Run Away Home

by Patricia C. McKissack

When Geronimo's forces fail to win the battle in New Mexico and his Apache clan is sent to live on a reservation, one young boy breaks free and soon stumbles upon the home of a kindly African-American family where he is given shelter and protection. Reprint.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Juvenile, Native American, Fiction, Historical

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Patricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Jane discovers a young Apache boy that has escaped from the US government's grasp. After he becomes sick, Sarah Jane and her mother nurse him back to health, with instructions to notify the authorities. The only problem is, how can they send him to his "home" when he is already there with them?

Plot

Run Away Home is a short children’s novel about a girl names Sarah Jane living in post-Civil War Alabama. She and her family take in an Apache boy and deal with the racism of the time while trying to keep their farm. The novel is half about getting used to the Apache boy, nicknamed Sky, and the other half is Sarah Jane dealing with white supremacists trying to force her family into sharecropping. One should keep in mind that this is a children’s novel, so the content won’t be overly complicated.

Despite this, Run Away Home was a nice story. Too often are stories dealing with former slaves in the South aren’t all that pleasant to read.

Writing

The writing left something to be desired. There were a lot of run on sentences and many instances of incorrect formatting when it came to when to start a new paragraph. I still completely understand that this book is for children, but characters should not be speaking in the middle of a paragraph. Also, sometimes the narration would jump around a bit.

Characters

The book is in the mind of Sarah Jane, daughter of a former slave and an Afro-Native woman. She’s a tough little cookie that fights for what she believes is right. She’s honestly a really good character. She has flaws, like being prone to jealousy and perhaps speaking when she ought not to. I wouldn’t mind more books with Sarah Jane as the protagonist.
Sky and Sarah Jane’s parents are prominent characters as well, with the first part of the narrative revolving around Sky and the second part around Sarah Jane’s father. They all had their unique personalities that I enjoyed. Run Away Home had very good characterization for such a short book.

Things I Liked

I loved that the majority of the book was somewhat positive. Whenever there’s a book about black people in the 1800’s, something terrible always goes on. While Sarah Jane and her community do come across a Klu Klux Klan-esque hate group, nothing extremely negative happens to any of the black or Native American characters.

Things I Didn't Like

It felt like there was a bit of the “Magical Native American” trope going on in the novel. Geronimo, the Chiricahua Apache’s di-yin, is even described as using magic to tame a dog. McKissack had apparently done much research about the Apache people, but the book still feels like it falls prey to the “quiet, mysterious, magical Native” clichés. While Sky, an Apache boy, does have personality, a lot of it comes from “the way” of his people, instead of himself.

Diversity

Sarah Jane is part African American and Seminole Native American, though the book only acknowledges the Native part of her indirectly through her mother. Sky is Apache Native American, Sarah Jane’s father is African American (and a former slave), her mother is one-fourth Seminole and African American, and Sarah Jane’s neighbors were black. Other Apache members do make an appearance, but only for a short time.

Overall

The grammar and dialogue mistakes were a bit irksome, but probably only to an adult. I liked the story, which was basically based off of McKissack’s great-great-great grandfather who was similarly separated from his tribe. I’d expected the depictions of Native Americans to be more inaccurate, but it’s not as bad in Run Away Home than in other novels. It’s a quick, cute read that I would recommend to anybody.

Here is a link to my notes.

[Rebecca Vanden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Run Away Home by Patricia C. McKissack, is a riveting story about friendship, loss, and family. Run Away Home follows the story of Sarah Jane, a girl growing up in Alabama during the late 1800s. She lives on a farm with her Mama and Papa, but one day Sarah’s world is flipped upside down when a runaway Apache boy seeks shelter in her family barn. The Apache boy, Sky, wants his freedom and wants his home. Sarah wants Sky to be her friend, but she can’t find a way to connect with him! How is she ever going to get him on her good side?
McKissack brilliantly represents the hardships of family in this historical fiction book. Horn Book mentioned that this story is “tuned to the understanding of a middle-school audience – no small accomplishment,” and accomplishing it is! She is able to formulate an entertaining and gripping story, while at the same time, makes the information easy to understand for growing minds .
This book was very well written, but I found myself not enjoying the story. Not today the story was bad, but the historical fiction of it didn’t necessarily pique my interest. But one main reason I did like this book was because of the setting. The 1800s vibe and cowboy feel is surreal and beautiful in its own gritty way. On the other hand, the story as a whole felt a bit boring and cliché. The friendship blooming between Sky and Sarah is a good storyline, but I just didn’t see the real point of their friendship. I can see how that friendship would come into being, but it just didn’t feel very real to me. Also, the way the government is fine with Sky, a literal runaway, staying at the ranch feels highly convenient for the plot.
McKissack is also known for plenty of books, but her most renowned are Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman? and Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues. Both are Coretta Scott King Award winners. So, for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, I highly recommend Run Away Home. It's not ridiculously long, and is great if you need just a little something to read.

[Catherine Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion on this book is definitely biased after having just reread Mildred Taylor's series about the Logan family. While Taylor's books are clearly written from experience, this book, though based on historical events, was clearly written by someone who did not experience these things firsthand. While the story includes fearful events and cruelty, the conversation between white and colored folks is that of people who consider each other equals. I spent most of the time reading this book thinking how unrealistic it sounded.

However, as a redeeming quality, this book would be a little easier of an introduction to this part of history for younger children who aren't ready for all the ugliness of it.

[Felicia Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just don’t know how you’ll digest a book written for middle schoolers when you’re in your mid-thirties, but I have to say this book was educational and intense!

This story takes place in Alabama in 1888. An Apache boy named Sky escapes a train on its way to an Indian Reservation he and his tribe were being forced onto. He becomes part of an African-American family of cotton farmers. When the town’s Knights of the Southern Order of Manhood (aka the KKK) threatens Sarah Jane’s family, they must decide whether they want to fight and keep their home or flee and start fresh. Together, they stand.

I was on the edge of my seat and crying during some of these intense scenes. A very important book for children to learn more about the Reconstruction era and compare it to today’s modern day racism. There are still so many scary parallels 136 years since this story takes place. Never stop educating your children! Oh, and stop banning/burning books. Thanks.

[Shelly Edgar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick read about Sarah, a girl that is Black and Seminole. Her father was a black slave and her mother is Seminole. A young Apache boy escapes from being detained and Sarah and her family care for him while he is sick. Then they have to figure out if they should let the authorities know that they have a fugitive. The family is loving but is sometimes threatened by a Ku Klux Klan type group. The family own their own land and grow cotton but the father in the story also has talent at woodworking. The decide, with Skye, the Apache, to fight for their land. The book is not too graphic for younger children to read and understand while not scaring them too much. Overall, a good book.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run Away Home is a good children's book with kind characters and good plot points. The main family consists of the father who is an ex-slave. The mother is a native American, young daughter, and a goofy, lovable dog. The family is kind, spiritual, and upstanding.

The family lives simple and eat what they catch and grow. They own their farm, buggy, and barn. The family catches the ire of the KKK. In time a young native boy becomes part of the family. The way they love and care for each other is touching. They go through lots of issues, some race related yet they do well. The book ended rather abruptly and left me feeling like it was missing a chapter for closure.

[E.G. Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another childhood reread! I sure did like my historical fiction.

This is a cute little story about a close-knit Southern family in the late 1800's that deals with some heavy topics in an appropriate and mostly hopeful way. As it is a middle-grade novel, the book doesn't go as deep into the plot, themes, or characters as I would have liked, but it was a well-written story for its intended audience. I do admire how much characterization was done with so little time. It's a quick read that ends well (almost "too well", but again, it works in this context).

[Taylor Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Realistic Fiction
Grade: 4-6

This book teaches you a lot about what life is like in Alabama after the Civil war. It demonstrates what it was like to be brave and stick up for the things you think are right. Sarah Jane thought that Sky's freedom was important and she wanted to help him in every way she could. This book keeps you engaged and wanting to know what happens next.

[Tessa Zimmerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Fiction/ Historical Realistic
Grade: 3rd-8th

I thought this story was powerful. The indian boy was running away from home to be free, and the family who found him was a black family. Sarah just wanted the boy to be free because "EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE FREE". The author had made connections that I saw between the two races and I thought it was an incredible book.

[Kaitlin Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of people unexpectedly coming together and finding the love of family and the support of a community. Bonus points for the celebrity cameos from Geronimo and Booker T. Washington.

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting look at Native Americans and African Americans after the Civil War.

[Aki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

[madamemichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old-fashioned story, and I love it. Despite being children's book, I enjoyed reading the story. Sky didn't runaway because he found his home, his new family, Sarah Jane's.

[Kayla Leader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did it as a read aloud to the boys. Sweet story

[Tonja, · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction tale shared some valuable facts that may have impacted my own ancestors!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spunky girl brought humor to this story of trials, prejudice, and perseverance.

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE HUMAN RIGHT TO BE FREE!

In Alabama in 1888 a 12-year-old black girl witnesses a 15-year-old Indian boy escape from a stopped train. The government is transporting Apaches from the dry West to the humid South. Spunky Sarah Jane must made an adult decision based on a child's reason: should she reveal her private knowledge, which will result in a free spirit being returned to bondage? When she discovers that he is hiding in her barn, she must choose between her innate desire to see all people free and her duty to her parents.

Sarah's father has troubles of his own: the local Knights of Southern Manhood (similar to the outlawed KKK) resent the idea of blacks voting; they use vicious methods to intimidate and punish blacks who try to register. It infuriates them to see blacks who actually own land, instead of just sharecropping (being cheated by whites) with no hope of economic freedom. Naturally they refuse to permit any black business enterprise to succeed while the sheriff turns a blind eye to the terrors of the night-riding Knights.

Blending both Black and Native American cultures Sarah's Mama represents a gracious bridge between two opposing worlds--neither of which is respected by southern whites. Will her family become too attached to this Indian boy and refuse to hand him over the Government's young agent? Will Sky desert them in their time of crisis, in order to return to his tribe in the West? If the boll weevils don't run the Crossmans off their special place on earth, the Knights with their flaming torches and hatred will surely do the rest. The book includes historical references to Geronimo, Booker T. Washington and the Tuskegee Institute. This is a page-turner with tight plotting; increasing dangers escalate to a fever pitch of tension for the final showdown. A great introduction to Black History for elementary and junior high readers.

(January 31, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book Run Away Home by Patricia C. McKissack is very interesting so far. It is very interesting so far because the white people do bad things to black people, but on page 26, chapter 5, a white man shook hands with a black man which was unusual. They always have to borrow money from a white person in order to buy food. The Apaches were captured by the soldiers and were treated really badly. This book is also very sad because the Crossman's biggest Mule was poisoned and it took a whole year for Sarah's father to earn money to buy another Mule. It is sad because the father's salary was very low and had to wait for another year to buy another Mule with very little to eat. They have very little to eat because the father had to save money for another Mule which means he can't buy any more food which will cause them to have very little food. This is also very sad because to white people the blacks to them are people they can play around with like a toy or the whites don't treat the blacks like humans. The white people can think those ways because the blacks don't really have the power to tell them .

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 5-8 165pgs


1888,Quincy, Alabama. When 11 year old Sarah Crossman and her family discover a 15 year old Apache boy hiding in their barn, they decide to help him. They convince Mr. Wratten, one of the men working with the army to move Geronimo and his group of Apaches to Mount Vernon, Alabama, to let "Sky" stay with them. When the Crossmans are in danger of losing their farm and are threatened by the KKK, Sarah and her family refuse to leave their farm and Sky is determined to find a way to help the Crossmans keep their farm.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve year old Sarah Jane finds a run away Apache boy, dying in their family's barn. While helping the boy recover his health, Sarah learns the importance of freedom and standing up for what is right. The author based this book on her own family history. Her great-great-great grandfather was a Native American and married a black woman. She tried to imagine what their lives might have been like at this pivital time in American history.

[H.R.H. Carpathia]

Good innocent yet historical read. Good for kids.

[Sami S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book because it tells you a lot about history and what happened back at those times. It was also good because it never got boring and it was full of excitement. I gave it four stars because i think that most students would be interested to know what happened back at that time.

[Mistyblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good read. I liked how it treated issues that can be difficult for children to read about, such as the treatment of races after the Civil War. I really enjoyed the main characters and the strength shown by them. Definitely a book I would let me kids read.

[Kirstin Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting tale about racism in Alabama in 1888. Sarah Jane is learning about black struggles and her limitations when she sees an Apache boy run away from the hatred and racism for his people. These two interact and learn from each other.

[Trinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. Checked this book out for Olivia, but I ended up reading it. She was busy reading another book.

[Jwcamp2009 · Rating 5 out of 5]

when she left home

[Cydney · Rating 1 out of 5]

that some grown ups need a new hobby...i HAD to read 4 classsss tho.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel interesting. I liked the characters as well.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a great short book, would like to continue to see where they all ended up!

[Javdat Sharafeev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, warm book, that brings you back to its time. And I learned that many races already in those times were mixed with each other and that's good