Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boy with cancer runs away to climb mountain in moving tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the book is an emotional and heartfelt journey that centers around a boy with cancer who runs away with his dog to climb a mountain, resonating deeply with readers and often leading them to tears. Many reviewers praised its engaging writing style, relatable themes of friendship and courage, and the powerful emotional impact it has, making it a recommended read for both kids and reluctant readers.
- emotional journey
- relatable themes
- engaging writing
- recommended read
- powerful impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Mark, age 12, has fought cancer since he was 5, and now that it's back, he decides to run away. He heads to Mt. Rainier (traveling 263 miles by train, bus, and hitched ride) with his loyal dog, Beau, by his side, planning to achieve his dream of climbing the mountain. The only person he tells is his loyal friend Jess, and he asks her to keep his secret. Along the way, he faces thugs who beat him up but also "angels" who feed him, give him a ride, and offer other kinds of support. But what will happen to Mark -- and Beau -- when they reach their destination at last?
Is It Any Good?
The writing is a mixed bag: There's some lovely and powerful imagery, but some interactions -- especially those involving children -- are a bit too scripted to be believed. For example, when a younger Mark confesses to Jess how scared he is about his cancer and why he must keep his fear a secret, he says, "I can't hold it all by myself, Jess. It's too much. Can I cry with you?" The premise of THE HONEST TRUTH is sad and chilling, and many of the things Mark experiences when he runs away -- from being very nauseated by his cancer to being beaten up by a group of mean teenagers -- are intense to read about.
In some ways this novel feels constructed to make a point to readers, but ultimately it has a sweet message about the power of love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about secrets. Would you have kept Mark's secret the way Jess promised to, even when Mark was missing?
Why do you think stories of kids and teens with serious illnesses are so popular?
Mark talks about being lonely during his bouts with cancer. Can you think of some ways you could spread kindness to kids who are in the hospital?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publication date : January 23, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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