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Born to run
A tale of kindness triumphing over cruelty, of resilience, friendship and the value of looking forward rather than behind you – from a master storyteller‘Pitch perfect’ Daily MailWhen Patrick saves a greyhound puppy from drowning in the canal, he gives his beloved new pet the only name that feels Best Mate.But despite Patrick’s promise to look after Best Mate forever, it isn't long before the greyhound is thrust into a new life and threatened with a fate he will have to fight to escape. In the face of constant danger, Best Mate finds a way to survive. The real challenge will be finding a home . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2007
184 people are currently reading
3218 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
630 books3,023 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
January 13, 2021
An excellent book as always by this exceptionally gifted children's author. It touched my heart.
November 21, 2010
Its a touching story about a greyhound who had many different lives. He was saved from a canal with the rest of his siblings and kept by the rescuer. He was dognapped, attacked and left on his own to fend for himself, will he ever find a true home?
I recommend this book to younger aged children and animal lovers.
I really liked this story because it's heartwarming and has very good composition, it draws you into the story and you don't want to put the book down as it's full of suprises.
The only thing i disliked about the story was that it was easily predictable in some places of the story.
Overall i really enjoyed reading this book!
I recommend this book to younger aged children and animal lovers.
I really liked this story because it's heartwarming and has very good composition, it draws you into the story and you don't want to put the book down as it's full of suprises.
The only thing i disliked about the story was that it was easily predictable in some places of the story.
Overall i really enjoyed reading this book!
October 14, 2011
This touching book shows a young dogs hard life. From being rescued from a pond, to living on the streets, even the toughest book reader may need a box of tissues beside them. This is a lovely book, and, as I've mentioned, is very touching. I would recommend this book to a young-ish audience, around 11-12 year olds would enjoy this, but I think older teens (14ish) may also enjoy this book. I know I loved it. :)
June 1, 2021
I think this book is brilliant. The story is about a greyhound who after being rescued from a canal by a boy who was being bullied goes on to have another two owners and very different adventures. The book is almost sad but then not really, the human characters play a big part in the story.
I like the chapters that are written from the best mates perspective. He goes on to have other names.
I'd recommend this book to all my friends.
I like the chapters that are written from the best mates perspective. He goes on to have other names.
I'd recommend this book to all my friends.
August 23, 2020
THIS. BOOK.
As you can see, I am struggling for words.
This book is absolutely gorgeous. Strong themes of friendship, family and loyalty. Read it. Love it. Cry. Cry again. Then read all of Michael Morpurgo's other books. ALL OF THEM.
This had always been one of my top favourite Michael Morpurgo books when I read them a good few years ago, so I was skeptical and, to be honest, scared that I wouldn't love it as much if I reread it now. But wow. I was wrong. This. Book. I can't even form well-structured sentences.
This book has given me the reassurance that no one is ever too old for one of Morpurgo's timeless gems. I look forward to rereading all of Morpurgo's other gorgeous books now, and in many years to come.
I need to clarify that this 5🌟 rating is certainly not for the nostalgia of this reread. Sure, I wouldn't have picked up this book now if I hadn't loved the author and book previously, but that does not mean in any way that my rating is biased. 'Born to Run' has a simplistic beauty to it's writing, heart-wrenching and emotional storylines, and the most lovable and precious characters. I dare someone not to fall in love with this book. If you give 'Born to Run' a chance, you will never ever regret it.
As you can see, I am struggling for words.
This book is absolutely gorgeous. Strong themes of friendship, family and loyalty. Read it. Love it. Cry. Cry again. Then read all of Michael Morpurgo's other books. ALL OF THEM.
This had always been one of my top favourite Michael Morpurgo books when I read them a good few years ago, so I was skeptical and, to be honest, scared that I wouldn't love it as much if I reread it now. But wow. I was wrong. This. Book. I can't even form well-structured sentences.
This book has given me the reassurance that no one is ever too old for one of Morpurgo's timeless gems. I look forward to rereading all of Morpurgo's other gorgeous books now, and in many years to come.
I need to clarify that this 5🌟 rating is certainly not for the nostalgia of this reread. Sure, I wouldn't have picked up this book now if I hadn't loved the author and book previously, but that does not mean in any way that my rating is biased. 'Born to Run' has a simplistic beauty to it's writing, heart-wrenching and emotional storylines, and the most lovable and precious characters. I dare someone not to fall in love with this book. If you give 'Born to Run' a chance, you will never ever regret it.
January 31, 2019
In this book it really shows how friends are a really important part of your life and that your friends are always there to help you. But sometimes one point in your life you must leave your old life and friends behind and find new friends. I think this book really illustrates well that part of life, that your must let go of your old comfortable life and find a new life.
July 22, 2020
Doing the reading river activity for uni really took me back to this book, as I remember it was the first chapter book that I really got into and found really emotive. Decided to re-read it and I still love it today! Definitely one of my favourite Morpurgo books.
Read
July 26, 2011This is a charming story about the different lives of one dog.
"Born to run" by Micheal Morpugo is a story about the life of a greyhound and the experiences he encounters. The book is (I would probably guess) aimed at young teenagers. However, any dog lover will love this tale of a greyhound who has three different (and very contrasting) owners for the duration of this novel.
The story begins with Patrick a young boy who whilst walking on his way to school sees a bag floating in the canal which seems to be moving. Without any concern for his own safety he jumps into the canal and gets the bag onto dry land where he discovers the bag is full of little greyhound pups. He becomes a hero in his school and after much deliberation on his parent's side they allow him to keep one of the puppies who he names Best Mate. And that is exactly what they become, unseparable enjoying each others company. What Best Mate loves to do is run and Patrick and him love to run in the park.
However, one day something happens to change all that and Patrick and Best Mate become separated. Best Mate begins a new life as a racing dog and becomes called Bright Eyes in this new life he meets new friends Alfie another greyhound and Becky a young girl who lives at the kennels. Although Best Mate or Bright Eyes as he is now called misses Patrick he settles into his new life and becomes a champion racing greyhound.
Life for Best Mate however seems always set to change and due to various circumstances he finds that he is without a home and is then taken in by Joe who runs a baked potato van and he names the dog Paddywack and so begins another chapter in Best Mates life.
I thought this was a lovely book. It is quite clearly written for children yet it still has an appeal to an older reader if you love dog stories. The book has 240 pages, but the font used is so easily readable that it's quite possible to read the whole book in an evening. The story is very charming and the characters are larger than life. Be warned that despite this book being a child's book it may have you in tears! There are some very sad moments.
This book isn't really suitable for young children it tackles some serious issues one being children running away and the other that sometimes racing greyhounds are shot when they become too old or injured to run. This was a topic that I did not expect to find in this book but the author describes in clear detail that you are under no doubt what happens to the poor dogs. I felt this was worth mentioning as many people will find this quite upsetting to read. It was in fact an article in a newspaper about this practice that prompted the author to write the book in the first place. He had a rescue dog himself, which prompted him into thinking about the life story of a greyhound.
The book also has a really good section at the back which will appeal to dog lovers. There is a bit by the author about why he wrote the book, information about the retired greyhound trust, a fun quiz to find out what kind of dog you are most like, information on animal charities, interesting dog facts, famous dogs, most common dog names and how you can get involved in helping dogs. Another little touch I liked is that at the bottom right of each page throughout the book is a little picture of Best Mate and if you flip through the pages it makes him run! There are illustrations throughout the book and a lovely photo of a retired greyhound on the front cover.
So, in summary, this is an emotive account about a greyhound who has a lot of difficulties thrown at him but shows great character and loyalty to the end. It is a story that will appeal to dog lovers but isn't really suitable for young children. If you are going to give it to a child, be warned - they will probably want a dog after reading it, if they didn't before!
"Born to run" by Micheal Morpugo is a story about the life of a greyhound and the experiences he encounters. The book is (I would probably guess) aimed at young teenagers. However, any dog lover will love this tale of a greyhound who has three different (and very contrasting) owners for the duration of this novel.
The story begins with Patrick a young boy who whilst walking on his way to school sees a bag floating in the canal which seems to be moving. Without any concern for his own safety he jumps into the canal and gets the bag onto dry land where he discovers the bag is full of little greyhound pups. He becomes a hero in his school and after much deliberation on his parent's side they allow him to keep one of the puppies who he names Best Mate. And that is exactly what they become, unseparable enjoying each others company. What Best Mate loves to do is run and Patrick and him love to run in the park.
However, one day something happens to change all that and Patrick and Best Mate become separated. Best Mate begins a new life as a racing dog and becomes called Bright Eyes in this new life he meets new friends Alfie another greyhound and Becky a young girl who lives at the kennels. Although Best Mate or Bright Eyes as he is now called misses Patrick he settles into his new life and becomes a champion racing greyhound.
Life for Best Mate however seems always set to change and due to various circumstances he finds that he is without a home and is then taken in by Joe who runs a baked potato van and he names the dog Paddywack and so begins another chapter in Best Mates life.
I thought this was a lovely book. It is quite clearly written for children yet it still has an appeal to an older reader if you love dog stories. The book has 240 pages, but the font used is so easily readable that it's quite possible to read the whole book in an evening. The story is very charming and the characters are larger than life. Be warned that despite this book being a child's book it may have you in tears! There are some very sad moments.
This book isn't really suitable for young children it tackles some serious issues one being children running away and the other that sometimes racing greyhounds are shot when they become too old or injured to run. This was a topic that I did not expect to find in this book but the author describes in clear detail that you are under no doubt what happens to the poor dogs. I felt this was worth mentioning as many people will find this quite upsetting to read. It was in fact an article in a newspaper about this practice that prompted the author to write the book in the first place. He had a rescue dog himself, which prompted him into thinking about the life story of a greyhound.
The book also has a really good section at the back which will appeal to dog lovers. There is a bit by the author about why he wrote the book, information about the retired greyhound trust, a fun quiz to find out what kind of dog you are most like, information on animal charities, interesting dog facts, famous dogs, most common dog names and how you can get involved in helping dogs. Another little touch I liked is that at the bottom right of each page throughout the book is a little picture of Best Mate and if you flip through the pages it makes him run! There are illustrations throughout the book and a lovely photo of a retired greyhound on the front cover.
So, in summary, this is an emotive account about a greyhound who has a lot of difficulties thrown at him but shows great character and loyalty to the end. It is a story that will appeal to dog lovers but isn't really suitable for young children. If you are going to give it to a child, be warned - they will probably want a dog after reading it, if they didn't before!
July 9, 2013
This book is very fast paced. It rattles along with barely a paragraph or chapter in sight. I guess that is to keep children interested.
It looks like a book for young children, with wide line spacing and illustrations. But I found the content to be very adult for the style of the book. There was animal abuse, parents dying, nasty step parents, children running away, homelessness, violence. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, and don't expect to find those issues covered in a book that looks like it's aimed at early readers. Maybe kids are tougher than they used to be, and are used to this kind of stuff. For me, though, this book was caught a bit in-between the age groups it was written for. The content is extremely emotive, but the pace of the book and writing style took away some of the impact of events.
The parts of the book written from a dog's eye view were a nice idea and made a good bridge for sudden shifts in the story. But, for me, they didn't quite ring true. The perpective was too human, it didn't sound like a dog talking.
Overall, it was a decent read. It's an emotional roller coaster, with both nasty and kind people displayed by how they treat the dog. But I'd rather either see some of the nasty bits taken out, to make it more suitable for smaller children, or see them covered more carefully for maximum impact on a teenage/adult audience.
It looks like a book for young children, with wide line spacing and illustrations. But I found the content to be very adult for the style of the book. There was animal abuse, parents dying, nasty step parents, children running away, homelessness, violence. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, and don't expect to find those issues covered in a book that looks like it's aimed at early readers. Maybe kids are tougher than they used to be, and are used to this kind of stuff. For me, though, this book was caught a bit in-between the age groups it was written for. The content is extremely emotive, but the pace of the book and writing style took away some of the impact of events.
The parts of the book written from a dog's eye view were a nice idea and made a good bridge for sudden shifts in the story. But, for me, they didn't quite ring true. The perpective was too human, it didn't sound like a dog talking.
Overall, it was a decent read. It's an emotional roller coaster, with both nasty and kind people displayed by how they treat the dog. But I'd rather either see some of the nasty bits taken out, to make it more suitable for smaller children, or see them covered more carefully for maximum impact on a teenage/adult audience.
July 17, 2021
Absolutely loved it!
I heard so many good things about Michael Morpurgo. He's a great storyteller. ❤ It was interesting to read about greyhounds since I'm not that familiar with the breed.
Born to Run was such a moving story that, again, makes me feel grateful for the love and loyalty of dogs. They make this world a more beautiful and less lonely place to live in. Excited to read more of Morpurgo's dog stories.
I heard so many good things about Michael Morpurgo. He's a great storyteller. ❤ It was interesting to read about greyhounds since I'm not that familiar with the breed.
Born to Run was such a moving story that, again, makes me feel grateful for the love and loyalty of dogs. They make this world a more beautiful and less lonely place to live in. Excited to read more of Morpurgo's dog stories.
April 3, 2020
Yes, of course I know that Michael’s books are intended for a reading audience just slightly younger than me😊 However I am a sucker for a good doggie story and this must be one of the best out there. Absolutely marvellous!
August 31, 2020
My friend recommended this book to me and I didn't have high expectations. But it was amazing. I recommend this to anyone who wants a short but emotional read.
October 10, 2020
It is quite a sad book
January 31, 2025
An old childhood favourite which remains so today. Michael Morpurgo has a charming ability to pull you in with his words and I enjoyed stepping back into his writing which I so adored growing up. This is a heartfelt story that made me fall in love with greyhounds, inspiring a long-held dream to rescue one someday. I hope that dream is now closer to becoming a reality.
August 10, 2022
a real tear jerker 10/10 i want to live in the spud van but the dog attack drawing scared me a lot
July 31, 2022
Emotional story another favourite as a child any age would enjoy this story.
March 8, 2013
You learn that Michael Morpurgo once had a pet Greyhound and loved his pet to bits, it was from his love of Greyhounds that this story evolved and the rough hand that these dogs are often dealt, especially ex- racing Greyhounds.
The story starts with a young boy Patrick who dreads going to school but on his way to school sees a sack floating in the canal, the sack is moving so he jumps in and rescues the sack which has 5 unwanted Greyhound puppies in. He pleads with his parents to let him keep one and calls it “ Best Mate “, and this dog indeed becomes one. Best Mate is an excellent runner and this becomes his downfall when it comes to the notice of evil people, that this dog may become a racing greyhound. You learn then what becomes of many racing Greyhounds and the cruel treatment dished out to them, but Best mate has a friend in Becky who tries to save him from a cruel fate. Best mate then finds his way into the life of an older man Joe who adopts him. You then touch on other current social issues, the closing of care homes and the devastation it can cause to the elderly residents, maybe Morpurgo sees a parallel between the care of unwanted dogs and elderly people who society now deems to be useless. The ending has a twist and some of the book is told from the dog’s perspective which is good. You have to be very hard hearted not to get a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye reading this book.
The story starts with a young boy Patrick who dreads going to school but on his way to school sees a sack floating in the canal, the sack is moving so he jumps in and rescues the sack which has 5 unwanted Greyhound puppies in. He pleads with his parents to let him keep one and calls it “ Best Mate “, and this dog indeed becomes one. Best Mate is an excellent runner and this becomes his downfall when it comes to the notice of evil people, that this dog may become a racing greyhound. You learn then what becomes of many racing Greyhounds and the cruel treatment dished out to them, but Best mate has a friend in Becky who tries to save him from a cruel fate. Best mate then finds his way into the life of an older man Joe who adopts him. You then touch on other current social issues, the closing of care homes and the devastation it can cause to the elderly residents, maybe Morpurgo sees a parallel between the care of unwanted dogs and elderly people who society now deems to be useless. The ending has a twist and some of the book is told from the dog’s perspective which is good. You have to be very hard hearted not to get a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye reading this book.
March 26, 2011
Amazing book, made me cry
April 18, 2011
Born to Run is a beautifully written, heartwarming tale of friendship, love and loss.
March 6, 2024
Very good and heartwarming
June 14, 2020
'Born to Run' is a touching story about a Greyhound's life and his journey with his different owners.
'Best Mate' is what he is named by his first owner, a young boy by the name Patrick, who finds him in a sack along with his other siblings flowing down a canal. Patrick saves them and feels a deep connection with this greyhound puppy, who he adopts. Bestmate lives a comfortable life with Patrick, who showers him with a lot of love and affection. But these happy days are short-lived. One day, Bestmate gets stolen and taken to a place to be used as a race dog.
The happy days get over as Bestmate finds a new owner, Craig, who trains dogs for races, has no affection or attachment for him. Fortunately, there is Becky, Craigs' stepdaughter, who feels for all the dogs and understands their plight. She is the one who names him him 'Brighteyes' after the beautiful expressive eyes that he has. Brighteyes starts training as a race dog along with Alfie, who is a race dog like him. Brighteyes and Alfie, become inseparable best friends. The duo wins many one-twos and brings home many trophies and price money. Unfortunately, in one race, Alfie gets badly hurt, and with that comes an end to his racing days. Becky's worst fears come true as she witnesses how Alfie meets his end in the most dreaded way. Determined to save Brighteyes, Becky escapes with him from the farmhouse. With no money and food, the two roam around the streets and spend days and nights in starvation. Finally, Becky's mother finds them and decides to take Becky back home but, she has to leave Brighteyes behind. She hands over Brighteyes to a new owner, Joe, an old man who is alone and lonely.
Almost immediately, both develop a liking for each other, and Joe names him ' Paddywack' after the name of the dog he once had. Soon, the two find love and companionship in each other. With Joe, Paddywack lives an entirely different life as he becomes a mascot for a nursing home where Joe's wife had got treated before she died. Joe's wife had loved the place and its people. Now the nursing home faces the threat of closing down. In his wife's memory, Joe decides to fight to save the nursing home from closing. Paddywack receives loads of affection and admiration from all the members of the nursing home and also gains a great deal of popularity as he comes in the limelight because of the campaign.
Life takes a turn again and leads Paddywack back to Patrick. But now Patrick has a new dog for company and doesn't recognize his ' Best Mate'. It's a happy moment for Paddywack as he finally gets to see Patrick after so many years, but sad too as Patrick doesn't recognize him. Life goes on and he returns with Joe.
This story is not just for animal lovers but also for those who have never dealt with them. It makes the reader go through the experiences from the dog's perspective, feeling of love, of losing one's loved ones, of helplessness because of the inability to talk and express. It imbibes the virtues of being more considerate towards these beautiful creations of nature. It is also a story that teaches us to always keep our hopes high and move on. Both adults and children can enjoy reading this heartwarming story.
'Best Mate' is what he is named by his first owner, a young boy by the name Patrick, who finds him in a sack along with his other siblings flowing down a canal. Patrick saves them and feels a deep connection with this greyhound puppy, who he adopts. Bestmate lives a comfortable life with Patrick, who showers him with a lot of love and affection. But these happy days are short-lived. One day, Bestmate gets stolen and taken to a place to be used as a race dog.
The happy days get over as Bestmate finds a new owner, Craig, who trains dogs for races, has no affection or attachment for him. Fortunately, there is Becky, Craigs' stepdaughter, who feels for all the dogs and understands their plight. She is the one who names him him 'Brighteyes' after the beautiful expressive eyes that he has. Brighteyes starts training as a race dog along with Alfie, who is a race dog like him. Brighteyes and Alfie, become inseparable best friends. The duo wins many one-twos and brings home many trophies and price money. Unfortunately, in one race, Alfie gets badly hurt, and with that comes an end to his racing days. Becky's worst fears come true as she witnesses how Alfie meets his end in the most dreaded way. Determined to save Brighteyes, Becky escapes with him from the farmhouse. With no money and food, the two roam around the streets and spend days and nights in starvation. Finally, Becky's mother finds them and decides to take Becky back home but, she has to leave Brighteyes behind. She hands over Brighteyes to a new owner, Joe, an old man who is alone and lonely.
Almost immediately, both develop a liking for each other, and Joe names him ' Paddywack' after the name of the dog he once had. Soon, the two find love and companionship in each other. With Joe, Paddywack lives an entirely different life as he becomes a mascot for a nursing home where Joe's wife had got treated before she died. Joe's wife had loved the place and its people. Now the nursing home faces the threat of closing down. In his wife's memory, Joe decides to fight to save the nursing home from closing. Paddywack receives loads of affection and admiration from all the members of the nursing home and also gains a great deal of popularity as he comes in the limelight because of the campaign.
Life takes a turn again and leads Paddywack back to Patrick. But now Patrick has a new dog for company and doesn't recognize his ' Best Mate'. It's a happy moment for Paddywack as he finally gets to see Patrick after so many years, but sad too as Patrick doesn't recognize him. Life goes on and he returns with Joe.
This story is not just for animal lovers but also for those who have never dealt with them. It makes the reader go through the experiences from the dog's perspective, feeling of love, of losing one's loved ones, of helplessness because of the inability to talk and express. It imbibes the virtues of being more considerate towards these beautiful creations of nature. It is also a story that teaches us to always keep our hopes high and move on. Both adults and children can enjoy reading this heartwarming story.
July 27, 2025
I saw this book in a charity shop and it flooded back childhood memories. I loved this booked because the dog on the cover looked like my dog at the time Rascal. Re-reading this probably 15+ years after I last read it and I remember how much I loved it, although it is definitely a high-key traumatic book.
December 2, 2019
This was recommended by a friend and im glad because its a very good but emotional story because the kid gets hit by a car and the only thing that could wake him up was a kiss by his dog and I do recommend it to others
October 31, 2020
Totally didn't almost cry at the end! Why did he leave?! I thought he'd recognise him! This was such a sweet book about one dog who lived lots of different lives with different people.
I really recommend it to everyone who loves dogs and happy-sad at the same time book.
I really recommend it to everyone who loves dogs and happy-sad at the same time book.
May 26, 2020
Beautiful story but wish the ending was a little different to make it perfect. Great read for all ages.
June 15, 2021
This book, is wonderful piece. I recommend for everyone who love dogs and beautiful love stories. It touched my heart.
June 17, 2021
One of the few books that makes me cry every time I read it without fail!
July 27, 2021
wholesome but also kinda sad. teared up when joe was talking about marion.
February 23, 2022
So much nostalgia reading this!!
This is a re-read for me but I last read it when I was about 8/9? The story is still so special, sweet, and heart-wrenching.
I’m so glad I chose to re-read it <3
This is a re-read for me but I last read it when I was about 8/9? The story is still so special, sweet, and heart-wrenching.
I’m so glad I chose to re-read it <3
March 6, 2025
A lovely animal story, the main character in this one is Best Mate the dog.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews