Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented-reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him ... and why?
Readers can get in on the excitement with puzzles and codes embedded throughout.
TRUDI TRUEIT has written more than 100 books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Her love of writing began in fourth grade when she wrote, directed, and starred in her first play. She went on to be a TV news reporter and weather forecaster, but she knew her calling was in writing. Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and her fiction novels include
The Sister Solution,
Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Her expertise in kids nonfiction encompasses books on history, weather, wildlife, and Earth science.
SCOTT PLUMBE is an award-winning illustrator, designer and fine artist whose work appears in books and magazines, games, interpretive centres, private collections, and more. His illustrations have been featured in magazines such as
Communication Arts (US),
Applied Arts (CA),
Creative Review (UK) and
3x3 (US).
"This series opener from a new imprint of National Geographic is a fully packed high-tech adventure that offers both cool, educational facts about the planet and a diverse cast of fun characters." —
Kirkus"This exciting series opener introduces young readers to the joys of science and nature."
—Publisher's Weekly"Sure to appeal to kids who love code cracking and mysteries with cutting-edge technology."
—Booklist"A fun, exciting, and action-packed ride that kids will love." —
J.J. Abrams, director and screenwriter of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Lost," "Alias""Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.” —
James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed film-maker"
Explorer Academy is sure to awaken readers' inner adventurer and curiosity about the world around them. But you don't have to take my word for it, check out Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, and Lani's adventures for yourself!"
—LeVar Burton, host of "Reading Rainbow" and "LeVar Burton Reads""Absolutely Brilliant! Explorer Academy is a fabulous feast for the mind and heart -- a thrilling, inspiring journey with compelling characters, wonderous places, and the highest possible stakes. Just as there's only one planet Earth, there's only one series like this. Don't wait another instant to enjoy this phenomenal adventure!" —
T.A. Barron, author of the Merlin Saga
"In the midst of fast-paced action, Explorer Academy captures the power of learning through exploration. The excitement of hands-on discovery is modeled in Cruz's adventures, which encourages kids to take on the mind-set of explorers."
—Daniel Raven-Ellison, National Geographic Explorer and Guerilla Geographer
