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The Real McCoys #1
The Real McCoys
Her name's Moxie. Moxie McCoy.
Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away.
Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.
Can the Real McCoys form an unlikely alliance and solve the crime of the century?
Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away.
Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.
Can the Real McCoys form an unlikely alliance and solve the crime of the century?
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
38 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Swanson
51 books84 followersMatthew Swanson (and his wife Robbi Behr) are author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed Cookie Chronicles series, The Real McCoys trilogy, and the picture books Sunrise Summer, Babies Ruin Everything, and Everywhere, Wonder. When not advocating for local schools, giving talks on creative entrepreneurship, or running a summer salmon fishing operation on the Alaskan tundra, we live in an old barn on the Eastern Shore of Maryland—making books and raising our four kids.
Matthew and Robbi will spend the 2022-2023 school year crisscrossing the United States in a school bus/tiny home with our four kids, visiting underserved elementary schools in all 50 states (plus DC), and giving away 25,000 free hardcover books to students and teachers from low-income communities. To learn more about the Busload of Books tour, go to: www.busloadofbooks.com.
Matthew and Robbi will spend the 2022-2023 school year crisscrossing the United States in a school bus/tiny home with our four kids, visiting underserved elementary schools in all 50 states (plus DC), and giving away 25,000 free hardcover books to students and teachers from low-income communities. To learn more about the Busload of Books tour, go to: www.busloadofbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
December 13, 2021
Moxie McCoy fourth grade and her brother Milton first grade. Moxie is a detective, she and her best friend solve mysterious things in school. But now her best friend is gone from this city and she should find her best match for research! In meanwhile, someone missing in school on the big day. What a mess, she doesn't have a partner so she should do it all alone. Moxie takes advantage and during inquiry tries to find her match.
This was a charming, sweet, and funny story about a curious and adventurous girl. Moxie was active and so interesting, always jumps to conclusions. Milton was nice, polite, and thoughtful. They are an awesome team. I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between siblings, so beautiful.
Although I really liked this book I'm not going to read the next book, only an audiobook, no chance to read, I should listen to the next. :) The Narrator was FANTASTIC!
Many thanks to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for giving me the chance of listening to The Real McCoys (The Real McCoys #1) by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, Narrated by Cassandra Parker, I have given my honest review.
Duration: 4 Hours, 23 Minutes, 3 Seconds
This was a charming, sweet, and funny story about a curious and adventurous girl. Moxie was active and so interesting, always jumps to conclusions. Milton was nice, polite, and thoughtful. They are an awesome team. I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between siblings, so beautiful.
Although I really liked this book I'm not going to read the next book, only an audiobook, no chance to read, I should listen to the next. :) The Narrator was FANTASTIC!
Many thanks to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for giving me the chance of listening to The Real McCoys (The Real McCoys #1) by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, Narrated by Cassandra Parker, I have given my honest review.
Duration: 4 Hours, 23 Minutes, 3 Seconds
January 8, 2018
From my 8 year old:
I loved that it was a mystery and that the brother and sister worked together. I liked how the pictures and the words went together and that there were pictures on every page.
I loved that it was a mystery and that the brother and sister worked together. I liked how the pictures and the words went together and that there were pictures on every page.
December 25, 2021
Moxie is a fourth grader with a detective agency, an extremely clever little brother, and a best friend who's just moved away. When the school mascot, Eddie, gets stolen, she's on the case!
This was a fun listen with a somewhat offbeat main character, brash and obsessed with a girl detective childrens' series. As someone who was obsessed with Nancy Drew as a child (which the Annabel Adams books are clearly based on), I could relate. Moxie was fun to follow as a lead, and I enjoyed her relationship with her brother Milton and her hunt for a new best friend.
Though I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humor about the Annabel Adams books and the programs at school, I did wonder at times if it turned a touch cynical for a children's book. As an adult, I found it quite funny though.
As for the narration - I liked the narrator, who was quite energetic and did all the sound effects and whatnot that I imagine were present as illustrations in the book. She had a friendly, excitable voice that suited Moxie.
Overall, a fun read that elementary schoolers are bound to enjoy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a fun listen with a somewhat offbeat main character, brash and obsessed with a girl detective childrens' series. As someone who was obsessed with Nancy Drew as a child (which the Annabel Adams books are clearly based on), I could relate. Moxie was fun to follow as a lead, and I enjoyed her relationship with her brother Milton and her hunt for a new best friend.
Though I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humor about the Annabel Adams books and the programs at school, I did wonder at times if it turned a touch cynical for a children's book. As an adult, I found it quite funny though.
As for the narration - I liked the narrator, who was quite energetic and did all the sound effects and whatnot that I imagine were present as illustrations in the book. She had a friendly, excitable voice that suited Moxie.
Overall, a fun read that elementary schoolers are bound to enjoy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 15, 2019
Is it a mystery or is it a story about the special bond between two siblings; fourth grade sister Moxie and first grade brother Milton? Even though the chapters are long, there are plenty of illustrations to keep this story about a missing stuffed owl moving.
November 13, 2019
Full review coming Thursday
November 16, 2017
I received this book to review as I am participating in the Blog Tour for this book!
One girl, an amateur detective, a missing mascot (Eddie), and a few suspects. Who stole Eddie? Will Moxie find out? And will she find a new best friend as her old friend moved away? And who will win the Eddie Award or the Owl Award?
Well, this book started off really well, but as the book continued I got more and more frustrated with our MC, Moxie. This girl is supposedly a detective, she is supposedly solving cases, well I can tell you that I think it wasn't her doing the work or the deduction, but her best friend who moved. She kept jumping to conclusions, seeing x evidence and immediately conclude that it was that person even though there was barely any other shred of evidence. Not to mention that she wouldn't care if someone told her differently because this girl was sooooo smart, according to herself. Yep. She thought she was all that, and that was a pattern throughout the entire book. She never even looked around her, oh no, she just thought she was so fantastic. Girl, please....
Sure, she was sweet, she cared about her brother (even though they had the typical brother/sister stuff going on), she tried her best at school, and I was happy that she wasn't gung-ho about that silly Golden Owl Award, though sadly she was gung-ho about that Eddie Award. :P
I also did like how she was searching for a new friends, and what questions she asked. Very important ones even! Glad she didn't ask me, as I love soup, love marshmallows, don't really like avocado, and slugs are cute to look at but that is it. I would fail the test instantly!
In the end, hilariously, it wasn't even Yep, that really had me rolling around. And I didn't even know who the whodunnit was thanks to the MC who kept going back and forth between suspects and eventually stuck like glue to someone. There weren't that many moments for me to figure out who was the actual whodunnit. But I didn't mind it that much. It does get a bit boring if one can instantly know the whodunnit.
I loved reading about the school, the teachers (and the fact they weren't all as terrible as most kids saw them), and I loved that they have a mascot that is (supposed) to inspire children. And that the mascot is a cute owl!
The way the story was told, with illustrations all over the pages was perfect! The illustrations was at times telling the story or the story was inside the illustrations. It was just wonderful. It was definitely my favourite part of the whole book, and also a big reason why I kept reading even when I wanted to throttle the MC. :P I also so love the styles used, at times quite simple, at other times with more details. I loved how the characters were drawn (especially the more evil teachers).
I also liked the Annabelle Adams books that were featured throughout the book. I wouldn't mind reading these in real life, they sound right up my alley. I was also happily surprised when, at the end of the book, we got a "Meet Annabelle Adams" part! Squee! Cats! Mystery! *cheers*
All in all, I did have fun reading it, before I knew it the story was over. I would still recommend this one, and if there is ever another book about the McCoys I may just read it. :)
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
One girl, an amateur detective, a missing mascot (Eddie), and a few suspects. Who stole Eddie? Will Moxie find out? And will she find a new best friend as her old friend moved away? And who will win the Eddie Award or the Owl Award?
Well, this book started off really well, but as the book continued I got more and more frustrated with our MC, Moxie. This girl is supposedly a detective, she is supposedly solving cases, well I can tell you that I think it wasn't her doing the work or the deduction, but her best friend who moved. She kept jumping to conclusions, seeing x evidence and immediately conclude that it was that person even though there was barely any other shred of evidence. Not to mention that she wouldn't care if someone told her differently because this girl was sooooo smart, according to herself. Yep. She thought she was all that, and that was a pattern throughout the entire book. She never even looked around her, oh no, she just thought she was so fantastic. Girl, please....
Sure, she was sweet, she cared about her brother (even though they had the typical brother/sister stuff going on), she tried her best at school, and I was happy that she wasn't gung-ho about that silly Golden Owl Award, though sadly she was gung-ho about that Eddie Award. :P
I also did like how she was searching for a new friends, and what questions she asked. Very important ones even! Glad she didn't ask me, as I love soup, love marshmallows, don't really like avocado, and slugs are cute to look at but that is it. I would fail the test instantly!
In the end, hilariously, it wasn't even Yep, that really had me rolling around. And I didn't even know who the whodunnit was thanks to the MC who kept going back and forth between suspects and eventually stuck like glue to someone. There weren't that many moments for me to figure out who was the actual whodunnit. But I didn't mind it that much. It does get a bit boring if one can instantly know the whodunnit.
I loved reading about the school, the teachers (and the fact they weren't all as terrible as most kids saw them), and I loved that they have a mascot that is (supposed) to inspire children. And that the mascot is a cute owl!
The way the story was told, with illustrations all over the pages was perfect! The illustrations was at times telling the story or the story was inside the illustrations. It was just wonderful. It was definitely my favourite part of the whole book, and also a big reason why I kept reading even when I wanted to throttle the MC. :P I also so love the styles used, at times quite simple, at other times with more details. I loved how the characters were drawn (especially the more evil teachers).
I also liked the Annabelle Adams books that were featured throughout the book. I wouldn't mind reading these in real life, they sound right up my alley. I was also happily surprised when, at the end of the book, we got a "Meet Annabelle Adams" part! Squee! Cats! Mystery! *cheers*
All in all, I did have fun reading it, before I knew it the story was over. I would still recommend this one, and if there is ever another book about the McCoys I may just read it. :)
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
December 30, 2018
A fun mystery! I know my students will love the format of text and drawings.
April 15, 2018
Tales of a Fourth Grade Something
This first book in a new series is narrated by the aptly named Moxie, "a one-person wrecking ball of problem-solving fury," who aspires to be the greatest detective in history. Emulating her fictional hero, she is on the case of a missing mascot while seeking to find a new best friend and win an award for courage, patience, and wisdom (readers discover she quite humorously lacks that second trait).
The rich text (full of metaphors, similes, idioms, and vocabulary words) and illustrations are intertwined, giving it broad appeal. An ideal choice for reluctant readers and young readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
From the clever story and layout (à la adult books A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) to the strong characterization and educational value (with extension activities. The back matter is a marketing machine), it's brilliant and fun!
Final grade: A+
This first book in a new series is narrated by the aptly named Moxie, "a one-person wrecking ball of problem-solving fury," who aspires to be the greatest detective in history. Emulating her fictional hero, she is on the case of a missing mascot while seeking to find a new best friend and win an award for courage, patience, and wisdom (readers discover she quite humorously lacks that second trait).
The rich text (full of metaphors, similes, idioms, and vocabulary words) and illustrations are intertwined, giving it broad appeal. An ideal choice for reluctant readers and young readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
From the clever story and layout (à la adult books A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) to the strong characterization and educational value (with extension activities. The back matter is a marketing machine), it's brilliant and fun!
Final grade: A+
December 16, 2021
This book is laugh out loud hilarious! So many fun comments and comparisons at just the right time. The teacher names (Mrs. Bunyan, Mrs.Breath and Mr. Hammer) even were a bit funny.
Who knew that a mystery about a missing owl mascot (Eddie) could be so entertaining. I think I enjoyed this book as much as my kids did.
The audiobook version of this book is fantastic! The narrator does all kids of fun voices to bring the characters to life. We are excited to read more books in the series and can't wait for the next mystery for Moxie aka Slim and Milton to solve.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Who knew that a mystery about a missing owl mascot (Eddie) could be so entertaining. I think I enjoyed this book as much as my kids did.
The audiobook version of this book is fantastic! The narrator does all kids of fun voices to bring the characters to life. We are excited to read more books in the series and can't wait for the next mystery for Moxie aka Slim and Milton to solve.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2018
This was a fun and funny read. Moxie is every person who ever thought they were 'all that'. She is also a little younger than most Middle Grade main characters. Moxie is a fourth grader who believes with all her heart that she will win an award at the upcoming assembly, until that assembly is cancelled. Someone in the school has stolen the school's beloved mascot, a stuffed owl named Eddie.
Moxie is a detective. She studies detective stories, especially the stories of Annabelle Adams (a Nancy Drew type), which she has read 37 1/2 times. In the past, she solved numerous cases with her best friend Maude. But Maude has moved away so Moxie must find a way to solve the case of the missing mascot without her best friend. (She is also "shopping" for a new best friend and readers will love her method of friend finding.)
Who she ends up partnering with to solve the mystery did not surprise this reader, but it certainly surprises Moxie. Perhaps she isn't the only one who is 'all that'.
Although this is classified as Middle Grade, I think it is more of an early elementary story. Young readers who are trying to break away from Magic Tree House and Junie B. would love a taste of Moxie. That's not to say middle grade readers wouldn't enjoy it. (My fifth grader read it in an hour and a half, giggling all the way through.) But I do hope the Middle Grade classification does not keep this from appearing on those elementary classroom shelves.
I, for one, already know a few second graders that I will be giving this book to, and probably some grown-ups too. :)
Moxie is a detective. She studies detective stories, especially the stories of Annabelle Adams (a Nancy Drew type), which she has read 37 1/2 times. In the past, she solved numerous cases with her best friend Maude. But Maude has moved away so Moxie must find a way to solve the case of the missing mascot without her best friend. (She is also "shopping" for a new best friend and readers will love her method of friend finding.)
Who she ends up partnering with to solve the mystery did not surprise this reader, but it certainly surprises Moxie. Perhaps she isn't the only one who is 'all that'.
Although this is classified as Middle Grade, I think it is more of an early elementary story. Young readers who are trying to break away from Magic Tree House and Junie B. would love a taste of Moxie. That's not to say middle grade readers wouldn't enjoy it. (My fifth grader read it in an hour and a half, giggling all the way through.) But I do hope the Middle Grade classification does not keep this from appearing on those elementary classroom shelves.
I, for one, already know a few second graders that I will be giving this book to, and probably some grown-ups too. :)
November 22, 2021
I requested this book from NetGalley because I am always looking to supplement the mysteries section of my classroom library and this book was promoted as being for middle school students, and ages 8 to 12. Not even close.
The good news is that it’s a cute story if you are an elementary school aged child. I’ve read that the illustrations in the print version are great, but listening to the audio version was like a caricature of a Nancy Drew. I’m not sure even a five or six-year-old would be able to listen to the overly performing voice narrator for more than a few minutes at a time.
The bad news is this is definitely not for middle grades. I guess the fact that the protagonist is in fourth grade, and the costar, her brother, is in first grade should’ve been my first clue.
It’s a cute, if overly simplified and watered down story. I can see it being a series, but I think it should be promoted properly and maybe even shortened to keep the attention of young readers.
The good news is that it’s a cute story if you are an elementary school aged child. I’ve read that the illustrations in the print version are great, but listening to the audio version was like a caricature of a Nancy Drew. I’m not sure even a five or six-year-old would be able to listen to the overly performing voice narrator for more than a few minutes at a time.
The bad news is this is definitely not for middle grades. I guess the fact that the protagonist is in fourth grade, and the costar, her brother, is in first grade should’ve been my first clue.
It’s a cute, if overly simplified and watered down story. I can see it being a series, but I think it should be promoted properly and maybe even shortened to keep the attention of young readers.
April 15, 2024
This audiobook was very well done with each character having a distinct voice. The story was a mystery with our fourth grade detective Moxie desperately trying to solve who stole the school mascot. Moxie has more spunk than she knows what to do with and her personality is big! She is also trying to find a new best friend since hers has moved away. Her first grade brother Milton plays a part and the sibling love is genuine.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook for an honest review.
October 8, 2017
Very enjoyable tween mystery with pictures throughout breaking up all the text. "...or maybe it means that even if all the evidence seems to point to one direction, there's another, completely different way of looking at things that will help you see the truth..." -page 217
July 20, 2018
Absolutely charming with lovely illustrations and a keen insight into kid-logic that kept you chuckling even as it imported fantastic advice for any budding detectives - or kids looking for a new close friend.
February 6, 2018
This fully illustrated novel had me laughing out loud . . . a lot! And the mystery is tip-top.
December 31, 2019
I read this book because it’s one of the 2020 Battle of the Books books, and I can see why they chose amazing novel to be a part of the competition. The Real McCoys is a great book in so many ways. The characters are hilarious, there are pictures everywhere, and the authors (Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr) have thought of a great storyline. I love the personalities of the characters and the loving brother sister relationship that Moxie and Milton share. I highly recommend this book for children that are even beginning to read novels, especially because of the pictures that help explain the story along the way.
November 23, 2017
Real McCoys was an entertaining, cute Middle Grade story. Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr made the story come alive with interesting characters Moxie and Milton were both very smart children with big imaginations that I believe many children, who read this story, would relate to and love, and even want to be like. I loved the distinct personalities of all of the characters.
Robbi Behr's illustrations were absolutely amazing, and I believe would hold younger children's attention, and they added to the story by helping bring it alive. Another thing that I absolutely loved about the book was the way in which the story was written around the illustrations.
I think this is a great book for parents to read to their children. I also think this is a great book for others who enjoy reading Middle Grade books. It's very enjoyable, and I found myself flying through the story - although it is written in a way that I felt like didn't take long to get through the story.
Robbi Behr's illustrations were absolutely amazing, and I believe would hold younger children's attention, and they added to the story by helping bring it alive. Another thing that I absolutely loved about the book was the way in which the story was written around the illustrations.
I think this is a great book for parents to read to their children. I also think this is a great book for others who enjoy reading Middle Grade books. It's very enjoyable, and I found myself flying through the story - although it is written in a way that I felt like didn't take long to get through the story.
February 22, 2018
I love the illustrations and the way the book looks, kudos to Robbi Behr. Unfortunately, I did not find the writing to be as strong. Moxie does not read like a fourth-grader. She is way too old to believe that the principal tortures students and I did not like her glee that other students seemed to be afraid of her. She should also understand that you can have multiple friends that you like for multiple and different reasons. Some of this was cute and the ending was redeeming, but if you want a clueless detective series I much prefer Timmy Failure.
March 24, 2018
Cole loved this book!
February 22, 2018
Fourth grader Moxie McCoy is like many of us, somewhat deluded about her abilities and prone to jump to conclusions. Since she regards herself as a great detective, following in the footsteps of fictional character, Annabelle Adams, she is sure that she's read enough and has enough deducing skills to solve any mystery. Still, as the book opens, she sorely misses her former detective partner, Maude, who has recently moved. As a consequence, she's not only looking for a new partner--and yes, she has very definite requirements--but also a new best friend. When the school's mascot, a stuffed owl, goes missing, Moxie is immediately on the case, quickly coming up with a list of suspects. But one by one, each one is eliminated, leaving her more than a little embarrassed after falsely accusing them and bringing her evidence to the school principal. Eventually, the case is solved, but not by Moxie. Not only is the authorial voice strong here, but the fact that there are various illustrations carefully place alongside the text, sometimes even becoming part of the text, makes the book unique and worth reading, particularly by late elementary and intermediate readers--yes, and a few of us adults who enjoy trying to solve a mystery or meeting a new character sure to star in future literary outings. While I must confess I knew how things would turn out and that Milton, Moxie's much younger brother who is very different from his older sister, would play some part in it all, I still enjoyed the journey. What an imagination this girl has! I look forward to her next escapades. This was a light, humorous read that kept me entertained all the way through. Ultimately, it's the little things that made me smile: Moxie's imagined torture chambers in the principal's office, her description of Mrs. Breath, the school secretary, and the hard spelling words chosen by Mrs. Bunyan, that bring this little gem to life.
November 6, 2017
Cute humorous mystery for middle grade readers with perfect artwork.
Move over Encyclopedia Brown, Moxie McCoy is the new detective in town! Moxie is in fourth grade at Tiddlywhump Elementary School. She is also the sole remaining partner at M&M Inc. detective agency. Her partner, and best friend, Maude moved to California at the worst possible moment. Tiddlywhump's mascot, Eddie the wise, and stuffed, owl has been stolen and only a great detective like Moxie can solve the crime. Moxie, who prefers to be called Slim when working a case, narrows down the list of suspects using the wisdom of Annabelle Adams. Annabelle is the star of 58 mystery books that Moxie has read 37 and a half times. Annabelle is obviously the long-lost cousin of Nancy Drew as she uses her wits and luck to get out of incredibly intricate situations. Moxie is also looking for a new detective partner and best friend before winter recess starts the following day.
The illustrations in The Real McCoys are excellent. They are used to perfection to move the plot forward. Many adult mysteries would be improved with illustrations like these. Moxie and the other residents of the school are believable while also being funny. Does Principal Jones really have an eel pit in her closet where she dangles errant students? Does Moxie's teacher, Mrs. Bunyan, have a weird fascination with teeth? While solving the mystery, many moral lessons are slipped in like don't jump to conclusions and don't be embarrassed to ask for help when it's needed. The mystery is handled well with many twists and turns in the plot. The resolution is both unexpected and perfect. Overall, this humorous mystery is perfect for ages 8 to 12. 5 stars!
I received The Real McCoys in a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.
Move over Encyclopedia Brown, Moxie McCoy is the new detective in town! Moxie is in fourth grade at Tiddlywhump Elementary School. She is also the sole remaining partner at M&M Inc. detective agency. Her partner, and best friend, Maude moved to California at the worst possible moment. Tiddlywhump's mascot, Eddie the wise, and stuffed, owl has been stolen and only a great detective like Moxie can solve the crime. Moxie, who prefers to be called Slim when working a case, narrows down the list of suspects using the wisdom of Annabelle Adams. Annabelle is the star of 58 mystery books that Moxie has read 37 and a half times. Annabelle is obviously the long-lost cousin of Nancy Drew as she uses her wits and luck to get out of incredibly intricate situations. Moxie is also looking for a new detective partner and best friend before winter recess starts the following day.
The illustrations in The Real McCoys are excellent. They are used to perfection to move the plot forward. Many adult mysteries would be improved with illustrations like these. Moxie and the other residents of the school are believable while also being funny. Does Principal Jones really have an eel pit in her closet where she dangles errant students? Does Moxie's teacher, Mrs. Bunyan, have a weird fascination with teeth? While solving the mystery, many moral lessons are slipped in like don't jump to conclusions and don't be embarrassed to ask for help when it's needed. The mystery is handled well with many twists and turns in the plot. The resolution is both unexpected and perfect. Overall, this humorous mystery is perfect for ages 8 to 12. 5 stars!
I received The Real McCoys in a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.
March 19, 2019
School Library Journal
A lot can happen in one day when you're the world's greatest fourth grade detective. Moxie McCoy aims to find both her school's stolen mascot and a new best friend while surviving multiple trips to the principal's office. Moxie's biggest surprise of the day? A new appreciation of her "boring as a butter knife" younger brother Milton, who reveals detective skills of his own. Moxie knows the meaning of her name, and embraces it as a mantra. With fictional girl detective Annabelle Adams as her muse, Moxie crackles with enthusiasm and ideas that leave her hair literally standing on end. Heavily illustrated, the book's design makes it a standout: playful interactions between text and black monochromatic cartoon art create a visual treat. Moxie bumps her head in frustration against a line of text; on another page, she's buried under her principal's angry word bubble. Drenched in slapstick humor, hyperbole, and wit, Behr's artwork makes every page unique and keeps a longer book within reach of younger readers. Adding depth to the fun is Moxie's glossary of vocabulary ("happenstance") and phrases ("go for the jugular") along with wrap-up questions at the end encouraging personal reflection and understanding of the book's characters.
Kids will love this book and there are sequels!
A lot can happen in one day when you're the world's greatest fourth grade detective. Moxie McCoy aims to find both her school's stolen mascot and a new best friend while surviving multiple trips to the principal's office. Moxie's biggest surprise of the day? A new appreciation of her "boring as a butter knife" younger brother Milton, who reveals detective skills of his own. Moxie knows the meaning of her name, and embraces it as a mantra. With fictional girl detective Annabelle Adams as her muse, Moxie crackles with enthusiasm and ideas that leave her hair literally standing on end. Heavily illustrated, the book's design makes it a standout: playful interactions between text and black monochromatic cartoon art create a visual treat. Moxie bumps her head in frustration against a line of text; on another page, she's buried under her principal's angry word bubble. Drenched in slapstick humor, hyperbole, and wit, Behr's artwork makes every page unique and keeps a longer book within reach of younger readers. Adding depth to the fun is Moxie's glossary of vocabulary ("happenstance") and phrases ("go for the jugular") along with wrap-up questions at the end encouraging personal reflection and understanding of the book's characters.
Kids will love this book and there are sequels!
January 24, 2018
This was a Goodreads giveaway win.
This book was AMAZING! I was reading it while my students were taking a math test, and I'm afraid my laughter was a tiny bit distracting. Luckily, after I read them a few snippets, they (and I) can't wait to start reading it aloud to them during homeroom.
This is the story of Moxie McCoy, her brother Milton, and a missing owl named Eddie. Without Eddie, there would be no awards ceremony this afternoon - or possibly ever again! Moxie is working hard to find Eddie and tell the principal who the culprit is, securing her victory of the Eddie award! Unfortunately, Moxie's best friend recently moved away, so she doesn't have a partner-in-(solving)-crime to help her, so she is also working on that at the same time. Moxie's parents are also a couple of interesting characters, though Milton is a kind of boring genius child. Maybe he isn't even a REAL McCoy!
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted mystery, especially those in the middle grades. It was a quick read, only a day for me, because of the illustration filled pages. Even the about the author and illustrator made me laugh.
This book was AMAZING! I was reading it while my students were taking a math test, and I'm afraid my laughter was a tiny bit distracting. Luckily, after I read them a few snippets, they (and I) can't wait to start reading it aloud to them during homeroom.
This is the story of Moxie McCoy, her brother Milton, and a missing owl named Eddie. Without Eddie, there would be no awards ceremony this afternoon - or possibly ever again! Moxie is working hard to find Eddie and tell the principal who the culprit is, securing her victory of the Eddie award! Unfortunately, Moxie's best friend recently moved away, so she doesn't have a partner-in-(solving)-crime to help her, so she is also working on that at the same time. Moxie's parents are also a couple of interesting characters, though Milton is a kind of boring genius child. Maybe he isn't even a REAL McCoy!
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted mystery, especially those in the middle grades. It was a quick read, only a day for me, because of the illustration filled pages. Even the about the author and illustrator made me laugh.
November 15, 2017
Moxie starts out the school day on a mission....to find a new best friend. Her best friend moved away, and Moxie desperately needs a new best friend and fellow detective. However, this mission gets put to the side when Eddie, the school mascot, has been stolen...and Eddie needs to be found or the highly anticipated award ceremony won't take place.
Moxie gathers her clues, and using her investigating skills she has learned from her idol, tries to make the pieces fit to find the culprit behind this horrible crime to their school.
Artwork, fancy text, and a funny mystery makes this such an enjoyable read. I am so jealous of middle grade students. The artwork in this book was just so much fun to behold...it fit so well with the story and made it ooze with frenzy! I laughed so much while reading this story. Moxie's personality and energy is so infectious, and her drive to never give up adorable and commendable.
Wow...just wow....as an adult, this was such a fun read. For a middle school student's imagination, this story is
phenomenal.
Moxie gathers her clues, and using her investigating skills she has learned from her idol, tries to make the pieces fit to find the culprit behind this horrible crime to their school.
Artwork, fancy text, and a funny mystery makes this such an enjoyable read. I am so jealous of middle grade students. The artwork in this book was just so much fun to behold...it fit so well with the story and made it ooze with frenzy! I laughed so much while reading this story. Moxie's personality and energy is so infectious, and her drive to never give up adorable and commendable.
Wow...just wow....as an adult, this was such a fun read. For a middle school student's imagination, this story is
phenomenal.
August 15, 2018
The text I give 4/5 but combined so brilliantly with creatively embedded illustrations bumps this one up to a 5/5 for me. Husband and wife team Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr collaborated to create an engaging mystery and adorable characters with a unique blended genre style (picture book, graphic novel, novel) that will be a hit with many readers. We meet Moxie McCoy who loves to solve mysteries (though she's a tad too impulsive), relying on knowledge gained from reading the Annabelle Adams mystery series over and over. Sadly her best friend and detective partner just moved away and Moxie needs to find a replacement when the biggest mystery of her life needs solving at her school-the theft of the beloved mascot-Eddie the Owl. With so many suspects, Moxie finds some help in an unexpected person-her little brother Milton. Make sure you don't skip over the illustrations as you read-there are some clever art, culture, and historical references depicted that kids may not get-but grown ups will appreciate! A 2018-19 MSBA nominee.
September 29, 2019
When the school's mascot Eddie the Owl dissappears, the top detective team from Tiddlywhump Elementary School know they have a serious case to solve. immediately. The expressive, highly entertaining cartoonlike illustrations accompanying The Real McCoys give this humorous adventure/mystery a creative energy that never stops. The over the top enthusiasm of mystery loving Moxie, detective extraordinaire, often lead to impulsive decisions that send her right to the principal's office. Her younger brilliant brother, in contrast thinks their cases through carefully, and adds a balance of stability to Moxie's constant chaotic conclusions. The best part of this brother sister detective team is Moxie's complete self confidence in her conclusions to solving the crime, because she knows she's always correct. It makes a perfect contrast to her little brother who never predicts the outcome of their investigations without ALL the evidence. This tale is a hoot, visual kids with a sense of humor will love it!
December 22, 2017
An illustrated fiction, mystery spoof, with an imaginative, quirky heroine. Moxie McCoy’s best friend and partner in detection has moved out of town and the timing couldn’t be worse. The beloved school mascot has been stolen, Moxie’s timid brother has been accused and the evidence keeps pointing towards the only viable best-friend replacement candidate. There is some clever writing, lots of exuberant drawing and plenty of opportunities for readers to know more than Moxie. I️ can see this being a good choice for emergent readers wavering between chapter books and regular fiction. Their are lots of illustrated-fiction options for boys, but not as many for girls. My only concerns are that I️ haven’t found many girls being fans of quirky heroines - I’m thinking of you Dory Fantasmagory. That said this does have some satisfying mystery elements, genuine clues, plenty of red herrings, and a nice dose of diversity represented. Moxie is a 4th grader and I️ would recommend this for 2nd & 3rd.
November 22, 2017
I enjoyed reading this boook about a girl named Moxie who is in fourth grade and a detective. One day at school while trying to find a new best friend as hers has moved away the school mascot is stolen. She tries to find the thief while also trying to find a new best friend. While interrogating her classmates she is also asking them questions to see if they will work as her best friend. I love the questions she has for finding a new friend. During her investiagtion she has a lot of problems and jumps to many conclusions but her younger brother decides to help her solve the mystery of the stolen mascot. This book also has illustrations in it which add the story and make it come to life. Does Moxie solve the case and get a new best friend? You'll have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book. 4/5 Bloody Fangs
December 4, 2017
Moxie (who shares her wonderful name with an appalling soft drink) is a detective. There is no case too big, or too small, for Moxie McCoy. So when the school mascot goes missing, Moxie leaps into action to find the culprit and bring them to justice. Once she has the right culprit, that is. Which she'll determine with her fine detective skills, and maybe a little help from her super-annoying little brother.
Text and story are inextricably linked--more cohesive than Wimpy Kid and that ilk; these truly work together to tell the story, and neither could function without the other. The book is witty and clever enough to amuse this adult, but also to entertain my second-grader, who has been taking about the book and referencing characters since he finished it a few weeks back
Eagerly awaiting the second volume of Moxie's and Milton's adventures!
Text and story are inextricably linked--more cohesive than Wimpy Kid and that ilk; these truly work together to tell the story, and neither could function without the other. The book is witty and clever enough to amuse this adult, but also to entertain my second-grader, who has been taking about the book and referencing characters since he finished it a few weeks back
Eagerly awaiting the second volume of Moxie's and Milton's adventures!
January 4, 2018
Moxie is a girl with focus, drive, and determination. Even so, she needs the help of her little brother and a few others along the way in her quest to determine who took the beloved school mascot, Eddie the Owl.
Author Matthew Swanson and illustrator Robbie Behr deliver a book sure to appeal to many readers. The combination of illustration and text makes for a delightful trip through Moxie's world and her imagination.
I took a copy on a camping trip, and in spite of it getting completely water-logged in a rain storm, my teenage daughter and three other children in our group all just HAD to read it....while it was still soaking wet.... so of course, I then had to read it after it mostly dried out. It was worth it.
Thank you to SLJ for providing an ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
Author Matthew Swanson and illustrator Robbie Behr deliver a book sure to appeal to many readers. The combination of illustration and text makes for a delightful trip through Moxie's world and her imagination.
I took a copy on a camping trip, and in spite of it getting completely water-logged in a rain storm, my teenage daughter and three other children in our group all just HAD to read it....while it was still soaking wet.... so of course, I then had to read it after it mostly dried out. It was worth it.
Thank you to SLJ for providing an ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
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