The Explorer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Explorer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Four kids, one plane crash, and the Amazon rainforest standing between them and home—classic adventure done right.

The Explorer

book

2018

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Four kids, one plane crash, and the Amazon rainforest standing between them and home—classic adventure done right.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what middle-grade adventure fiction should be: smart, tense, beautifully written, and deeply respectful of its readers. Rundell doesn't sugarcoat survival—the pilot dies, the kids are genuinely in danger, and there are no easy answers—but she also doesn't sensationalize. The result is a page-turner that builds resilience, curiosity, and empathy.

The Amazon setting is a character in itself, and kids will come away with a visceral sense of the rainforest's beauty and danger. The mystery of the ruined city keeps the plot humming, and the four kids are distinct enough that most readers will find someone to root for.

The Lexile 600L makes it technically accessible for 3rd graders, but the emotional complexity and themes of loss, survival, and self-reliance are better suited for 4th-6th grade. This is a book that sticks with you—the kind of story that reminds kids (and adults) why we read.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14, with the sweet spot around 10-12. Strong 3rd graders can read it (Lexile 600L), but the emotional weight and survival themes land better with 4th-6th graders. Older middle-schoolers will appreciate the depth and craft.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Katherine Rundell delivers a survival story that emphasizes cooperation, resilience, and friendship without heavy-handed messaging. Four kids from different backgrounds must work together to survive the Amazon after a plane crash. The emotional tone is age-appropriate—there's real danger and loss (the pilot dies), but it's handled with care. The pacing balances tension with moments of wonder and discovery. Models problem-solving, mutual support, and respect for nature.

Imaginative

A plane crash in the Amazon, a mysterious map, a ruined city, and a secret—this is adventure fiction at its finest. Rundell is known for lyrical, evocative writing that brings the rainforest to vivid life. The premise invites kids to imagine survival scenarios, exploration, and discovery. The setting itself (the Amazon) is inherently rich with biodiversity and mystery. The quest structure and the promise of a hidden city tap into classic adventure storytelling while feeling fresh.

Safe

The pilot dies in the crash, which is a significant loss but not graphically described. There's survival peril—hunger, dangerous animals, the elements—but it's adventure-book danger, not gratuitous violence. No inappropriate content, no gore, no mature themes beyond 'people can die in accidents.' The Lexile 600L and age 8-12 recommendation suggest it's calibrated for middle-grade readers who can handle some tension. Redeemed Reader recommends it for ages 12-15, suggesting some emotional intensity, but most sources land at 9-12.

Enriching

This is the kind of book that builds resilience, resourcefulness, and empathy. Kids learn about the Amazon ecosystem, survival skills, and the value of teamwork under pressure. Rundell is a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner, known for thoughtful, well-crafted stories. The themes of self-reliance, courage, and respect for the natural world are woven into the adventure. It's not didactic—it's a page-turner that happens to teach. The 4.7 Amazon rating suggests strong reader satisfaction.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Katherine Rundell writes beautiful, evocative prose that makes the Amazon come alive without slowing down the plot
Real stakes and real consequences—the pilot dies, survival is hard—but it's age-appropriate tension that respects kids' intelligence
Four distinct characters who have to learn to work together, offering natural entry points for different readers
The mystery of the ruined city and the secret keeps pages turning, blending survival story with exploration and discovery
Strong environmental themes woven naturally into the adventure—kids absorb respect for nature without a lecture

⚠

What to Watch For

The pilot dies in the opening crash—it's not graphic, but it's a real death and sets the stakes for the story
Ongoing survival peril (hunger, dangerous animals, injury risk) that some sensitive 8-year-olds might find intense
Lexile 600L means it's accessible for strong 3rd graders, but the emotional complexity skews better for 4th-6th grade
Some reviewers recommend 12-15, suggesting it has depth that older middle-schoolers will appreciate more than younger kids

Conversation Starters

"If you were stranded in the Amazon with three other kids, what skills would you bring to the group?"
"Fred finds a map that changes everything—would you follow a mysterious map in that situation, or stay put and wait for rescue?"
"The kids have to figure out how to survive without adults. What do you think would be the hardest part?"
"The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. What animals or plants from the book surprised you?"
"Do you think the pilot's death made the story feel more real, or was it too sad for you?"

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