Overview

For fans of Tristan Bancks and Katherine Rundell comes this electrifying middle-grade novel about a twelve-year-old called Cas, who runs away to avoid a reunion with his estranged father. Cas soon finds himself lost in the wilderness, completely alone and without help. Or is he?   Cas thought running away from home would solve all his problems. But he didn’t count on getting hopelessly lost in the tangled Australian bush. Alone and afraid, Cas has given up all hope of rescue when he stumbles upon a strange family hiding out in the wilderness. He won’t survive without their help. But when he discovers they’re also on the run – from something so big, they won’t even talk about it – he realises his problems are just beginning … Hatchet meets Stand By Me in this brilliantly suspenseful novel from the acclaimed author of Big Magic and Magic Awry. With a spiky, memorable cast, gripping twists and turns and thorny moral dilemmas, RUN is perfect for fans of Bren MacDibble and Nat Amoore – and it will keep readers glued to the page all night.  Children's Book Council of Australia, Younger Readers Award – Shortlisted Book ★ #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER ★ Perfect for: Readers aged 9–14 who love high-stakes adventure set in the real world. Suspense/thriller fans who want high-stakes/high intrigue plots without too much grit or violence. Fans of suspenseful novels such as Tristan Bancks's Scar Town and Bren Macdibble's The Dog Runner. Book clubs, teachers and educators wanting a page-turner that also has meaningful themes for discussion Read all of Sarah Armstrong's novels for young readers: The Wave – a new survivalist novel coming in 2026! Big Magic Magic Awry

Full Product Details

9781761214561

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘Brilliant and original! Gritty characters, a wild setting, action, suspense – I was hooked from the start. And the big questions surrounding family, failure, forgiveness and new beginnings kept the story alive in my mind and heart long after I'd finished reading.’ – Katrina Nannestad, multi-award-winning author of We Are Wolves ‘A wild survival story that treks along at a cracking pace – I read this in one sitting. When Cas runs away and is lost in the bush, he is desperate. His saviours are two strange girls with great survival skills. The mystery of why they are out here living in secret is compelling and dangers lurk everywhere for all of them. A captivating read.’ – Bren MacDibble, award-winning author of The Dog Runner   ‘What a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat until the end. The themes of belonging, love and forgiveness combined with the breakneck pace of a survival story make this big-hearted adventure such an engaging read.’ – Karen Foxlee, multi-award-winning author of Dragon Skin ‘A tense, challenging middle-grade read, Run is action-packed right to the end. Cas has to confront his feelings about his father, his aunt, and the true nature of social justice. The stakes are high, the fear is real, and Cas is an engaging protagonist for the reader to cheer for. Keen readers of adventure novels might just read this in one sitting!’ – Sue Osborne, Magpies Magazine ‘A fast-paced survival tale that explores themes of trust, resilience and complicated families. With its blend of suspense, emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, Run will resonate with readers aged 10+. The high-stakes plot and social justice angle are age-appropriate, avoiding unnecessary grit or violence. Run is perfect for fans of Tristan Bancks’ Cop and Robber, Nat Amoore’s We Run Tomorrow and Bren MacDibble’s How to Bee.’ – Karys McEwen, Books+Publishing ‘Survival stories (and survival television shows!) tend to focus on someone overcoming difficult conditions alone. This book offers a unique perspective, as characters grapple with relationships to other people, and prove to be just as challenging as the wilderness. Run is an exciting read for ages 9+.’ – Readings ‘The many questions and secrets that linger throughout [Run] will hook you in and not let go. It’s gripping, heart racing, suspenseful writing ... It’s a book about survival, but it’s also about second chances and owning your story. Cas will draw you in with his big heart, dealing with moral dilemmas and huge decisions far beyond his years – you feel his turmoil throughout, but love him even more for it. If you want to know what will solve the reading crisis for young males, it’s books like this.’ – @middlegrademusings

'Brilliant and original!  Gritty characters, a wild setting, action, suspense – I was hooked from the start. And the big questions surrounding family, failure, forgiveness and new beginnings kept the story alive in my mind and heart long after I'd finished reading.' –KATRINA NANNESTAD, multi-award-winning author of We Are Wolves  

Author Information

Sarah Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and the author of several novels for adults and children, including the Miles Franklin-shortlisted Salt Rain. Her novels for children include the CBCA Notable Book Big Magic and its sequel Magic Awry, and her forthcoming middle-grade novel, Run. Sarah lives with her partner and daughter in the NSW town of Mullumbimby.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available