ÒJust the sort of book that saves lives by igniting a passion for reading.Ó ÑJames Patterson

ÒReminiscent of Huckleberry Finn.Ó ÑThe 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 boysÕ incredible quest on the Appalachian Trail.

When Jack BakerÕs father sends him from his home in Kansas to attend a boysÕ boarding school in Maine, Jack doesnÕt 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 JackÕs and EarlyÕs friendship last the journey? Can the boys make it home alive?

An ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

An ALA-ALSC Notable ChildrenÕs Book

A New York Times EditorÕs 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 EditorsÕ Choice Selection

A BookPage Best ChildrenÕs Book

A Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection