Navigating Early

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a significant life transition, such as a move to a new school or the loss of a loved one, and feels like an outsider. Set in a 1940s Maine boarding school, it follows Jack, a boy grieving his mother, and Early, an eccentric boy who likely falls on the autism spectrum. Together, they embark on a quest through the Appalachian Trail that mirrors the mythological story Early finds within the digits of pi. It is a lyrical, atmospheric story about how friendship can anchor us when the world feels unpredictable. Parents will appreciate the profound treatment of neurodivergence and grief, offering a hopeful perspective on how our unique ways of seeing the world can actually be our greatest strengths. It is best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who are ready for a deep, slightly mysterious emotional journey.