LoveReading4Kids Says
July 2025 Book of the Month
The story of two unrelated children, July and Jamie, who meet by chance in Waterloo Station, is told with great warmth and empathy, but with genuine authenticity too and tackling some difficult themes like drug use and homelessness.
The children come from very different backgrounds, but both are running. One is running away from problems and the other is running to a possible solution. Through the dual narrative we gradually fill in the details of their back story.
July has recently returned from foster care to live with her young mum, a recovering addict who struggles to hold down a job and make positive choices. When an old friend of her mum appears, bringing drink and drugs with her, July doesn't know what to do. Armed with her favourite book, "How They Survived", she sets off to find her foster mum and get help.
Ever since his mum started dating Garrett, nothing is the same for Jamie, who wants to see his dad, but because he thinks he works away on an oil rig, it just isn't possible. When Garrett suggests boarding school (without any of his friends from primary school) and constantly complains about his behaviour, Jamie doesn't know what to do and a careless moment in response to a carelessly revealed truth, makes him believe there is no going back. Traveling alone for the very first time, they're faced with money worries, dangerous people and unpredictable weather. They don't know who they can trust or where to turn next. July and Jamie learn some hard truths about life, love, the fallibility of parents and the strength of support from those they can really trust. Friendship can be hard to achieve and finding your way in life isn't always easy, but there is always hope. A memorable, often humorous and touching story. Highly recommended.
Joy Court
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Runaways Synopsis
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?
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781526683335 |
| Publication date: |
3rd July 2025 |
| Author: |
E. L. Norry |
| Publisher: |
Bloomsbury Children's Books an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (UK) |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
304 pages |
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E. L. Norry Press Reviews
‘An exciting, heart-rending story with a magical twist’ - Jacqueline Wilson
‘A brilliant, magical, insightful novel, filled with heart’ - Joseph Coelho, Former Children’s Laureate
About E. L. Norry
Emma Norry is a rising star with a particular interest in exploring difficult issues and complex characters. She is the author of Amber Undercover (written under Em Norris) and Son of the Circus, part of Scholastic’s Voices series which was shortlisted for the Diverse Book Awards.
She says: 'Finding reading a challenge shouldn't deter anyone from enjoying a good story. I believe that stories are how we make sense of the world; they are an essential part of who we are and what makes us human.'
Though historical fiction, Fablehouse draws on Emma’s personal experiences as a mixed-race child and teenager growing up in the care system in Cardiff, Wales.
Emma Norry has a BA (Hons) in Film and an MA in Screenwriting.
More About E. L. Norry
