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Young Palmetto Books

Art Smart, Science Detective: The Case of the Sliding Spaceship

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Three friends prepare for an alien invasion with aluminum foil, peanut butter, and science

When Art and his friends―Robbie, Jason, and Amy―are having a sleepover, they decide to use Art's telescope for some stargazing. They are shocked to see a purple spaceship hurtling toward Earth. While his parents think his imagination is getting the best of him, Art thinks Earth is at risk of an alien invasion. What should he do? Should Art and his fellow science detectives alert the authorities, or should they take matters into their own hands?

When the local police don't seem concerned about Art's report, the kids decide to apply their knowledge of science and critical thinking skills to prepare for the impending attack. They need a plan―and fast!

What transpires as they gear up for the spaceship's arrival will amuse and educate. Art Smart, Science Detective will appeal to budding scientists and even reluctant young readers as it answers burning questions such as "How close is science fiction to real life?" and "Can peanut butter really keep your brain safe from an alien assault?" This entertaining journey through the science of the sky is easily incorporated into middle-grade science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics courses.

56 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2018

934 people want to read

About the author

Melinda Long

16 books33 followers

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5 stars
10 (43%)
4 stars
6 (26%)
3 stars
4 (17%)
2 stars
2 (8%)
1 star
1 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Riley Grant.
4 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2018
Sweet little book about a young boy and his friends as they investigate a UFO siting during a sleepover.
As a teacher/librarian, I love this book because it hits so many of the things we are looking for...an age appropriate chapter book with non-sassy characters that we (teachers) can use to integrate into ELA or STEAM curriculum. This particular book has a space theme and has facts sprinkled throughout the story. It is a great story to recommend to both my students and teachers!

This book would be of interest to strong readers in lower grades and struggling readers in upper grades as the characters seem to be in third/fourth grade.
67 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2019
Art Smart introduces himself as a Science Detective. He has his invited friends over to celebrate his birthday. They go outside to look at the stars through his telescope. They see something purple "hiding" close to the moon. What is the purple object? Is it a space ship? If so, who is at the helm?
Are they friendly? Are they coming here, watching us, or just passing by? How will they get the adults to listen and to believe them when they tell them what they saw? This is the first of a series of mysteries told by the main character Art Smart.

The book is a short illustrated mystery. I read it based upon a review that I had read. When I first opened the book, I thought that I had made a mistake. The font is really small. Too small I think for the target audience. I know some students that would be put off by it. However, if you begin to read the first chapter, you are quickly hooked and want to hear the story that Art has to tell. The Epilogue has two short lists of books about several subjects touched on in the book. This is great stepping off place for more age appropriate books on those subjects. I look forward to more stores in this new series.
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,602 reviews544 followers
February 6, 2019
Art and his friends are on the watch for alien activity in their neighborhood, but they never expected a REAL alien spaceship to appear in Art's telescope viewer. The aliens appear to be in a purple spaceship right next to the moon, and Art and his friends prepare for an invasion. Art prides himself on being a logical scientist, so he uses his knowledge to hatch a plan to protect his friends from anything the aliens might use to attack.
Are there really aliens attacking Earth, or are Art and his friends overreacting?

I liked this funny little book about Art and his hilarious friends. The narrative is entertaining, and the plot is silly with lots of quirky details. I especially liked the factoids about space travel and the solar system that are inserted at the end of each chapter.

The black and white illustrations add another playful dimension to the story as we get to know each character through the artwork.

I love how the characters are not afraid to use their imaginations and come up with crazy ideas. I also found the sibling relationships very realistic and engaging.

This would be a great chapter book for young readers, or a fun book to read aloud with children.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Meagan Hawkins.
1 review3 followers
December 9, 2018
As an elementary school teacher, I find this book to be age-appropriate, funny, and wonderfully educational. I love how so many facts about space are folded so nicely into the story. Each chapter leaves you excited to turn the page and keep reading.

This is an excellent book for younger readers but is also high-interest for older elementary students who may be struggling with reading but want a “cool” book to read.

As a resident of Greenville, SC, I love reading the book and finding little details about our sweet city. I know my students would LOVE to read about their own town in a published book!
156 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
3.5 stars. Sweet book about a group of friends who think a purple UFO is coming towards the Earth. The mystery is, in my opinion, less than inviting and interesting to the target age group, but the wacky details and dialog make up for it. Fun, short read for 7+ through 9 year olds. Great high/low title for upper elementary. Would work well as a read aloud, or for a school book report for which specific evidence (characters, plot points, descriptive elements) is needed.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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