The Odds of Getting Even (Mo & Dale Mysteries)
#3 of 4 in Mo & Dale Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (2,821)
What’s inside...
Humor and action abound in the next Mo & Dale Mystery-follow-up to the Newbery Honor winner and New York Times bestseller Three Times Lucky. The trial of the century has come to Tupelo Landing, NC. Mo and Dale, aka Desperado Detectives, head to court as star witnesses against Dale's daddy--confessed kidnapper Macon Johnson. Dale's nerves are jangled, but Mo, who doesn't mind getting even with Mr. Macon for hurting her loved ones, looks forward to a slam dunk conviction--if everything goes as expected. Of course nothing goes as expected. Macon Johnson sees to that. In no time flat, Macon's on the run, Tupelo Landing's in lockdown, and Dale's brother's life hangs in the balance. With Harm Crenshaw, newly appointed intern, Desperado Detectives are on the case. But it means they have to take on a tough client--one they'd never want in a million years. Look for all the Mo & Dale Mysteries: Three Times Lucky, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and The Law of Finders Keepers. As always, Turnage's tale is full of heart and perfect for reading on a front porch. Another rewarding adventure. The writing lulls you with laughter, then occasionally blindsides you with unexpected tenderness.
Character compass
Moses 'Mo' Lobeau
Harm Crenshaw
Dale Earnhardt Johnson Iii
Miss Lana
Colonel
Macon Johnson
Discussion points
How do you think Mo feels about trying to prove Dale's brother's innocence, and what would you do if you were in her shoes?
What do you think about the concept of justice as shown in the book? How important is it to seek the truth?
How do the characters in the story show loyalty and friendship? Can you share an example from your own life mirroring such a bond?
How does the setting of Tupelo Landing contribute to the story? How would the story change if it were set in a big city?
What lessons do you think Mo and Dale learned by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the actions of characters and relate them to their personal experiences. This will help deepen their understanding of the book’s themes.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented and ask your child how they would react in similar situations. This helps develop empathy and ethical reasoning.
Pick specific scenes or quotes from the book to initiate more focused discussions about particular events or character decisions.
Connect the book's setting and cultural aspects to real-life geography and societal structure, enhancing their learning and making it relatable.
Highlight the growth of characters throughout the story to teach resilience and the value of learning from one’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mo, Dale, and Harm collaborate to solve mysteries, demonstrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperation with peers can help solve problems more effectively, whether in school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: The characters strive to right the wrongs in their community, showing a strong moral compass and the significance of fairness.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of standing up for what is right and treating everyone with fairness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with consequences
Explanation: The protagonists face various challenges and repercussions from their decisions, providing a narrative on responsibility.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think about the outcomes of their actions and to learn from their mistakes, which is crucial for personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often show compassion and try to understand others' perspectives, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of considering others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering better relationships and community spirit.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Mo and her friends consistently overcome obstacles, underscoring the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain persistent and optimistic, even when facing difficulties, building a foundation for handling future challenges.