Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Science-packed mystery set on moon explores human nature.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Moon Base Alpha is a lousy place for hide-and-seek, so it's particularly baffling when the space colony's commander disappears. Twelve-year-old Dashiell was the last person to see her alive, and he begins piecing together clues to try to figure out where she might have gone and why. He joins the scientists and other children living at the base in a desperate search within the base and on the dangerous lunar surface in hopes of finding the commander alive. Meanwhile, Dash has to cope with a family of vicious bullies and unsettling conversations with his curious friend Zan, who's hinting that the entire human race might be in serious trouble.
Is It Any Good?
Smart science and engaging characters -- both kid and adult -- make this an enjoyable stand-alone mystery, though it's a weak bridge to the next installment in the series. SPACED OUT suffers from middle-book syndrome: It echoes the themes and issues of Book 1 but does little to advance the overall story arc. Dash's telepathic friend Zan pops up sporadically with vague hints of looming danger, but the device feels disjointed right through to the tacked-on cliffhanger ending. The plot line involving the campily snobby Sjoberg family is a limp red herring that detracts from an otherwise solid story.
Author Stuart Gibbs uses the mystery of the missing commander to show how people can be both wonderful and disappointing. His key characters are brilliant and often brave, but they have a hard time getting along, coping with domestic stress, dealing with prickly people, and abiding by rules. They second-guess themselves and make dumb decisions -- and they accept the consequences of their actions. Newcomers to the series will have no trouble jumping in at this point. The next book promises some high-stakes drama involving climate change that's sure to resonate with kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how series are developed. Do you prefer series where each book can stand alone, or do you prefer those that only work well when read in their entirety?
How does the drama within the lunar base compare with that on reality TV shows you've seen?
Even the adults in this story have a hard time dealing with bullies. Do you ever notice grown-up bullies?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 5, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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