The Real McCoys
#1 of 3 in The Real McCoys Series
What’s inside...
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? The first book in an illustrated middle-grade series in which a precocious detective solves mysteries with her super-smart little brother.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Moxie and Milton a great team?
How do you think Moxie feels when she solves a mystery, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Moxie, taking the lead on something important?
What would you do if you were in Moxie’s shoes and faced a difficult mystery?
How does the relationship between Moxie and Milton change throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic characters’ emotions while reading, making the experience lively and engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story at various intervals to keep them thinking actively.
Relate the challenges faced by Moxie and Milton to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which encourages empathy and problem-solving.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part and why it stood out to them, helping enhance their recall and narrative skills.
Discuss the teamwork between Moxie and Milton, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and asking your child about their own experiences of working with others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Real McCoys', Moxie and her brother Milton work together to solve captivating mysteries, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that working with others, be it in school projects or family activities, can lead to better solutions and more enjoyable experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Moxie McCoy consistently demonstrates determination as she faces challenges head-on, never giving up until she solves the mystery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it’s solving a difficult math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Moxie’s bold personality and unique detective style showcase the importance of embracing one's individual traits.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others, fostering self-confidence and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book challenges readers to think critically alongside Moxie and Milton as they piece together clues.
Real-World Application: This can help children improve their problem-solving skills and encourage them to engage in analytical thinking in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Moxie learns more about the people involved in her mysteries, she demonstrates empathy and grows to understand them better.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others, understanding different perspectives in their day-to-day interactions.