Navigating Early
Clare Vanderpool, Author
Delacourte Press, MG Fiction, 2013
Suitable for Ages: 10-14 (5-8 grades)
Themes: Adventure, Journey, Appalachian Trail, Boarding Schools, Eccentricity, Loss
Synopsis: When Jack Baker’s mother dies, his father, a WW II Navy captain, boxes up their lives in Kansas and moves them to Maine. Jack is enrolled in the Morton Hill Academy and his father returns to his military job. Jack struggles with making friends until he meets Early Auden, a strange but curious boy. Jack and Early share two things in common — the loss of loved ones and distant fathers. Early is a gifted mathematical genius and is obsessed with the Pi =3.14. Early sees numbers in colors, images and creates a spellbinding story about Pi. Early is certain that Pi is lost and the boys embark upon the journey of their life to find Pi on the Appalachian Trail. Jack knows the constellations and navigates their trip as they encounter sea, pirates, timber rattle snakes, an old woman, lost souls, buried secrets, deep forests, caves and catacombs, and a Big Black bear. Early’s gift of taking information and seeing what others miss keep the boys one-step ahead of danger. The ending is unexpected but more than satisfying.
Why I like this book: This is one of the most complex books I’ve reviewed for middle graders. Clare Vanderpool (Moon Over Manifest) has written a very emotional and compelling novel that tugs at her reader’s heartstrings and has them glued to their seats. It is a story playing out within a story, and sometimes the lines of reality become blurred for both the boys when their hearts are involved. This is a story about two boys searching for someone who is lost while trying to find themselves along the way. Early would probably be diagnosed on the autism spectrum and a savant today, but the author doesn’t want to label him — so I haven’t labeled him in my tags. Navigating Early is definitely a stand-out novel and I highly recommend it for middle graders and young adults.
Resources: You may want to visit Clare Vanderpool at her website where readers can learn more about Navigating Early. Teacher resources are also available. Clare Vanderpool won the Newberry Award for her novel Moon Over Manifest.
Children's Books Heal 
How masterfully she ties up all the loose ends and meandering ideas! Also love the way she depicts the struggling father-son relationship.
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Cathy I agree. There was so much I wanted to say about this book, but didn’t touch on everything. This book is captivating. I’m glad you liked it as well. This was my first exposure to Clare Vanderpool and she is a master at story telling.
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Wow. It sounds like a mesmerizing book. I’ve read Moon Over Manifest, and was very impressed by it. This one sounds impressive in very different ways. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it.
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Clare Vanderpool is a brilliant story teller. I was hooked after the first few chapters. There is so much depth to this story that I barely skimmed the surface. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s in the running for a Newberry for this book. It is that good!
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I LOVED this book! It was one of the books that I recommended for back to school reading in my last newspaper article. Have you read Moon Over Manifest? 😀
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I loved this book too! I think it is one of the best written stories I’ve read this year. Glad you recommended it for back to school reading. I am reading Moon Over Manifest right now and love it.
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I loved Moon Over Manifest too! 😀
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This sounds like one I’d really enjoy. I’m off to check out Clare’s website now. Thanks, Pat!
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I think Vanderpool is a wonderful storyteller. And, she has created some very unique character, a very strong plot and a big adventure. Couldn’t put it down.
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Sounds like my kind of book. I will put it on my list. Thanks, Patricia!
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Coleen, this book is such a great read! I couldn’t put it down!
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This sounds like a fabulous read! I love emotionally complex books for this age group as it causes them to really stop and think! I have sisters that would be interested, I will have to check it out!
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Thanks Brittany. This is a beautiful book about being different, friendship and a big quest. Glad you enjoyed the review.
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A nice review Ms Tilton! Makes me want to check this book out. I’m always drawn to kids who are a little quirky. Easy sounds like my kind of guy. Thanks for sharing this one!
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Glad you liked the review Rhythm. A great action-packed adventure. You’d like Early.
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Sounds wonderful. From the first comment too, it sounds like it was well written. A book like this definitely needs to be done right. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
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Leigh, I think you’d really enjoy this book. Wow, to be able to write like this! It is a captivating story.
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Sounds like a good book for parents to read as well.
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I know parents would enjoy reading Navigating Early — I did. Thank you for posting on twitter.
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Looks like a great book. It’s now on my list of ‘books I must read’.
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I am so delighted you liked Navigating Early. I hated to see it end.
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Besides being an author myself, I am a middle school teacher. I am putting this book on my “to read” list. Thanks for the great website!
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I’m glad you liked the review. Powerful MG novel with many creative ways to use in the classroom. Wouldn’t surprise me if Vanderpool wins the Newberry for this masterpiece!
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A adored Moon Over Manifest and was thrilled when it claimed Newbery fame. Can’t wait to read this one. (Oh boy, I’ve added 14 books to my TBR list just today!!)
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You know it took me until page 200 to really get into Moon Over Manifest. But, I ended up loving it. Vanderpool is an excellent author and her books make you feel like you’re reading something special. I will have to say that I loved Navigating Early even more.
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