Families who loved So You Want to Be an Explorer? by Judith St. George often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is feeling discouraged by a mistake or needs to see that history is made by real, often messy human beings rather than untouchable heroes. It is the perfect antidote to dry history lessons, offering a lighthearted but honest look at what it actually takes to be an explorer. Through witty prose and engaging anecdotes, it humanizes legendary figures by highlighting their quirks, failures, and the sheer grit required to face the unknown. The book balances humor with high stakes, covering emotional themes of resilience and bravery. It is ideal for independent readers aged 7 to 12 or as a shared family read. Parents will appreciate how it frames 'exploration' not just as a job from the past, but as a mindset of curiosity and persistence that children can apply to their own lives today. It turns daunting historical feats into relatable stories of trial and error.
