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Space Case


Synopsis


It's a murder mystery on the moon in this humorous and suspenseful space adventure from the author of Belly Up and Spy School that The New York Times Book Review called "a delightful and brilliantly constructed middle grade thriller."

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...

Stuart Gibbs

Summary

Chapter 1: The Riddler's Puzzle

* A mysterious riddle appears on the blackboard, challenging students to solve it for a chance to win a trip to NASA.
* Example: "Zero gravity, where up is down and there's no sound. What is it?" (Answer: Space)

Chapter 2: The Space Race

* Students embark on a competition to build the best spacecraft that can withstand the rigors of space.
* Example: A team designs a spacecraft with a durable metal hull, aerodynamic shape, and a sophisticated navigation system.

Chapter 3: Gravity Training

* Students undergo gravity training to prepare for the effects of weightlessness.
* Example: They practice jumping in a parabolic flight that simulates the free-fall of space.

Chapter 4: The Astronaut's Journey

* The winning team prepares for their journey to the International Space Station (ISS).
* Example: The team learns about spacewalks, scientific experiments, and life aboard the ISS.

Chapter 5: Mission Accomplished

* The spacecraft launches into space, carrying the students on their mission to the ISS.
* Example: They successfully dock with the ISS and begin their research.

Chapter 6: The Black Hole Mystery

* While conducting experiments, the students discover an anomaly near a black hole.
* Example: They witness an unexplained gravitational anomaly that threatens to disrupt their mission.

Chapter 7: The Space Case

* One of the students is suspected of sabotage, putting the mission in jeopardy.
* Example: A team member is found tampering with critical equipment, raising suspicions.

Chapter 8: Zero Gravity Chase

* In a tense chase through the weightless environment of the ISS, the students attempt to apprehend the saboteur.
* Example: They use their magnetic boots to propel themselves through the station, dodging obstacles and capturing their suspect.

Chapter 9: The Truth Revealed

* The mystery is solved as the true culprit is exposed.
* Example: It turns out that the saboteur was an alien disguised as a human, seeking to interfere with the students' mission.

Chapter 10: Mission Success

* The students complete their research and return to Earth, hailed as heroes.
* Example: They present their findings to scientists, inspiring a new generation of explorers.