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Navigating EarlyClare Vanderpool

Middle-grade historical adventure

Navigating Early

by Clare Vanderpool

336 pages · First published 2014

After his mother’s death, thirteen-year-old Jack Baker leaves Kansas for a boys’ boarding school in Maine, where his naval officer father hopes he will find his footing. Instead, Jack feels adrift until he befriends Early Auden, an unusual boy who discovers an unfolding story in the digits of pi. During a school break, the two venture into the Maine wilderness on a quest involving a legendary bear and Early’s determination to find his missing brother. Their journey brings dangerous strangers, unexpected connections, and discoveries that blur the boundary between Early’s story and their own. Set just after World War II, this layered adventure explores grief, friendship, and the courage to believe there may still be a way forward.

Paired for this story

Blackberry Sage Tea + Ember & Honey Toddy

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Death of a parent, bereavement, and wartime loss; discovery of a child’s skeletal remains and discussion of an accidental shooting; abduction, pursuit by armed criminals and bloodhounds, and threats with a shotgun; a fatal bear attack; wilderness danger; adult drunkenness.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Blackberry Sage Tea

Dark blackberries and earthy sage evoke the wooded trails of Maine, where Jack and Early follow an extraordinary story through the wilderness and discover the unexpected strength of friendship.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Ember & Honey Toddy

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Warm whiskey, golden honey, and bright lemon offer a little comfort for a journey into the Maine wilderness, where two unlikely friends discover that even the longest road through grief can lead toward hope.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice to a warmed mug. Top with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Mug.

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