  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 08/01/2017 Gr 3–5—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 encouraging personal reflection and understanding of the book's characters. 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.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 10/01/2017 *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. Moxie McCoy commands her name fittingly: she’s an independent, self-assured fourth-grader who is as obsessed with solving mysteries as she is with finding the perfect replacement for her best friend, who has recently moved away. With guidance from her literary hero—amateur sleuth Annabelle Adams—Moxie is determined to solve the critical question of who took school mascot Eddie the owl out of his display case, and in time for the awards ceremony at day’s end. Whimsical cartoon illustrations and evocative hand lettering work in tandem with the text to tell a refreshing school story that genuinely captures the paramount importance of everyday elementary school experiences. Laugh-out-loud one-liners (“guacamole is basically just an avocado that fulfilled its destiny”) and short comic strips juxtapose refreshing moments of sincerity that normalize different types of diversity. What starts as Moxie’s solo mission ends up a family endeavor as her timid little brother, Milton, becomes a vital player and ultimately Moxie’s new sleuthing partner. Equally hilarious and informative back matter (a glossary and mission debrief) is the perfect conclusion to an exceptional book that respects its young readers. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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