"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
