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Runaway

(2006, Fiction - Adventure, Written by Wendelin Van Draanen)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Homeless at 12; a poignant read for mature teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Though the main character encounters many bad role models, she makes key connections that end up saving her life. Her resiliency is inspiring. Her teacher who gave her the journal is a constant reminder of hope.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Main character is hit by a man who picked up girl and mother hitchhiking, attacked by homeless man causing fear for her life, hunted down by another homeless man for stealing his items, locked in laundry room without food or bathroom by foster parents, and had face flushed in toilet twice.
  • Sex:

    Some sexual abuse by foster fathers. Man walks in on girl going to the bathroom.
  • Language:

    "Pervert," and "shooting up" is the worst it gets.
  • Consumerism:

    A few name brands including Hefty bags and Sani-flush
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Mother was a heroin addict. She describes her shooting up and constantly searching for drugs by saying, "looking for a doctor." Mother dies from drug overdose.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Runaway

Parents need to know that this book covers poignant topics: death, homelessness, fear, and abuse. There are descriptions of the narrator's drug-addicted mother, who eventually dies from an overdose; abuse in foster care; and fear of starvation, freezing to death, and physical harm. Some passages may be hard for tender-hearted adolescents to read. But with the guidance of an adult, this is a suspenseful story that mature teens won't soon forget.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about homelessness. How can kids and families help others in similar situations? Why is Holly afraid of social services, and what went wrong with the "system"? Was it OK for her to shoplift necessities for survival? Parents can also talk about what the journal has provided for Holly. Parents can point out that it was another adolescent who helped her in the end and the important role peers can play in each other's lives.

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Our Members Say

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See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    its pretty good for teens but be warned

    its pretty good Im a seventh grader and my english teacher reads it everyday at school

  2. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Perfect for Tweenies & Up.

    I loved this book. The violence may be something, But it carries out with a great message. And is a GREAT read.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Really Great Book! (:

    I Loved this book there was suspense on every page, Totally my favorite book.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    amazing!

    this book is so great for kids 11+ i think. it was so good! i couldnt put it down, and was telling my mom the whole story! haha! but one thing i don't understand of the common sense review... how does it have any sex in it?

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    i loved it!!

    it was a while since i read it but i want to do a report about it and its due tommorrow!!! so help me !! what are the main charactors?

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