Runaways: An irresistible story about finding your true home

by E.L. Norry

Bloomsbury presents Runaways by E.L. Norry, read by Emily Jackman & Terrell Lewis

'Extraordinary. I loved it.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear

'I LOVED Runaways. It has note-perfect voices and two important stories at the heart of it all. I couldn't put it down.' Joanna Nadin, award-winning author

'A fantastic novel that doesn't shy away from big emotions.' Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

He needs to get lost. She wants to be found.

Jamie and July are both eleven-year-olds living in London – but they have very different lives. They meet for the first time at Waterloo Station in the last week of the holidays. They are both desperate to get away from home. July is really worried about her unreliable mum - she needs to get help. Jamie has done something terrible - and left in a panic. Despite their worries, the sun is shining and, as they escape everything they've left behind in the city, Jamie and July can't help but sense adventure in the air.

But running away isn't just harmless summertime fun. What are they really trying to escape? And will either Jamie or July find a place that finally feels like home?

Three homes, two kids, one journey.

Genres: Middle Grade

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Ziman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really well-written and enjoyable contemporary MG, with excellent characterisation of July and Jamie and the foibles and faults of their (loving, but fallible) family members. July has previously been in care and lived with grandparents (mum had her young, and has struggled with drugs and 'bad company'), whereas Jamie's mum has moved them in with a boyfriend who doesn't seem to like him much, and he's not seen his dad face to face for several years, ever since he 'got a job abroad'. Both have their reasons for leaving home, but at only 11 (even though Jamie looks older, and July is always prepared), things can go wrong more quickly than either had anticipated.

E.L. Norry does a great job of showing young readers some of the pitfalls of being on the street - albeit temporarily/accidentally - managing to neither be too gritty for the age group nor to whitewash the very real dangers too much. Thankfully this book has a happy ending, but not every child will be so lucky. Highly recommended for year 6 and up.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the surface, July and Jaime have nothing in common. July lives with her single mom who is trying to stay sober but may be falling under the spell of a former drug-sharing friend. Jaime and his mom have recently moved in with his mom's boyfriend since his dad is working overseas. Both have their reasons for leaving home for Bournemouth and meet on the train. They end up as runaways together, in money trouble, each hoping to find the specific person they came for to help them out of the fixes they are in. As events unfold, it seems that July and Jaime may have more in common than they knew. The ending had a surprising twist that brings July's and Jaime's situations together in a satisfying ending.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written middle grade story which highlights the plight of children who run away from home.
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Ellie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant - my daughter read it in a matter of days and loved all the twists and turns! We’ve recommended it to lots of people since.. 10/10

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! I couldn't stop reading!

[Emily Pybus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book! I'm taking part in a literature competition next year where I'll get to meet E.L.Norry which I'm ecstatic about! A sensational book by an incredible rising star!

[Geckos Class · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very nice book it reels you in
I couldn’t stop reading it

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

July & Jamie may be from different backgrounds, but they are both alone and can’t quite reach the person they think will be their protector. Rash decisions seemed to make sense for both of them at the time, but suddenly being homeless is overwhelming and a world away from solving their woes.

A book which will strike a chord with its core audience, as not only does it treat the main characters with respect and empathy, but Norry never short changes the reader while we shadow July & Jamie through their troubles. It's a rewarding read that I hope finds a home on a lot of bookshelves.

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.