Space Case (Moon Base Alpha)

by Stuart Gibbs

Hardcover, 2014

Call number

JF GIB

Publication

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2014), 352 pages

Description

Now a winner of a Parents' Choice Gold Award! It's a murder mystery on the moon in this humorous and suspenseful space adventure from the author of Belly Up and Spy School. Like his fellow lunarnauts-otherwise known as Moonies-living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon. And he's bored out of his mind. Kids aren't allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they're trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time-and the only other kid Dash's age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games. Then Moon Base Alpha's top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there's foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it's a secret that could change everything for the Moonies-a secret someone just might kill to keep...… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Cherylk
This is the second book I have read by this author. Really enjoying these books. The first one I read was Poached. Just like that one, Space Case is a quick read. I get lost in these books (in a good way). All of the characters just jump off teh pages and the storylines are great. However, I have
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to say that in this book, the mystery surrounding the case is better. It was more serious. Whereas in Poached, I felt like there was no real mystery. In fact, I would call Poached more of a comedy read and Space Case more of a mystery. read. Both really good in their own ways.

Dash is intelligent and does not take no for an answer. These qualities I liked about him. Plus another reason that I really had a fabulous time reading this book more is because I am big into space and aviation. It did feel like I was living up in space with Dash and the rest of the families. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. Space Case is out of this world good reading!
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LibraryThing member BrendaKlaassen
My son read this book first and told me, " Mom it is a murder mystery, you have to read it." I had heard good reports about this author, so I decided to give the book a try. The story was well written and did allow the reader to use their imagination, so I enjoyed the time it took to read it. I
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didn't see the twist in the ending coming until I was in the thick of it. I will suggest this book to some of the students that come to the library I work at.
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LibraryThing member kmann63
After several fifth grade boys told me this is, "The BEST book I've ever read." I forced myself to read it. Space books are not my favorite. However, the way it is written is actually really enjoyable! Dashell Gibson talks about his horrible life on the moon. Then it gets even worse when Dr. Holtz
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(a scientist and resident on the moon) dies by walking on the moon by himself. Dash thinks its a murder even though NASA tries to tell people it was an accident. This thrilling story also has lots of funny opinions (from Dash) about living on the moon.
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LibraryThing member Guide2
Sci-fi kids/teen book about a murder mystery on the moon. Not too long and somewhat entertaining.
LibraryThing member shelbycassie
Pretty good book for middle school. Would not recommend to most of my young adult or adult friends. A good space mystery for young people that also like science fiction.
LibraryThing member Robinsonstef
Living in a small community on the moon sounds like it would be awesome. But Dashiell Gibson thinks that there are a lot of things lacking about Moon Base Alpha. The fact that his family will be on the moon for the next three years doesn't make the day-to-day boringness of it all seem any better.
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There is only one other kid Dash’s age and even though they’re friends, they probably wouldn't be that close down on Earth because their interests are too different. Sleeping arrangements are tight and the bathroom is a hassle. It’s a long walk when Dash gets up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, but the conversation he overhears Dr. Holtz having on the phone intrigues him. The next morning the lunarnauts (or Moonies) are told that one of the scientists, Dr. Holtz, died accidentally. After what he witnessed in the bathroom Dash is sure it was a murder. No one believes him and it starts to look like a cover up is taking place. Is it possible to find out if there's a traitor on the moon? Did Dr. Holtz have any enemies and could they be on the moon? Is Dash onto something or is he losing it? Put together the pieces of the puzzle to find out!

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs is an interesting book that takes place in the future. Anyone who has ever thought it would be fun to live somewhere else in the solar system will enjoy this book. I think it's a great book for kids in fourth grade and up who like adventure, science, and history. Dash is a smart boy with a good sense of humor. He's easy to relate to and would make a good friend. The story has a lot of mystery to it and there were definitely parts when I was nervous about what was going to happen. I don’t think living on the moon would be as easy as I imagined before reading this book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member ewyatt
Dash is living on the moon as part of of a new colony with his science-genius parents. He overhears a conversation from a scientist while stuck in the bathroom one night about a big discovery. When the scientist is found dead in the morning, Dash is convinced it was murder. Threatened by the head
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of the base to drop it, Dash finds an ally in new-girl Kira. Action, adventure, space fun, Dash is smart, empathetic and a character for whom to cheer.
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LibraryThing member Sarah220
Fairly cute kid-oriented murder mystery on the moon.

Awards

Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2017)
Commonwealth Club of California Book Awards (Finalist — Juvenile — 2014)
Sasquatch Book Award (Nominee — 2017)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2017)
Mark Twain Readers Award (Nominee — 2017)
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee — 2020)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — Middle School — 2018)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Grades 4-6 — 2018)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Middle School — 2017)
Sakura Medal (Chapter Books — 2016)

Pages

352

ISBN

1442494867 / 9781442494862
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