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Art Smart, Science Detective

The Case of the Sliding Spaceship

Melinda Long

Paperback
978-1-61117-935-4
Published: Dec 18 2018

$12.99

Hardcover

Published:

Ebook
978-1-61117-936-1
Published: Dec 18 2018

OA Ebook
978-1-61117-936-1
Published: Dec 18 2018

$0.00

The inclusion of this book in the Open Carolina collection is made possible by the generous funding of

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.




Melinda Long is the author of New York Times best-selling books How I Became a Pirate and Pirates Don't Change Diapers, as well as The Twelve Days of Christmas in South Carolina. She graduated from Furman University and was a middle school teacher for twenty-three years.

Monica Wyrick has a fine arts degree from the University of Dayton and has worked in advertising, as a muralist, and as an art instructor. The illustrator of Crabbing: A Lowcountry Family Tradition, published by the University of South Carolina Press, Wyrick and her husband live in South Carolina and have three grown children.

"Melinda Long's latest book is a fun combination of science and imagination. Young readers will identify with Art and his friends as young science nerds with vivid imaginations. I can't wait to share this with my students!"—Heather Thore, South Carolina Association of School Librarians

"What a fun way to learn about the night sky and the scientists who have helped us decipher it! You'll enjoy Art Smart, a wise cracking fourth grade 'science nerd.'"—Kate Salley Palmer, author/illustrator of The Pink House

"Melinda Long delivers mystery, humor, and science nicely wrapped in an exciting and fast-moving plot. Lots of energy and plenty of peanut butter. Children will love this book"—Nelly Hecker, Furman University

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