Turn Left at the Cow
on Goodreads (977)
What’s inside...
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 trio's adventure quickly turns dangerous when it becomes clear that someone else is looking for the money—someone who won't give up without a fight!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Travis to solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance?
How did the characters’ relationships change throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Travis's shoes?
How do you think the setting of the small town contributed to the story?
What lessons can we learn about trust and secrets from the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book to encourage open dialogue.
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they worked with others to solve a problem.
Encourage your child to think about the motives of the characters, and discuss how understanding different perspectives can lead to deeper comprehension of the story.
Discuss the importance of setting in storytelling and invite your child to imagine how the story might change in a different setting.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, and guide your child to consider how these lessons apply to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonist, Travis, navigates through a mystery using critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, exemplified when he deciphers clues to find hidden treasure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving techniques learned from Travis’s adventures to tackle their own daily challenges, enhancing their decision-making and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Travis faces numerous challenges but remains determined to uncover the truth about his father, displaying resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, encouraging them to persist until they achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding Family Dynamics
Explanation: The complex relationships within Travis’s family highlight themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding, as they navigate through various family issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of familial bonds and are encouraged to foster a compassionate approach towards family members in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss and Grief
Explanation: Travis’s journey in dealing with the loss of his father provides a narrative to explore the emotions associated with grief and loss.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their own feelings of loss and facilitate a healthy emotional processing of grief.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters learn the consequences of deceit and the importance of being truthful, particularly in how Travis deals with truths about his past.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the value of honesty in building trust and integrity in their relationships and everyday interactions.