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Run
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.
Perfect 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 Big MagicMagic AwryRun
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.
Perfect 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 Big MagicMagic AwryRun
Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
9 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Armstrong
6 books49 followersSarah was a journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before writing three novels, Salt Rain , which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, 'His Other House' and 'Promise'. Her first novel for kids is 'Big Magic.' http://www.sarah-armstrong
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 27, 2025
8/9/25 Who is cas and why is he so sad, and why is he running away from home.
9/9/25 why is cas running away because of his father when he could just talk to him before he made that disesion.
12/9/25 in this chapter cas was in the australian bush worrying about how far the nearest hospital is and what would happen if he was bitten by a snake.
16/9/25 in this chapter cas was in the bush of austrailian in a valley.
31/10/25 in this capter cas found a person and a dog in the australian bush that were also trapped and tried to find a excape plan.
5/11/25 In this chapter cas and the people he found were trying to flee from a rescue helicopter because they dont wat to get caught because they were on privat property.
18/9/25 in this chapter cas and the two girls and the dog he found were trying to find some food and water, at the end he got a leech on him and gets blood everywhere.
8/10/25 in these chapters cas and his friend got caught in a landslide and he broke his arm then they find out the there path to the road has been destroyed by the landslide.
20/10/25 in this chapter after cas broke his arm he went to secret camp to get some suplies but they ran into the father who is most likley is a criminal.
11/11/25 The most imortant events that happend were when Cas was at the secret camp when they found out that that they need to hide because there was a search helicopter to find cas because he ran away from home.
12/11/25 The ordinary world of cas is his house where his father dosent care about him and he neglectes his feelings, and dosent have much so he decides to run away into the australian bush with minial suplies and he finds two children as his mentor.
13/11/25 Cas and his friend go to the river to hid from the helicoter (they thought it was a seach helicopter but it wasn't) so cas tries to sacrifice himself so the others dont get caught but the helicopter didnt see them then her father comes then they go to the camp.
14/11/25 Cas thinks about excaping by the river town, down to the the the hut because he was being held there without his will
17/11/25 Cas being held against his will at the camp where the take enough care of him and he got a blanket made out of possum skin where they chat about how they found him and they had to take care of him and then the dad get hostile then he grabs a knife just to be save.
18/11/25 cas tryed to excape from the camp he when through the river but he got cought.
adgectives thick bushes, wooden handle and rough.
27/11/25 After Cas's atempt to excape the camp where he was being held against his will, as tried to excape through the river he got caught because he fell for the bait and went on the first boat he found and pearl found him
9/9/25 why is cas running away because of his father when he could just talk to him before he made that disesion.
12/9/25 in this chapter cas was in the australian bush worrying about how far the nearest hospital is and what would happen if he was bitten by a snake.
16/9/25 in this chapter cas was in the bush of austrailian in a valley.
31/10/25 in this capter cas found a person and a dog in the australian bush that were also trapped and tried to find a excape plan.
5/11/25 In this chapter cas and the people he found were trying to flee from a rescue helicopter because they dont wat to get caught because they were on privat property.
18/9/25 in this chapter cas and the two girls and the dog he found were trying to find some food and water, at the end he got a leech on him and gets blood everywhere.
8/10/25 in these chapters cas and his friend got caught in a landslide and he broke his arm then they find out the there path to the road has been destroyed by the landslide.
20/10/25 in this chapter after cas broke his arm he went to secret camp to get some suplies but they ran into the father who is most likley is a criminal.
11/11/25 The most imortant events that happend were when Cas was at the secret camp when they found out that that they need to hide because there was a search helicopter to find cas because he ran away from home.
12/11/25 The ordinary world of cas is his house where his father dosent care about him and he neglectes his feelings, and dosent have much so he decides to run away into the australian bush with minial suplies and he finds two children as his mentor.
13/11/25 Cas and his friend go to the river to hid from the helicoter (they thought it was a seach helicopter but it wasn't) so cas tries to sacrifice himself so the others dont get caught but the helicopter didnt see them then her father comes then they go to the camp.
14/11/25 Cas thinks about excaping by the river town, down to the the the hut because he was being held there without his will
17/11/25 Cas being held against his will at the camp where the take enough care of him and he got a blanket made out of possum skin where they chat about how they found him and they had to take care of him and then the dad get hostile then he grabs a knife just to be save.
18/11/25 cas tryed to excape from the camp he when through the river but he got cought.
adgectives thick bushes, wooden handle and rough.
27/11/25 After Cas's atempt to excape the camp where he was being held against his will, as tried to excape through the river he got caught because he fell for the bait and went on the first boat he found and pearl found him
August 1, 2025
”Sometimes it’s OK to break the law, so you can survive.”
It’s been a dream run for #LoveOzMG fans this year with some hot new releases, and ‘Run’ is no different. This type of book is all the rage in classrooms at the moment - a safe introduction to tense and action packed storylines.
‘Run’ tells the story of Cas, a 12 year old boy with a hard upbringing so far - his mum is not around and he lives with his aunt after his dad can’t look after him anymore. Cas is just getting used to this arrangement when his aunt organises a visit to his dad, someone Cas wants nothing to do with anymore. So Cas takes the first chance he gets to escape into the bush. Suddenly he’s completely lost, ill equipped and all on his own, or so he thought. No sooner does he meet a suspicious family of 3 who are on the run & living deep in the bush. They aren’t happy about Cas’ arrival and he is skeptical of their plans for him. What ensues is a story of survival as Cas doesn’t know where to turn, who to trust, & faces danger from all angles. Will Cas manage to find his way back to where he belongs or will the dangerous company & surroundings ruin his plans for freedom?
Sarah just about writes the perfect story here & I devoured it in one night. The many questions & secrets that linger throughout will hook you in and not let go. It’s gripping, heart racing, suspenseful writing that you won’t be able to put down. It’s a book about survival, but it’s also about 2nd chances and owning your story. The sensitive themes of family, loyalty, belonging and forgiveness are delicately introduced, although they might provoke many questions and discussions. Cas is the real hero though, and will draw you in with his big heart, dealing with moral dilemmas & 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. Bravo Sarah!
It’s been a dream run for #LoveOzMG fans this year with some hot new releases, and ‘Run’ is no different. This type of book is all the rage in classrooms at the moment - a safe introduction to tense and action packed storylines.
‘Run’ tells the story of Cas, a 12 year old boy with a hard upbringing so far - his mum is not around and he lives with his aunt after his dad can’t look after him anymore. Cas is just getting used to this arrangement when his aunt organises a visit to his dad, someone Cas wants nothing to do with anymore. So Cas takes the first chance he gets to escape into the bush. Suddenly he’s completely lost, ill equipped and all on his own, or so he thought. No sooner does he meet a suspicious family of 3 who are on the run & living deep in the bush. They aren’t happy about Cas’ arrival and he is skeptical of their plans for him. What ensues is a story of survival as Cas doesn’t know where to turn, who to trust, & faces danger from all angles. Will Cas manage to find his way back to where he belongs or will the dangerous company & surroundings ruin his plans for freedom?
Sarah just about writes the perfect story here & I devoured it in one night. The many questions & secrets that linger throughout will hook you in and not let go. It’s gripping, heart racing, suspenseful writing that you won’t be able to put down. It’s a book about survival, but it’s also about 2nd chances and owning your story. The sensitive themes of family, loyalty, belonging and forgiveness are delicately introduced, although they might provoke many questions and discussions. Cas is the real hero though, and will draw you in with his big heart, dealing with moral dilemmas & 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. Bravo Sarah!
October 26, 2025
Cas (Casper) hasn't lived with his father since he was very young and had to survive alone as his father neglected and ignored him. Living with Aunt Mel has seen him develop into a responsible Year 6 boy but he rebels when his dad tries to reignite contact and Mel insists he go for a visit. On the way Cas takes a chance and runs into the bush where he quickly realises that he does not have the necessary survival skills and he lost, hungry and thirsty. Discovered by two sisters and their dog he soon realises he has stumbled into a mystery as the girls and their Dad are living off grid and have a secret to hide.
A fast-paced adventure survival story - interesting as it presents survival from different perspectives and with a range of layers dealing with neglect, forgiveness, family, friendship and moral challenges interwoven in a well-written and engaging story with strong and interesting characters. Great for older primary readers that would inspire male readers and be a good classroom read aloud. Ticks all the boxes!
A fast-paced adventure survival story - interesting as it presents survival from different perspectives and with a range of layers dealing with neglect, forgiveness, family, friendship and moral challenges interwoven in a well-written and engaging story with strong and interesting characters. Great for older primary readers that would inspire male readers and be a good classroom read aloud. Ticks all the boxes!
December 12, 2025
Fast-paced and exciting... Cas is on the run to avoid going to stay with his dad, who he hasn't lived with for years. He has terrible memories of his time with his dad, who neglected him after Cas' mum left.
In a hasty, spur-of-the-moment decision, he escapes from the car in which he is being transported to his dad's place, and he runs into the Australian bush. It doesn't take him long to realise that he is in all sorts of trouble - and that he is very lost.
But unlikely saviours appear in the form of an unusual family group who appear to be living in the bush. They are extremely secretive and are initially reluctant to help, but Cas wins them over and persuades them to help him find a way out.
This would be a great read for students who like the action to keep on actioning, and could be one for those who have enjoyed Hatchet, Sticking with Pigs or The Tomo.
Highly recommended.
In a hasty, spur-of-the-moment decision, he escapes from the car in which he is being transported to his dad's place, and he runs into the Australian bush. It doesn't take him long to realise that he is in all sorts of trouble - and that he is very lost.
But unlikely saviours appear in the form of an unusual family group who appear to be living in the bush. They are extremely secretive and are initially reluctant to help, but Cas wins them over and persuades them to help him find a way out.
This would be a great read for students who like the action to keep on actioning, and could be one for those who have enjoyed Hatchet, Sticking with Pigs or The Tomo.
Highly recommended.
August 3, 2025
The thing that all great storytellers have in common is their ability to not only weave a story but to tell it in a way that you are completely immersed in it. This is one of those books. As I read it I could smell the bush and the smoke from the campfire, feel the mud between my toes, hear the sounds of birdcall and wildlife. Every page of this rolling heartfelt adventure kept me turning to the next. Just brilliant.
August 18, 2025
A great adventure and survival story with lots of heart. Cas is a sympathetic character who does some stupid things but will have you wanting to just wrap him in a hug. This is one of the only survival adventure stories that had me in tears. I think this will be a hit with my middle grade aged students.
September 25, 2025
A modern-age adventure classic, Run is fast-paced, thought-provoking and exciting! Sarah Armstrong elicits the smells, sounds and sights of the Australian bush in this heart-pounding preteen/YA adventure that will appeal to kids who love mystery, environmental themes, suspense, and excitement. An absolute cracking read!
August 11, 2025
Pacy perfection 👌
August 28, 2025
Excellent Australian middle fiction. Exciting and mysterious with short chapters propel this story along. This is bound to be a hit in our school library.
September 18, 2025
Great book, one in that funny age range - is it upper primary? Lower secondary? (You decide).
Lots for kids to ponder.
Lots for kids to ponder.
October 2, 2025
Good pace, authentic characters, strong message. Would recommend for yrs 7-9.
October 10, 2025
I was hooked from the start. It’s a fast-paced story that is full of suspense and heart. An absolutely brilliant read with an expertly crafted narrative.
November 23, 2025
A terrific novel of survival, family and friendship. Highly recommended
November 25, 2025
It’s a great read. The themes of belonging, being loved and second chances are authentic as 12 year old Cas tries to survive in the Australian bush.
December 10, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! So good
October 5, 2025
Good pace, authentic characters, strong message. Would recommend for years 7-9.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews