About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask tough questions about the difference between what is legal and what is right, or when they are struggling with the actions of a family member. While it is a high-stakes mystery involving a trial and a natural disaster, at its heart, it is a guide for navigating the messy reality of loving someone who has made bad choices. Mo and Dale are witty, resilient protagonists who demonstrate how to stay loyal to your community while standing up for the truth. Set in the quirky, rural town of Tupelo Landing, the story balances humor with heavy themes like parental incarceration and the fear of loss. It is perfectly suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy fast-paced adventures but are ready for deeper emotional complexity. Parents will appreciate how Turnage uses a Southern gothic lens to normalize non-traditional family structures and show that 'family' is often the people who show up for you when the storm hits.
