Explorer Academy
If you are looking for a great middle-grade novel full of action with real life connections, then I highly recommend you consider National Geographic’s seven book Explorer Academy series by Trudi Trueit.
Recommended Ages: 8-11
Book 1: The Nebula Secret
Review originally published June 2022
The Explorer Academy is a new series I have recently discovered. I wasn’t entirely sure about it at first, but I absolutely love it and can’t wait to get my hands on the next title. This is a seven book series with the first one published in 2018. The seventh book is set to release October 4, 2022. I found it just in time! I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand it when I find a new series and then have to wait for the sequels to be written. I may have loved the book to start but will quickly move away to something else. The wait sometimes is just too much for me.
Nevertheless, this series is a part of National Geographic. If you have a reader who loves adventure, the outdoors, science, engineering, and history, then this book is certainly one I would put on their “to read” list.
The story centers around the main character, Cruz, who is 12-years-old. He lives in Hawaii with his father and is accepted to the prestigious Explorer Academy. His mother used to work at the Academy until her untimely death in a lab accident. His aunt, his father’s sister, currently works there as a professor of anthropology. As one can expect, rumors circulate whether or not Cruz really deserves to be there. Cruz feels like he has a lot to prove, but it is difficult when you have a strange man in snakeskin cowboy boots trying to kill you at various intervals. As one comes to find out, Cruz’s mother left him a secret message with cryptic clues that only he can solve. The danger? Nebula Pharmaceuticals is after him to stop the uncovering of a powerful antidote to millions of illnesses. It is this work that resulted in his mother’s death and his mission.
The first book sets up the series, and I anticipate the next several books will uncover each of the hidden pieces revealing the formula that his mother has hidden. The characters in this story are relatable to readers as they ultimately seek to help one another, and not even just the ones they like. The main group of characters include Cruz, his roommate Emmett, Sailor, Dugan, Bryndis, and Renshaw. Dugan is set up as the antagonist to Cruz, but both are actually good sports when it comes to the competition between them. No cheap shots are actually taken. Additionally, it is an unlikely character who almost gets Cruz expelled. This book has great themes related to teamwork, effort, friendship, and family.
Additionally, the book is beautifully made. There are several illustrations and artifacts in the book that help aid the readers in understanding parts of the story line, as well as to enhance the reading experience. Moreover, if you are worried about any profanity or inappropriate or promiscuous situations, then this book will calm those fears. There is one mention of a possible crush Bryndis may have on Cruz, but nothing beyond that.
A sneak peek at some great quotes from this novel:
“I want to go everywhere, Dad. I want to be an explorer” (14).
“‘You are not here because you are smarter or stronger or braver than others...You are not here because you have more perseverance, ambition, or potential...You are not here to prove yourself...You are here because the world needs you as much as you need it’” (50).
“He knew she was saying it to make him feel better, but it didn’t. Who cared if his mom loved her work? Cruz would have rather she did something boring if it meant she’d be alive today. Maybe that was selfish, but that’s how he felt” (75).
“If Emmett was the hacker, it was a crushing betrayal. And if he wasn’t... Well, if he wasn’t, Cruz had just lost the closest thing to a brother he’d ever had” (149).
In short, The Nebula Secret is a great adventure story that middle school readers and adults will enjoy. I know I did!
Book 2: The Falcon’s Feather
Review originally published in July 2022
The Falcon’s Feather is book two in the Explorer Academy Series. It is another installment of a great storyline in which Cruz is seeking to uncover the formula hidden by his mother. The goal of book two is to discover the next clue.
The first two chapters open with essentially a recap of the highlights from book one. This aspect is a bit dull for those who are able to read the series in quick succession; however, it is necessary for readers who may have discovered the series early on and had a year between publication.
Nevertheless, Cruz is now on Orion (the cruise vessel for their schooling and adventures) and is on his way to discovering the whereabouts of the next clue. Without giving too much away, Cruz, Emmett, and Sailor discover that things are not always as they appear. There are two Nebula Pharmaceutical henchmen on the Orion staff whose mission is to find the journal Cruz’s mother left to him and to kill Cruz. See if you can figure out who the spies are before the end?
One thing Truiet did to expand the story line is a dive into the people behind the attacks and attempts on Cruz’s life. The author not only follows Prescott (the cowboy boots guy in book one), but she sets it apart stylistically from the rest of the novel with black pages that interrupt the narration. I really liked the intrigue and the look at the other side. It was a clever move by the author to keep the storyline from getting dull or repetitive.
Another aspect of the story is that Bryndis becomes more prominent in this story. If you recall, Bryndis helped save Cruz from expulsion in book one. Her Icelandic background helps Cruz and his friends uncover the meanings behind the clues left by Cruz’s mother. Without her, Cruz would not have been able to find the next clue. As a result, she is sort of brought into the fold of the friendship and secrets going on between Cruz, Emmett, and Sailor. Additionally, there is a bit of budding romance between the two. Book one ended with a mention of a crush between them. Book two continues this a bit more. There is obvious tension and mentions of the crush Cruz and Bryndis have for one another. This aspect is very innocent and juvenile of the first crush. At most, they touch hands in reassurance. “His hand, resting on the outside of his leg, slid to touch hers. Bryndis curled her pinkie around his” (p.130).
Lastly, another aspect of the story is the evolving and changing friendship Cruz has with his long-time best friend Lani, who is still in Hawaii. Lani is spending time with another boy and Cruz is jealous. Additionally, he has an internal struggle through most of the story of what to tell Lani about and what to conceal. He doesn’t want to hide details of his life from her, but he also doesn’t want to hurt her feelings since she did not get accepted to the Explorer Academy. “When Cruz had left for the Academy, he’d known his life was going to change, but he’d had no idea how much. Or how fast. Cruz didn’t want to lose Lani, but he also didn’t want to hurt her. There had to be a way to include his best friend without making her feel like she was missing out. He just had no clue how” (p.73). Friend dynamics change as children grow and this element of the story is a great aspect in which readers can also explore and empathize with these characters as they consider the friendships in their own lives.
This story will capture your readers attention as they travel to areas of the world and learn new things. Numerous times I stop reading to look up pictures of Right Whales, travel destinations in Iceland, and watch tour videos of Norway and the seed vault. If you are looking for a story your reader will enjoy and also learn a little sometime about the world, then the Explorer Academy series is a must!
Book 3: The Double Helix
Review originally published January 2023
Book 3 picks up with the kidnapping of Cruz’s father by Nebula in order to get the cipher he carries. In the midst of trying to discover the hidden whereabouts of the 3rd piece, Cruz is also struggling with what to do in order to save his father. Give the pieces to Nebula or create a fake set to give.
Aside from the events on the Orion Explorer Academy ship, the key settings are Barcelona, Spain and Petra, Jordan. It is in Petra that Cruz discovers the 3rd cipher. Meanwhile, his aunt has returned to Hawaii to work with local authorities to find out what has happened to her brother, Cruz’s father. It is Lani, Cruz’s best friend, who uncovers where he is hidden that leads to his rescue from kidnappers. The story ultimately ends well, but also with a cliffhanger as Cruz falls into a hole and is surrounded by human bones and no way out.
Key developments in the plot of the story: Rook, the old Explorer Academy librarian, makes a reappearance in a maze to Cruz, but no words are spoken. A young lady in Petra saves Cruz from being crushed by rocks and she knows about Nebula, but it is unclear what her connection is and why she saved Cruz. Readers will also see key character developments between Dugan and Cruz. The once bully is showing a softer side as he is battling with the possibility of having to drop out of the Explorer Academy. Cruz is startled by this and is determined to not let him drop out. Lastly, a budding interest between Bryndis and Cruz continues to develop with innocent brushing of hands (85), smiles at each other (128), and the sharing of a jacket as they each slip into one sleeve and pull it close in front of them (186).
Book 4: The Star Dunes
Review originally published January 2023
Book 4 picks up with Cruz left in the bottom of a hole surrounded by human remains. As expected, he discovers a way out and is eventually found by his teammates. Book 4 has a heavy focus on conservationist efforts in Africa. It is during an attempt to save Mountain Gorillas from a deadly virus, that Bryndis is the accidental recipient of poison by Nebula that was intended for Cruz. There is speculation throughout a good portion of the book as to whether or not she will survive. Spoiler, she does.
Aside from uncovering the fourth cipher, character development is another central aspect of this book. Bryndis and Cruz’s crush on one another continues to develop with a hug that lasts a little longer (63), a kiss on the cheek (70), and a teasing remark from Aunt Marisol about Cruz being “in love” (113). Cruz also manages to make a new enemy, Ali. Ali blasts Cruz for always having to steal the moment and show off. “Did Ali really think that Cruz would deliberately exclude him?...Cruz felt awful” (107). The reader discovers in this book that there is an Explorer who is a Nebula spy. It is possible that Ali has been turned against Cruz and something more will develop from this tension. Dugan also continues to develop as he reveals the hardship his younger brother is facing while he is absent and enrolled in the Explorer Academy. Dugan is planning to drop out from the Academy in order to return home to care for his brother who is the victim of bullies at school. Through this experience, Dugan actually apologizes to Cruz for the way he treated him at the start of the book series realizing that he has treated Cruz like a bully would. This is a huge shift in his character development and shouldn’t go unnoticed. The author does a great job of showing how people can and do change. Additionally, the team rallies around Dugan and agrees to make his younger brother an honorary member of the team and will all take turns calling and checking in on him. It is a sweet moment in the book that brought tears to my eyes. Spoiler: Lani joins the Explorer Academy! And lastly, Cruz has his own continued development as he wrestles with the task of finding the pieces his mother left behind. “[E]ven if he succeeded in his quest to complete her formula, he was still chasing a ghost. She was gone. And nothing Cruz did would ever change that” (164). “Even if it turns out to be the greatest medical advancement in the history of humanity, it’s not your achievement. Explorer Academy is about following your own path. Don’t you see that? I admire you for what you’re doing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your dreams” (169). Of course, Cruz determines that it is what he wants and it is part of his dream to uncover all that his mother left behind.
One thing that really stood out to me in this book as the way the author presents some of the assignments the students must complete. These assignments would likewise be a great activity for homeschool families or children simply interested in nature. In Book 4, their assignment is to “create a conservation plan for an endangered African animal [...] Consider the issues you will need to address, such as poaching, habitat loss, climate change, or a food source problem. What about society’s attitudes and traditions? Choose three major threats, then explore how you’d work to overcome these problems” (48).
Book 5: The Tiger’s Nest
Review originally published January 2023
Returning from a two-week break, Cruz is refreshed and recharged to uncover the fifth cipher. In Book 4, Cruz had to leave behind his tablet in a harrowing escape from Nebula that contained the last image and video of his mother prior to her death. He didn’t look at it originally and is filled with regret for not taking the opportunity when he had it. Fortunately, Dr. Fanchon has the video and offers Cruz the opportunity to once again view what was left. It is the clip of this video that opens up new mysteries for the book that will certainly lead into Books 6 and 7. It is what Cruz sees and discovers that finishes the plot twists of Book 5. I don’t want to give too much away, so you will have to read it.
Nevertheless, upon catching up with his team, they have a mission that requires them to restore a habitat on a nearby island that has been taken over by an invasive species. Unfortunately, their leading professor almost dies and must be recovered by team Cousteau. Lani, Cruz’s best friend, must face real danger in order to save the professor. Fearing something deadly has happened to Lani, Cruz is beyond relieved when she reappears. Cruz’s response, however, leaves Bryndis wondering if there is more going on between the two since she is unaware of their youthful history together. Despite what Bryndis thinks, his friends know of his crush on Bryndis, which gains a bit more attention in Book 5. Sailor teases Cruz one morning asking about his crush and if they have kissed yet (38-39). After returning from the mission, Cruz finally finds a moment to confront Bryndis who has been distant from him since their return. Cruz explains that Lani is his best friend from home and Bryndis accepts his apology for not telling her sooner. In response, she kisses him. About half the page on 113 details Cruz’s response to the kiss and his jumbled joyous feelings.
Shortly after this, Cruz and his friends, Emmett, Sailor, and Lani are off to find the fifth cipher piece that is located at the Taj Mahal. It is here that Cruz does find the fifth piece but also is met again by the mysterious girl who saved him in Petra in Book 4. She is none other than the daughter of the villain trying to stop Cruz from finding all eight pieces of the cipher. She discloses her own motives for keeping Cruz safe, but he also learns who all is against him. Without time to lose, Cruz uncovers the whereabouts of the sixth cipher piece and is given permission to retrieve it without returning to the ship Orion on one condition, an adult must go with them. The adult who shows up is Taryn, the beloved adviser of the explorers.
Unfortunately, in a battle to save Cruz from one of the Nebula villains, Taryn is killed. I wouldn’t typically divulge such a key twist in the book, but depending on the sensitivity of your reader, it is good to be aware that a beloved and trusted character dies.
Book 5 has a lot of twists, turns, ups, and downs, but leaves the reader intrigued and ready for Book 6.
Book 6: The Dragon’s Blood
Review originally published February 2023
Trudi Trueit continues the Explorer Academy saga with the 6th installment titled The Dragon’s Blood. If you can guess from the cover, the next piece of the cipher will lead our young explorers to China and to the Terra-Cotta Army specifically. Your reader will be delighted with the adventure and faced-paced mystery to solve the clues before Nebula does. Without giving too much away, Taryn, the beloved adviser from the series who sacrificed her life in Book 5, for Cruz is not exactly gone. Readers will discover that she is an AI robot that has “grown” beyond her programmed capabilities. She is referred to as a cybernetic life form and there is a conversation about how what she is not revealed to the world because the world is not ready for that technology and controversy that surrounds it. Given what is going on currently with the development of AI, I think this is an important topic to discuss with your reader about the moral and ethical implications of AI and robots (p.157).
In Book 6, Zebra, the secret Nebula agent, is revealed and nearly causes a catastrophe for all on board the ship. Fortunately, Cruz receives some timely help to thwart the plans. The only other point of continued development worth noting is the further development in Bryndis and Cruz’s relationship. They make Valentine’s Day gifts for one another and Bryndis becomes a bit obsessive about Cruz going to the ship doctor after mercury exposure. All of it is pretty harmless, but it is still present.
Book 7: The Forbidden Island
Review Coming soon.
