This debut novel
in an exciting new science-related series from National Geographic has lots of
action as well as secret codes to solve!
Description from Amazon:
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?
Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret, written by Trudi Trueit, was
published by National Geographic Partners in 2018.
Why you want to read this book…
I loved all
the twists and surprises in this story! The idea of a special school for
science explorers is exciting and I was really curious to find out more. There
are lots of fun gadgets in this book (emoto-glasses anyone?) and a mystery to
solve about Cruz’s mom and her research. Cruz’s friends and classmates Sailor,
Emmett and Lani have interesting skill sets and personalities that help to
contribute to their mission. Love the action-filled colour illustrations by
Scott Plumbe. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to find out what
happens!
Opening:
“Cruz!” His name floated easily to
him across the water. Cruz turned to see his dad waving him in from the beach.
If you’re a writer…
You might
want to study this novel to learn about writing action scenes. It’s hard to
write an action scene with enough sensory detail to make it come alive while at
the same time not slowing down the pace.
She flew past him so fast he felt a
brisk breeze. “Run!”
They heard the sharp smack of hard
soles against marble and saw a figure charging their way.
If you’re an educator…
This would
be a nice addition to the classroom library. I loved the way science and
history is incorporated into the story. There’s lots of cool technology to keep
readers hooked and wondering about what our own future might bring. It would be
interesting for students to research whether any of the gadgets are real or
under development, or to come up with their own ideas for a new piece of
technology.
He had read about mind-control
digital photography in their text and was eager to try it.
Extras:
Extras:
There’s an
awesome website for this book where you can learn more about science, play
games and even win a trip!
Check out the book trailer!
For another
take on this book, check out Greg Pattridge’s review here.
Yes, I did love this book! Thanks for your thoughts and for the link to my review. I'm glad NG KIDS is dipping into fiction to go along with their fantastic non-fiction titles.
ReplyDeleteYes, me too! I love their new non-fic board books, too.
DeleteI always enjoy reading your posts for MMGM because I find your "If You're a Writer . . . " insights to be spot on and very helpful. Thanks for sharing this post with us for MMGM. I love National Geographic Kids books.
ReplyDeleteThank you, June, for your kind words. I'm glad my posts are helpful!
DeleteThis series is completely new to me. Thanks for letting me know about it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteThis sounds so fun with the focus on science and mystery. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI think kids will really enjoy it.
DeleteI haven't seen this book yet. I could use some good examples of writing actions scenes. I will have to pick this up. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Rosi.
Delete