Runaway

Okay, I will admit, I am not a runaway, nor have I ever been in the system.But, I can admit I can still relate to Holly, my mom was just like hers, a drug addict.That's not the only thing you can relate to in this book, you can relate to feeling trapped, and being confused and scared, wondering what's gonna happen next, and if you'll ever find home, or a family- and pretending not to care about all these feelings inside you.The book translates the sides of Holly's personality perfectly, the "I don't care and I'm tough as nails" side and the "I do care and I'm a dreamer" side, you see this perfectly in the book, you see Holly and how she grows up, matures and faces her demons- both inside and out.Van Draanen also manages to catch Holly's childish side, but not in a "I love fun and games" way but in the "I wish this could happen" way, it really makes you feel for the character, and even though I will admit, it's below my reading level, I still read it, because the emotions Holly feels translates for all ages.

school book

This book is one of the BEST teen novels I have ever read. I got it for my neighbor who is 13 to read. She has told me many times that she wants to "runaway" and that life would be so much better than the home situation she lives in with her guardian Aunt and Uncle. After reading this, and seeing the real struggles that the author wrote about gave her something really hard to think about. I recommend parents get this book for any tween to read. I am a retired teacher after 26 years and this is a great teaching tool for children from 10-18. We need more novels written like this one that "teaches" children by example, and not shaking a finger at them. Ms. Van Draanen did an awesome job writing this one. I have just ordered The Running Dream.

Good book to read. Students liked it too!

Moving story of a young girl who runs away from an abusive foster home, convinced that anything, even a life on the streets, will be better than her current situation.She leaves with nothing more than a backpack full of supplies, which includes a journal given to her by a caring teacher. Initially, Holly writes in her journal as a way to pass the time, and ridicules her teacher, who knows nothing of her students' real lives. Gradually, as time passes and Holly encounters many dangers on the street, she comes to see the journal as her only real safe haven.Excellent, and not overly explicit, so a good choice for middle school readers.

This is a story told through a journal. This young woman's mother dies of an overdose and she is placed in foster care. She runs away after being emotionally abused by foster parents. She is a tenacious and inventive person who finds her way despite numerous hardships. Through her courage she finds her way utilizing the journal to record her experiences and to help her work through loss as well as trauma. This book is captivating and well written. I highly recommend this novel.

Nice quick read, perfect for a middle schooler. Even a reluctant reader. Explores the horrors of being homeless at 12 without going into explicit detail.

I loved it! I thought it was wayyyy better then her other book, Flipped. This is def one of my all time favorite books! Take a chance and buy it!! :))

A really good YA book. It was really addictive with the fast paced, real-time journal entries. I liked holly. Her boldness, her gutsy resilience and belief, but also her clear vulnerability and delicate centre that we see being revealed by the end of the book. I read it in two days (which is fast for my pace!). I highly recommend.

Good book