Runaways - E L Norry

I was drawn to Runaways having recently read reviews by book friends. Starting it on a Sunday evening, my first regret was that I'd picked it up at the end of the weekend and not the beginning! 

Runaways tells the story in dual perspective of 2 very different people, Jamie and July.  Through different circumstances, they meet at Waterloo Station and then again on the train to Bournemouth.  Both intent on finding somebody they care for who they feel can help them with problems at home, the pair end up supporting each other because running away from home isn't as easy as they think it will be.

At first glance, July is strong and resilient; she's had a tough life so far but has known love, and she cares about those around her. She clearly worries a lot and,  coupled with the grief she is carrying and the latest change in situation with her mother, she feels she has no choice but to take drastic action.  Jamie, on the other hand, has lead a more sheltered life in many ways; however, although he lives in a nice house and there is money to spare, life is difficult for him at the minute. He's desperate to be heard and loved but he feels everyone is too busy for him.  Despite only being 11 years old, both feel they have no option but to runaway.  

I'm sure there are many of us who thought about running away when we were children, but that was just it, a thought.  For July and Jamie, they feel they have no other option.  Running away is a serious issue (as Norry states, over 100,000 children and young people go missing every year, with a third of those being 13 and under).  Through Runaways, it's very easy to see how children can end up alone and with nowhere to sleep; it's a scary situation and the book portrays this well. The idea of forming a simple plan that falls apart when ideas don't fit into place quickly becomes a reality for July and Jamie, and I found myself incredibly pleased that the pair had each other.

Runaways is completely engaging and draws you in from the beginning (hence the reason why I wished I'd start it at the beginning of last weekend!).  Readers will empathise with the characters and I think that's incredibly important in this book as this will undoubtedly instigate some interesting and important conversations.  

Publishing on the 3rd July, Runaways is a book about searching for answers, family, forging friendships in times of need and being heard.  With messages about staying safe, being brave and speaking up when you are worried deftly woven through the plot, readers will see that running away isn't the answer but finding a way to get your voice heard can be tricky. 

This is a book I won't forget in a hurry.