Runaways

Two children are on the run. Jamie has accidentally pushed his mother’s new boyfriend down the stairs and left him unconscious and bleeding. July believes her mum may be taking drugs again and has no one to help. They each tell their stories in turn and their paths cross as they both set off for Bournemouth. July is looking for Bee, her former foster carer, and Jamie for his aunty Liz. The children’s temporary homelessness and their anxieties are well portrayed. We watch as their friendship grows from mutual dependence to a genuine care for each other. E. L. Norry touches lightly but convincingly on the dangers that might await children in their position and gives equal weight to their fears and resourcefulness. The end of the story is perhaps a little neat but it may give reassurance to those anxious readers, much like July and Jamie themselves, who fear that only the worst can happen in their lives.