Space Case by Stuart Gibbs

Summary: 12 year old Dashiell and his family are the first to live on a base on the moon.  Life is pretty boring for Dash on the moon.  That is until things take a turn for the worst and a well respected physician dies.  NASA insists that the death was an awful accident, but Dash knows there is more to the story.  The night before his death, Dash overhears a conversation the physician is having declaring that he is going to reveal a huge discovery the next morning.  As Dash begins to investigate the murder on his own, he begin to receive threats and it looks like his life just might be in danger too.

Impression: This book is a bluebonnet nominee, so technically it is for grades 3+.  If my 3rd or 4th grader were reading this book, I would be sure to be talking to them about it since death/possible murder is involved.  That being said, this book is wonderful.  I found it to be far superior to his Spy School series which was a hit with all the kiddos.  This is definitely a must read.  Who knew there could be so much action on the moon?

Reviews:

Grades 5-8. Here’s a whodunit set on the moon. The sudden, mysterious death of Moon Base Alpha’s physician threatens the entire underfunded lunar-colonization program. Worse, though the base commander and her NASA superiors insist it was an accident, an overheard conversation leads 12-year-old Dashiell to suspect that it was nothing of the sort. Shrugging off hostility from the powers that be and even an anonymous threat, he enlists the aid of a pair of tech-savvy peers and—encouraged by an oddly elusive new arrival—goes digging. Gibbs stocks the cast with multiple suspects and red herrings, suggestive (if sometimes contrived) clues, hints of secret agendas, and unexpected encounters. Ultimately, the investigation culminates in a suspenseful murder attempt out on the lunar surface, followed by a game-changing revelation. Though relatively standard issue as murder mysteries go, this is notable for its unusual setting and features a narrator who displays a realistic mix of wonder at his location and annoyance at having to deal with the Spartan life on another planet. The exposed killer’s rationale actually has merit, too.

Space Case. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Booklist. Vol.111, No. 1. 1 September 2014. Web. 10 July 2016.

Life is pretty weird living in the moon's first colony. But it gets weirder fast when a scientist turns up dead. Twelve-year-old Dash is determined to solve the mystery, whether or not anyone else believes it was murder. Details about the logistics of everyday life functions, such as eating and exercise, make the lunar setting fully realized, and the mystery is tightly paced.

Space Case. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Horn Book Guide. Spring 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.

As a Moonie, 12-year-old Dashiell has fans that watch his weekly video. While everyone is led to believe that life on the moon is an extreme adventure, Dashiell and the rest drink recycled urine, eat dehydrated food, have small living quarters, and share three bathroom stalls with the community. Their world changes when renowned scientist Dr. Holtz dies; Dashiell believes it was murder. Dashiell thought that everyone respected Dr. Holtz, but he finds many suspects. It is clear to Dashiell that he needs assistance and he receives help from a new resident, Kira, who obtains technology help from Roddy, an enthusiastic gamer. Excerpts from the guide to living on the moon published in 2040 are sprinkled in-between chapters, adding insight. This futuristic space tale, part of Moon Base Alpha, will inspire readers, as did The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Beth McGuire, Librarian, Hempfield Area School District, Wendover Middle School, Greensburg, Pennsylvania [Editor's Note: Available in e-book format.] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

McGuire, Beth. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Library Media Connection. March/April 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.