Clare Vanderpool
Reviewed by Michele R. on January 25, 2013
When Jack’s mom dies, his long absent military father comes home and places Jack in a boarding school. Alone and a bit miserable, Jack befriends the unusual student Early Audon. Early is strange, almost in a magical way. His belief that the numbers in pi have colors and are telling a story (a mystery he feels he and Jack need to solve) lead Early and Jack on an adventure quest of epic proportions. Author Clare Vanderpool carries multiple plot lines to a satisfying ending, weaving them together like a fine tapestry. Mystery, grand adventure and a little happy romance combine for a wonderful story.
2013 Newbery Prediction! (Even if this doesn’t win, you should read it. If not now, soon.)