60 pages • 2 hours read
Navigating Early
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1940s
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
790L
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
16,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
16,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Early Auden
Early Auden
At 13 years old, Jack's first friend at Morton Hill Academy has unique abilities and interests that set him apart, embarking on a quest that both challenges and deepens his connection with Jack.
Captain John Baker Jr.
Captain John Baker Jr.
Jack's father, a military man whose return from World War II coincides with navigating the aftermath of his wife's death and reconnecting with his son.
Fisher "The Fish" Auden
Fisher "The Fish" Auden
Early's older brother and a renowned athlete at Morton Hill, whose supposed fate during the war catalyzes Early's adventurous search.
Archibald MacScott
Archibald MacScott
The antagonist, a hunter entangled in his own pursuits whose path crosses with Jack and Early during their journey.
336
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1940s
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
790L
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