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Clare Vanderpool

Navigating Early

Clare VanderpoolFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Clare Vanderpool

Navigating Early

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1940s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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Super Short Summary

After his mother's death, 13-year-old Jack Baker, struggling with grief and loneliness, is enrolled in a boarding school in Maine, where he befriends Early Auden, an eccentric classmate grieving his own losses. The two set off on an adventure to find a legendary bear, guided by Early's belief in the story told by the number pi, encountering various characters and challenges that shape their understanding of empathy and alternate perspectives.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Emotional

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

16,151 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Clare Vanderpool's Navigating Early is lauded for its lyrical prose and rich storytelling, blending adventure with poignant themes of friendship and loss. Reviewers applaud the deep character development and the intricate, symbolic narrative. However, some critique its pacing as slow and certain elements as convoluted. Overall, it captivates with its heartfelt, introspective journey.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Navigating Early?

Readers who enjoy Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool are typically middle-grade enthusiasts who appreciate heartfelt adventure and friendship tales, much like fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or Holes by Louis Sachar. They seek emotional depth, historical settings, and compelling character journeys.

4.4

16,151 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1940s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

790L

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