This book was a fun read with great adventures and two story lines that were often interwoven: the story of Pi and the adventures of Early. I was reminded of Maniac Magee with the tone of this book, as two young boys left in search of a different life, and adventure, a bear, a missing brother and meaning. Their adventure brings them across many different types of people, but all are changed and influenced by these two boys as they seek to change their own life.

Personally, this book was one I had to read in bits and didn't feel an urge to eagerly finish it all in one sitting. I believe this is a great candidate for the Newbery, but I think children might not be able to relate to the time or setting of this book. Family going to war isn't what it used to be. Sure, we still have family dying in the east, but it can't compare to what Early or Jack feel as World War II is coming to an end but claiming many more lives overseas. And one of the books later themes stems from Early's brother and Jack's father being soldiers in the war.

Part II of what irked me: Early. Yes, it's great and wonderful to bring in an autistic (I'm pretty sure its aspergers) main character, which isn't done too often. The characteristics, tics, and routines of aspergers were well written into Early's character, a little too well. It takes great patience to deal with such a person, and while I do not have to raise them, I interact with a person just like Early at work and it's draining. Much like how I could only read this book in small bits, it's because in my mind, Early WAS this patron. All right, now go ahead an comment on how horrible a person I am.