2019
WISE Score
Amazon
Think Harry Potter but with National Geographic gadgets instead of wands—perfect for the kid who wants to save the world with a drone.
4.7
4.7View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Explorer Academy is a winner. It’s essentially a recruitment brochure for National Geographic disguised as a high-stakes thriller, and honestly, it works.
It’s fast-paced, looks great on a shelf, and actually makes kids feel smarter while they read it. In an era of 'brain rot' content, this is the high-protein alternative that still tastes like candy.
This is the sweet spot for 8-to-12-year-olds. If they've outgrown Magic Tree House but aren't ready for YA angst, this is the perfect bridge.
The story centers on a global community of students working together. It models healthy curiosity, academic ambition, and loyalty to friends and family without being preachy.
The blend of near-future tech like augmented reality and drones with real-world geography is top-tier. The embedded puzzles and codes turn passive reading into an active investigation.
It's a National Geographic publication, so the 'danger' is of the middle-grade mystery variety—suspenseful but never gratuitous or traumatizing. No content warnings needed here.
It’s STEM-heavy in the best way. Kids learn about conservation, technology, and culture while following the plot. It makes being a 'scientist' look as cool as being a superhero.
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