the (probably) world-famous Desperado Detective Agencyis back!
When Miss Lana winds up the mortified owner of an old inn with an unidentified ghost in the fine print, Mos itching to take the case. Plus, a historical ghost might make for some much needed Extra Credit in history. Whos haunting the old inn? And why? Mo and Dale set out to solve their second big caseonly to find the inn might not be the only thing in Tupelo Landing haunted by the past.
A laugh out loud, ghostly, Southern mystery that can be enjoyed by readers visiting Tupelo Landing for the first time, as well as those who are old friends of Mo and Dale.
"A rollicking sequel." Wall Street Journal
"An irresistible Southern narratora literary descendant of Scout Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird." Newsday on Three Times Lucky
Review
"What do you get when you combine Because of Winn-Dixie's heart with the mystery and action of Holes?...a wickedly awesome tale of an 11-year-old girl with more spirit and gumption than folks twice her age. Mo LoBeau is destined to become a standout character in children's fiction."
Review
"Here is a writer who has never met a metaphor or simile she couldn't put to good use...But it's Mo's wry humor that makes this first novel completely memorable."
Review
"Turnage's lively novel features a distinctive voice and a community of idiosyncratic characters."
Review
"Quick-thinking and precocious Mo LoBeau is hilarious in this modern-day mystery...this book will leave readers hoping for more books about Mo and her gang."
Review
"A dandy mystery...Humor sweetens the mix, making Tupelo Landing a pleasant place to stay for a spell."
Review
"Mo's deadpan colloquial narration is robust and often humorous...Mystery lovers and fans of titles like Di Camillo's Because of Winn-Dixie (BCCB 6/00) or Klise's Grounded (BCCB 1/11) will definitely want to set a spell with Mo."
Review
"A vivid, multilayered story which will appeal to both skilled and reluctant readers of either gender. Elements of mystery, romance, secret identities, and long-unspoken small-town secrets blend into a literary stew that becomes compulsively readable as so many tales alternately unravel and combine."
Review
«“A wickedly awesome tale…Mo LoBeau is destined to become a standout character in children’s fiction.”—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Spunky and hilarious, eleven-year-old Mo LoBeau is one of my newest favorite heroines. Three Times Lucky will make everyone want to ride his or her own hurricane all the way to Tupelo Landing, just to join the fun.”—Ingrid Law, Newbery Honor-winning author of Savvy
«“Turnage’s lively novel features a distinctive voice and a community of idiosyncratic characters.”—Booklist, starred review
Review
"The heroine of Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky is so plucky that young readers may wish she lived next door."
Review
"An irresistible Southern narrator--a literary descendant of Scout Finch of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'"
Review
"Pitch-perfect description and dialogue. . . A rousing adventure with double the heart."
—Kirkus, starred review
"Tapia's first book for younger readers creates a tapestry rich with characters whose language is as unique as the townspeople themselves. . . A story that children will find delightfully engaging."
—School Library Journal
"Tapia creates a smart and hilarious story likely to engage a wide range of middle-grade readers."
—Booklist Online
Review
Praise for Three Times Lucky
* “A wickedly awesome tale…Mo LoBeau is destined to become a standout character in childrens fiction.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “Turnages lively novel features a distinctive voice and a community of idiosyncratic characters.”—Booklist, starred review
* "Here is a writer who has never met a metaphor or simile she couldn't put to good use."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Spunky and hilarious, eleven-year-old Mo LoBeau is one of my newest favorite heroines. Three Times Lucky will make everyone want to ride his or her own hurricane all the way to Tupelo Landing, just to join the fun.”—Ingrid Law, Newbery Honor-winning author of Savvy
"A dandy mystery...Humor sweetens the mix, making Tupelo Landing a pleasant place to stay for a spell."—Horn Book
"Mo's deadpan colloquial narration is robust and often humorous...Mystery lovers and fans of titles like Di Camillo's Because of Winn-Dixie (BCCB 6/00) or Klise's Grounded (BCCB 1/11) will definitely want to set a spell with Mo."—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The heroine of Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky is so plucky that young readers may wish she lived next door."—Wall Street Journal
"An irresistible Southern narrator—a literary descendant of Scout Finch of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'"—Top 12 Children's books of 2012, Newsday
"This book will leave readers hoping for more books about Mo and her gang."—School Library Journal
Review
Praise for The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
* "This sequel shines." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "The perspicacious Mo LoBeau is at it again!" —School Library Journal, starred review
* “Turnage's ability to create convincing characters and her colorful use of language combine to make this a fresh, droll, rewarding trip to Tupelo Landing.”—Booklist, starred review
* "The budding detective has clearly taken to heart something her foster mother always emphasizes: 'All the world's a stage, sugar, so hop on up there.'" —Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "We certainly hope there is more to come from the Desperado Detectives." — BCCB, starred review
"A rollicking sequel." —Wall Street Journal
Junior Library Guild Selection
SIBA “Okra Pick” for best Southern-flavored literature
Bookpage Most Anticipated Childrens and Teens Books of 2014
Review
"Character and events are well written and intriguing. Genuine’s frustration over the dilemma of being able to help everyone but her own family is well crafted...authentic and unique.”
—School Library Journal
"A folksy first-person narration combined with a thought-provoking storyline makes this a good pick for solo enjoyment or book club discussion."
—Kirkus
"Harkey has accomplished something great in this book—readers will learn how almost anything can be done with a wish biscuit in hand."
—VOYA
"Harkey adroitly and wisely metes out the folksiness, using it to add depth to her characters and create a sense of place so that Gen and her community feel both believable and likable...Give this to readers who want a poignant story that, like its heroine, is genuinely sweet."
—Bulletin
Review
“What a splendid novel. Reader, be prepared to have your foundations shaken: this is a world that is deeper, more wondrous, more spiritually charged than you may have ever imagined.”
—Gary D. Schmidt, two-time Newbery Honor medalist and author of The Wednesday Wars
“Oh, wow! Hoodoo may just be the perfect book for a rainy day. Find a dog that will sit with you . . . and read on to your heart’s content. What a fun discovery!”
—Nikki Giovanni, poet and award-winning author of Rosa
“I loved this book. Told by a narrator you won’t soon forget, it is filled with myth and legend, danger and bravery. Hoodoo is pure folk magic, if you didn’t know.”
—Keith Donohue, New York Times best-selling author of The Stolen Child"The authenticity of Hoodoo's voice and this distinctive mashup of genres make Smith one to watch. Seekers of the scary and "something different" need look no further."
—Kirkus
"The chilling supernatural Southern Gothic plot action is enhanced by atmospheric description of rural life in Depression-era Alabama...Readers will particularly enjoy Hoodoo's authentic and engaging narrative voice."
—School Library Journal
"Hoodoo's first-person narrative, which flows beautifully, has an appealing and natural cadence...Through his protagonist, Smith demonstrates an eye for detail and a knack for evocative imagery as well as for telling a riveting story with a dollop of southern gothic appeal."
—Booklist
"Filled with folk and religious symbols, this creepy Southern Gothic ghost story is steeped in time and place. Hoodoo's earnest first-person narrative reveals a believable innocent who can 'cause deeds great and powerful.'"
—Horn Book Magazine
Review
"Family secrets, an unsolved bank robbery, summer on a lake, a treasure island and a first romance are the ingredients for this inviting middle-grade mystery. . . . A promising fiction debut."
—Kirkus "Bullard has a good sense of family and community dynamic and articulates complex conflict and resolution with honesty and humor. . . . With a warm narrative, careful plotting, actual danger, and the beginnings of romance, this adventure has something for everyone."
—Booklist "Through strong character development, Bullard is able to explore family dynamics in a way that is both relatable and informative. Fans of books like Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky are sure to enjoy this suspenseful and heartwarming novel."
—School Library Journal
Synopsis
Newbery honor winner, New York Times bestseller, Edgar Award Finalist, and E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor book.
A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a cafe owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous cafe hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee."
Synopsis
A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.
Synopsis
A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.
Synopsis
A hilarious, eccentric young middle-grade novel narrated by twins Jimmy and Stella about their campaign to save the town of Wymore (pop. 49) by restoring the amazing Hippomobile. Comic flourishes include far-out diner slang, with explanatory footnotes.
Synopsis
There are many stories about kid crusaders who save something, but none like this one. With steampunk, tall tale, and just plain silly elements, the story of how ten-year-old twins Jimmy and Stella found out about the unique vehicle called the hippomobile, learned its history, and then used it to rescue their beloved town of Wymore is an original variant on a tried and true theme. A cast of wildly eccentric characters, most of whom are the twins' forty-seven grandmas and grandpas; a liberal sprinkling of diner slang and odd colloquial phrases, many explained in footnotes; and a sense that the events described never took place but could have are among the surprising ingredients of this unconventional creation. The fact that there really was a hippomobile with its own history doesn't interfere with the fun.
Synopsis
Savvy meets Three Times Lucky in Faith Harkeys debut novel--a small-town-Georgia tale of twelve-year-old Genuine Sweet, a hardworking but poor (and hungry!) “wish fetcher” who can grant anyones wishes but her own.
Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Genuine Sweet, of tiny Sass, Georgia, can grant any wish . . . except her own. It's a peculiar predicament, considering how much she could use a few wishes. New friends help Genuine give her family a boost--and then she takes her gift global! Life finally seems to be on the mend. But when she's faced with unexpected trouble that no amount of wishing can fix, Genuine must puzzle out the difference between wishing for a better life and building one.
Told in the engaging, irresistible voice of Genuine Sweet herself, Faith Harkey's debut novel spins a remarkable tale of a small-town girl with big-time magic and an even bigger heart.
Synopsis
With this vivid debut, Zora Neale Hurston meets Stephen King in a supernatural Southern Gothic tale for middle grade readers.
Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Hoodoo Hatcher was born into a family with a rich tradition of practicing folk magic: hoodoo, as most people call it. But even though his name is Hoodoo, he can't seem to cast a simple spell. Then a mysterious man called the Stranger comes to town, and Hoodoo starts dreaming of the dead rising from their graves. Even worse, he soon learns the Stranger is looking for a boy. Not just any boy. A boy named Hoodoo. The entire town is at risk from the Stranger’s black magic, and only Hoodoo can defeat him. He’ll just need to learn how to conjure first. Set amid the swamps, red soil, and sweltering heat of small town Alabama in the 1930s, Hoodoo is infused with a big dose of creepiness leavened with gentle humor.
Synopsis
Thirteen-year-old Trav feels like a fish out of water in rural Minnesota in this funny mystery about a boy who discovers his dad may have been a bank robber.
Synopsis
Thirteen-year-old Trav has always wondered about his dead-before-he-was-born dad. But when he heads from California to his grandmother's house in rural Minnesota, hoping to learn about his past, he gets more than he bargained for.
It turns out his dad was involved in a bank robbery right before he mysteriously disappeared, and the loot from the take is still missing. Along with Kenny and Iz, the kids next door, Trav embarks on a search for the cash. But the trios adventure quickly turns dangerous when it becomes clear that someone else is looking for the money—someone who wont give up without a fight!
About the Author
Sheila Turnage is from eastern North Carolina, just like Miss Moses LoBeau, the protagonist from Three Times Lucky. Her first novel for children, Three Times Lucky, is a Newbery Honor winner, a New York Times bestseller, an E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Book, and an Edgar Award finalist. It has been nominated for six state awards and has been licensed in five countries. Her follow up book, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, also a New York Times bestseller, has received five starred reviews, is a SIBA Okra Winter 14 pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Sheila is also the author of two nonfiction adult titles: Haunted Inns of the Southeast and Compass American Guides: North Carolina, as well as one picture book, Trout the Magnificent illustrated by Janet Stevens. Her next children's book, The Odds of Getting Even (a Mo and Dale mystery) will be available in October 2015.