Scan barcode
bashasmash's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
zivi's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
aftrshx06's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the book. It was definitely setting you up for the series. I am looking forward to the next adventure!
essrich's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is a fun and adventurous first book in a younger middle grade series. Filled with high-tech gadgets and virtual reality(ish) simulations of distant lands, it’s sure to capture readers’ imaginations. At the end of the book, there’s even some real-world discussion of innovations that could lead to the many different types of tech in the book—I loved that real-world tie-in. Cruz’s virtual “journeys” to different lands were interesting—I especially loved the trip to the butterfly conservation area in Mexico—and they always had a bit of excitement thrown in as well. Kids will appreciate the diverse cast (especially the Scottish character, whose distinct phrases are really fun), and the fact that they can learn some interesting facts throughout the book without feeling like they’re learning. I’m guessing this book would have been a big hit with my kids a few years ago.
Be forewarned that this is very much a setup to a series—the book introduces the Explorer Academy and sets up the mystery of what happened to Cruz’s mom. It also introduces a set of clues that Cruz must follow in future books. Still, my daughter (a few years ago, when she would have been the right age for this book) wouldn’t have minded this, I don’t think. There was enough story to keep you interested and a resolution to at least one issue that was brought up in the book (though that issue was introduced relatively late). I think it would be enough to keep a younger middle grade reader interested and wanting to read more.
One other note: I don’t usually talk about the actual construction of a book, but I have to say that this book is beautifully made. The pages are thick and it has colored illustrations throughout. The whole thing feels like a National Geographic book—like a smaller version of one of their coffee table books. I was super impressed with the quality and thought it really set this book apart.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This is a fun and adventurous first book in a younger middle grade series. Filled with high-tech gadgets and virtual reality(ish) simulations of distant lands, it’s sure to capture readers’ imaginations. At the end of the book, there’s even some real-world discussion of innovations that could lead to the many different types of tech in the book—I loved that real-world tie-in. Cruz’s virtual “journeys” to different lands were interesting—I especially loved the trip to the butterfly conservation area in Mexico—and they always had a bit of excitement thrown in as well. Kids will appreciate the diverse cast (especially the Scottish character, whose distinct phrases are really fun), and the fact that they can learn some interesting facts throughout the book without feeling like they’re learning. I’m guessing this book would have been a big hit with my kids a few years ago.
Be forewarned that this is very much a setup to a series—the book introduces the Explorer Academy and sets up the mystery of what happened to Cruz’s mom. It also introduces a set of clues that Cruz must follow in future books. Still, my daughter (a few years ago, when she would have been the right age for this book) wouldn’t have minded this, I don’t think. There was enough story to keep you interested and a resolution to at least one issue that was brought up in the book (though that issue was introduced relatively late). I think it would be enough to keep a younger middle grade reader interested and wanting to read more.
One other note: I don’t usually talk about the actual construction of a book, but I have to say that this book is beautifully made. The pages are thick and it has colored illustrations throughout. The whole thing feels like a National Geographic book—like a smaller version of one of their coffee table books. I was super impressed with the quality and thought it really set this book apart.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
levidenbow's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
5.0
Reading the first in a series is only satisfying if there is some resolution to the story contained in th3 book. If I never read another of these, I still thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's a sci-fi story sponsored by National Geographic, about a future where young teens are selected to go to Explorer Academy in DC. Cruz Coronado lives in Hawaii, where he and his father moved after his mother's death. She worked at the Academy, as does his aunt, and died in an accident there. As Cruz settles in, mysterious events lead him to the knowledge that his mother's death was no accident. He also learns that she has left him clues around the world to the solution of who? Wonderful depiction of future learning and teaching. Exciting adventure and friendship story.
melissakristofferson's review against another edition
4.0
[ Read aloud with Kellan ]
(from Kellan, 8) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ While it has a bit of a slow start, this book was full of adventure, interesting scientific & engineering ideas and mystery (who or what is Nebula?). There are quite a few ups and downs in the book. I’d recommend it for ages 7-10.
(from Kellan, 8) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ While it has a bit of a slow start, this book was full of adventure, interesting scientific & engineering ideas and mystery (who or what is Nebula?). There are quite a few ups and downs in the book. I’d recommend it for ages 7-10.
thelilbulldozer's review against another edition
5.0
Alex Rider meets Greenhouse Academy.
What more do you need?
Granny's Rating: 4.5
What more do you need?
Granny's Rating: 4.5