Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous tale of teen boys' '80s Roman romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Set in 1986 Rome, RUN AWAY WITH ME is the tale of "Danny" and "Angelo" (not their real names, but the names they give each other), two 16-year-old boys who meet and share an intense connection and summer romance. Angelo is local; Danny is just there for the summer with his mom, an academic expert in old books, who's been brought there to study a mysterious, recently discovered manuscript. As they share stories and discoveries, and learn about men and boys who've loved before them, their lives are transformed—but the clock is ticking toward their inevitable parting.
Is It Any Good?
Brian Selznick's gorgeous, emotionally complex tale of two teen boys' summer love in 1986 unfolds unforgettably in words and intense, intricate illustrations. Finding each other and knowing you'll be torn apart is a strong theme in Run Away with Me, with a nod to Roman Holiday. Time as a foe keeps the emotional intensity and sense of wonder set to 11. In the face of loss, other male lovers going back to the Renaissance cast a benign presence over the sweet connection of Danny and Angelo. A lush, poignant triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about summer romances (like Run Away with Me) and why they're such an enduring theme in song and storytelling. Do you have any favorites?
How do you feel about accepting forced separation from your loved ones vs. doing everything you can to stay together against overwhelming odds? Are you powerless, or is there something you can do?
If you went to Rome, what are the first things you'd like to see and do? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Brian Selznick
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic
- Publication date : April 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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