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Navigating Early Audiobook
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(4.01) - 753 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
“Just the sort of book that saves lives by igniting a passion for reading.” —James Patterson
“Reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn.” —The Wall Street Journal
A Michael L. Printz Honor Winner
From the author of Newbery Medal winner Moon Over Manifest comes the odyssey-like adventure of two boys’ incredible quest on the Appalachian Trail.
When Jack Baker’s father sends him from his home in Kansas to attend a boys’ boarding school in Maine, Jack doesn’t know what to expect. Certainly not Early Auden, the strangest of boys. Early keeps to himself, reads the number pi as a story, and refuses to accept truths others take for granted. Jack, feeling lonely and out of place, connects with Early, and the two become friends.
During a break from school, the boys set out for the Appalachian Trail on a quest for a great black bear. As Jack and Early travel deeper into the mountains, they meet peculiar and dangerous characters, and they make some shocking discoveries. But their adventure is only just beginning. Will Jack’s and Early’s friendship last the journey? Can the boys make it home alive?
An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book
A New York Times Editor’s Choice
A New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Pick
A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice Selection
A BookPage Best Children’s Book
A Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection
A Notable Children's Book in Language Arts Book
A Down East Magazine Best of Maine Book
A North Carolina Young Adult Book Award Master List Selection
An Iowa Children's Choice Award Finalist
From the Hardcover edition.
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"Wow, Clare Vanderpool, Moon Over Manifest author, has done it again. I listened to this as an audiobook and loved the adventure story of two boys navigating losses in their lives. I can see this as a great read for middle grades and YA. In some ways it is better than her Newbery medal winner."
— Shar (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Just the sort of book that saves lives by igniting a passion for reading.
— James PattersonThe Washington Post, January 1, 2013: -
Clare Vanderpool deftly rows this complex, inventive novel — her most recent since her Newbery-winning 'Moon Over Manifest' — to a tender, surprising and wholly satisfying ending."
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The Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2013:
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An emotionally believable and moving work of magical realism."
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The Boston Globe, June 22, 2013:"A beautifully written adventure."
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The New York Times, January 13, 2013:
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The hallmark of 'Navigating Early' is abundant adventure...The friendship between Jackie and Early and the Morton Hill Academy episodes overall have the flavor of Wes Anderson's delightful summer camp movie, 'Moonrise Kingdom.'
— Starred Review, School Library Journal, March 2013:“Readers will find themselves richly rewarded by this satisfying tale.” -
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, November 19, 2012:“This multilayered, intricately plotted story has a kaleidoscopic effect, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, coincidence and fate.”
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Starred Review, Booklist, December 15, 2012:“Newbery Medal-winning author Vanderpool’s sharp, honest narrative, sparkling with the stars of the night sky, pieces together an elaborate, layered plot with precision, weaving multiple threads into a careful, tidy conclusion perfectly suited for those, like Jack and Early, who want to believe.”
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Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2012: ““Returning to themes she explored so affectingly in Moon Over Manifest, Newbery Medalist Vanderpool delivers another winning picaresque about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness—and the power of stories.”
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The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2013:
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This story of a poignant friendship of two heartbroken boys shifts quickly among genres...moving into territory more often claimed by high fantasy quests, heroic epics, wilderness adventures, and even mysteries. The incorporation of these familiar tropes give the book broad and fascinating appeal, and those that trust Early—and Vanderpool—to lead them through the treacherous woods will be pondering and debating the surreal experience for some time to come."
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The Horn Book, March/April 2013:
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While the writing is as minutely observant as it was in the author’s Newbery-winning debut, Moon over Manifest, this book has a stronger trajectory, developed by the classic quest structure that emerges when Vanderpool sends the boys into the Maine wilderness."
Awards
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A 2014 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
Navigating Early Listener Reviews
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" Listened to this book with my 11 year old son on a road trip. We loved it! Engaging coming of age book for boys. "
— Tim Wilson, 9/7/2016 -
" Had heard such great things about Vanderpool's latest YR novel. Maybe if I were a ten year old boy I would have connected more with the characters, but I found the plot generally un-believable, especially when the "pirates" entered the scene. In my opinion, Vanderpool had some interesting character premises but pushed them too far, tried to accomplish too much, and lost her reader's attention in the process. "
— Melissa, 2/20/2014 -
" Really more like a 3.5 stars. No question the writing is beautiful. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Early & Jack...two boys both trying to find their way in a world of emotional confusion brought on by loss. Being from Maine, the setting doesn't ring true...ocean & mountain wilderness are not in close proximity. The beginning and ending were both well paced but it felt very "sloggy" (is that word?) in the middle. I know I'll be in the minority but after loving Moon Over Manifest so much, I felt let down with this one. "
— Susan, 2/6/2014 -
" Kind of an odd story, but did like it. Three stars only tho. "
— Carol, 1/31/2014 -
" This was honestly one of the best books I've read in a while. Absolutely loved it. If this doesn't win something next year I'll be shocked!!! "
— Julie, 1/23/2014 -
" Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - Historical Fiction- 4th/5th grade and up: I highly recommend this gorgeous powerful book that combines adventure, math, and the most touching intertwined stories of characters. I loved her first book Moon Over Manifest, but this book was even better. "
— The, 1/18/2014 -
" Goodness gracious, this was a terrific read. I enjoyed Moon Over Manifest, but I feel like this is on another plane altogether. I was hooked, cover to cover, and now I can't get Early out of my head. Nor do I want to. "
— Michael, 1/11/2014 -
" Well... this book was amazing. Not sure there is more I can say, yet. I'm in awe. "
— katsok, 12/6/2013 -
" A beautiful, charming book about friendship and belief and family. "
— Jenn, 11/23/2013 -
" Some of my favorite things are woven into the plot--math, storytelling, introspection. I like the way the main characters are always trying to understand their lives, their feelings, and each other. "
— Lisa, 10/26/2013 -
" Loved it. Its a Middle Reader, great for boys. Full of adventure, interesting characters and I found myself always rooting for Jack and Early, the main characters. Was sorry it had to end. "
— Jacqui, 7/21/2013 -
" Some suspension of disbelief needed, but enjoyable regardless. I liked her previous one better, but will recommend this one without reservations. "
— Josie, 6/8/2013 -
" What a book! I can't think of the last time I read something that I love so much. It's sad and happy and beautiful and so classically American in every way that's a good thing. I may become irritating about this book, forcing it on complete strangers and so on. "
— Polly, 5/18/2013 -
" This book swept me away. I will be reading it again ... Slower next time. "
— Jenny, 5/16/2013 -
" Another beautifully written book. Found it a bit slower paced at times. But I overall enjoyed the character development and once again she makes us fall in love with them. "
— Heidi, 4/19/2013 -
" A book that will suck you in with a little bit of history, a little bit of mystery, and a good dose of philosophy too. "
— Jess, 3/22/2013 -
" A pleasant diversion for me. I would call it a "tale". I thought I would be distracted by the "Pi" digressions by they actually held the story together. A very enjoyable read. "
— Nancy, 12/12/2012
About Clare Vanderpool
Clare Vanderpool, recipient of the 2011 Newbery Award, is a resident of Wichita, Kansas. She has a degree in English and Elementary Education and enjoys reading, going to the pool with her children, the television show Monk, and visiting the bookstores in her town.
About the Narrators
Robbie Daymond is an actor, voice talent, and four-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a master’s degree in acting and works primarily in theater but has made several forays into television, video games, and film.
Mark Bramhall has won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, more than thirty AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has repeatedly been named by AudioFile magazine and Publishers Weekly among their “Best Voices of the Year.” He is also an award-winning actor whose acting credits include off-Broadway, regional, and many Los Angeles venues as well as television, animation, and feature films. He has taught and directed at the American Academy of Dramatic Art.
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.