"Navigating Early" is a young adult novel by Clare Vanderpool, published in 2013. The story follows the journey of two boys, Jack Baker and Early Auden, who meet at a boarding school in Maine in the 1940s. Both boys are dealing with personal losses and struggles, and they bond over Early's obsession with pi and his belief that his older brother, who went missing during World War II, is still alive and lost at sea.
Together, Jack and Early set out on a journey to find Early's brother and to navigate the rivers of Maine. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters and face a series of challenges that test their friendship and their ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Throughout the novel, Vanderpool explores themes of loss, grief, friendship, and the power of imagination. The book has been praised for its vivid and lyrical prose, its evocative descriptions of the Maine wilderness, and its memorable characters. "Navigating Early" won the 2014 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, as well as several other honors and awards.
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