60 pages • 2 hours read
Clare VanderpoolNavigating Early
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
790L