Sheila Turnage is from eastern North Carolina, just like Miss Moses LoBeau, the protagonist from Three Times Lucky. Her first novel for children, Three Times Lucky, is a Newbery Honor winner, a New York Times bestseller, an E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Book, and an Edgar Award finalist. It has been nominated for six state awards and has been licensed in five countries. Her follow up book, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, also a New York Times bestseller, has received five starred reviews, is a SIBA Okra Winter 14 pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Sheila is also the author of two nonfiction adult titles- Haunted Inns of the Southeast and Compass American Guides- North Carolina, as well as one picture book, Trout the Magnificent illustrated by Janet Stevens.
With her mix of homespun humor, well-plotted mystery, and delicious characterization . . . Turnage's tale is full of heart. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Another rewarding adventure . . . narrated by Mo in her distinctive, imaginative voice. The writing lulls you with laughter, then occasionally blindsides you with unexpected tenderness. -Booklist, starred review Well crafted, with fast pacing; readers will gallop through the nonstop action to a satisfying conclusion. A must-read for fans of the first two volumes, and a rewarding adventure all on its own. -School Library Journal Turnage's rich voice, abundance of heart, and wicked sense of humor handle the dynamics of the town with verve...One can only hope that this is not the end of this clever, sweet, laugh-out-loud funny series. -VOYA When Dale's father, Macon, is accused of breaking out of jail. . .Does Mo. . .follow her gut and hunt down Macon, or does she relinquish power to Dale and support his conviction that his father is innocent? Friendship prevails in this fine novel, with a number of unobtrusive acts of kindness flourishing throughout. There's a complexity to the characters, from mean-as-a-snake Macon to drop-dead-handsome Lavender, all carefully developed throughout the series, creating a terrific read. -Horn Book A rousing tale of action, adventure, and intrigue....So sit back and enjoy a well-told yarn that is sure to please readers of all ages. -SLC PRAISE FOR THREE TIMES LUCKY: * Newbery Honor * New York Times bestseller * Edgar Award Finalist * EB White Read-Aloud Award Honor Book What do you get when you combine Because of Winn-Dixie's heart with the mystery and action of Holes?...Mo LoBeau is destined to become a standout character in children's fiction. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Here is a writer who has never met a metaphor or simile she couldn't put to good use. -Publishers Weekly, starred review Turnage's lively novel features a distinctive voice and a community of idiosyncratic characters. -Booklist, starred review The heroine of Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky is so plucky that young readers may wish she lived next door. -Wall Street Journal A literary descendant of Scout Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird -Mo LoBeau announces this novel's mystery from behind the counter of the Tupelo Diner: 'There's been a murder and we're out of soup.' -Newsday PRAISE FOR THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING: * New York Times bestseller The perspicacious Mo LoBeau is at it again!. . . humor and action abound. -School Library Journal, starred review Just as its predecessor did, this sequel shines thanks to Turnage's deft, lyrical language and engaging characters. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review Turnage's ability to create convincing characters and her colorful use of language combine to make this a fresh, droll, rewarding trip to Tupelo Landing. -Booklist, starred review The budding detective has clearly taken to heart something her foster mother always emphasizes: 'All the world's a stage, sugar, so hop on up there.' -Publishers Weekly, starred review A rollicking sequel. -Wall Street Journal