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Polar opposites and utterly interdependent, self-proclaimed fourth-grade super-genius Moxie McCoy and her observant little brother Milton combine forces to solve mysteries while navigating the challenges of their contrasting approaches to everything.

Densely illustrated, humorous, middle grade whodunits for grades 3-7.

The Real McCoys Starred Reviews
The Real McCoys Starred Reviews

BOOK 1
The Real McCoys

Moxie sets out to save the missing school mascot and find a new best friend; along the way, she gets to know her little brother.

BOOK 2
Two’s a Crowd

Moxie and Milton team up to figure out who is sending dozens of anonymous letters while trying to save their fraying partnership.

BOOK 3
Wonder Undercover

Moxie goes undercover to help her sworn nemesis thwart her other sworn nemesis while Milton investigates a mysterious heist.

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The Real McCoys series has received four starred reviews, has been nominated for a handful of state-level book awards, and was included on the 2019 Bank Street list. All three books have been Junior Library Guild selections.

WORDS OF PRAISE:
“Heavily illustrated, the book’s design makes it a standout: playful interactions between text and black monochromatic cartoon art create a visual treat. Drenched in slapstick humor, hyperbole, and wit, Behr’s artwork makes every page unique and keeps a longer book within reach of younger readers. VERDICT First in a series, readers will breeze through this ingenious combination of text and art, eager for Moxie and Milton’s next case. A first purchase for all middle grade collections.”
– School Library Journal (starred review)

“Swanson’s witty text is enhanced exponentially by Behr’s bold, original artwork to create a uniquely told whodunit with wide appeal to middle-grade readers. Laugh-out-loud one-liners and short comic strips juxtapose refreshing moments of sincerity that normalize different types of diversity. Equally hilarious and informative back matter (a glossary and mission debrief) is the perfect conclusion to an exceptional book that respects its young readers.”
– Booklist (starred review)

“Swanson and Behr—the husband-wife creators of Everywhere, Wonder and Babies Ruin Everything—track a delightfully topsy-turvy day at Tiddlywhump Elementary in this heavily illustrated and impressively designed story. Snappy analogies, similes, and double entendres play out in Behr’s energetic illustrations, a rambunctious jumble of cartoons, fonts, and dialogue balloons. At the heart of the story is Moxie’s deepening rapport with her bookish younger brother, Milton, and readers will hope to see more of both siblings soon.”
– Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

“This clever, funny, delightful book is just what this crazy world needs. The surprising and inventive interaction between text and illustration shows that two brains are, indeed, better than one—especially when they belong to Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr.”
– Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ada Twist Scientist

“More Pippi Longstocking than Nancy Drew with her sassy gumption, unflappable enthusiasm, and wild imagination, Moxie has a flair for the frequent offbeat declaration.” Each page is ebulliently decorated with hurly-burly fonts and rambunctious graphics. An exceptional middle-grade read packed with giggles for young sleuths who love to explore a little off the beaten path.”
– Kirkus

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RM Barn Edition
Signed by Matthew and Robbi
with a stamp of authenticity
indiebound
barnes and noble
target
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