Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher (Book 1)

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Sailor York and the daring recruits of Explorer Academy uncover an elusive animal-smuggling ring in the first electrifying book in this new companion series.

Soon after Cruz, Sailor, Emmett, and Lani return for their second year at Explorer Academy, their sense of calm is shattered when Sailor’s older sister goes missing. Amidst incredible expeditions to far-flung destinations and competitive classes, Sailor bravely steps into the lead to discover how her sister’s sudden disappearance may be linked to an illegal and deadly animal-trafficking ring. 

Despite winning the prestigious North Star Award and being surrounded by close friends and teachers who she has traveled the world with, Sailor’s never felt less sure of herself. As the recruits face puzzling obstacles and try to follow complex clues, Sailor realizes there’s only one thing that could save her sister in time: revealing her own deepest secret.

Series Overview: This exciting brand-new five-book series picks up where the original Explorer Academy series left off. With the same cast of characters and near-future setting, Explorer Academy features a gripping fact-based fiction plot that inspires curiosity with new technology and innovations; amazing inventions and gadgets; a cast of diverse, relatable characters; secret clues, codes, and ciphers to track down within the text; vibrant illustrations; elements of STEAM; National Geographic Explorer profiles in the Truth Behind the Fiction section in the back of the book.

About the Author

TRUDI TRUEIT is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and has written more than 100 fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the Explorer Academy series, beginning with Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret. Trueit was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and lives in Everett, Washington. Web: www.truditrueit.com.

Author Residence: Everett, WA