I love the opening lines of this book: Of course I didn't like Digby when I first met him. No one does. This book made me laugh out loud multiple times--which is an impressive feat all in itself for a middle school teacher contending with spring fever and apathy. The playful wit and banter of both main characters, Zoe and Digby, is thoroughly enjoyable and carries the reader along into the heart of the story. Digby involves Zoe in his investigation of a local missing teen, Marina Miller. Before Zoe knows it, she's on "Planet Digby" and there's no return. I adored this book and feel that it has something for all readers--sharp wit, adventure, mystery, and humor. I would recommend this book to my 7th and 8th graders; it's great for kids who already understand and enjoy sarcasm and quirky characters. Originally, I thought the story left readers with at least one major loose end, but then I found out there is another book in the works. Can. Not. Wait.
This book is the first in what appears to be a new series by Belly Up author Stuart Gibbs: the Moon Base Alpha series. Living on the moon is actually pretty boring for 12-year-old Dashiell Gibson until he uncovers a murder at the base and is ordered by the base commander to stop investigating--or else. This fast-paced, sci-fi mystery unfolds over the course of just a few days and definitely kept my attention. I recommend it to readers who like mystery, space travel, action, humor, and futuristic stories. I will definitely be booktalking this title in my classroom after winter break!
