Run For Your Life by Jane Mitchell
A moving and sensitive children's book exploring a child's experience living in refugee accommodation in Ireland.
School Library Journal, "Best Books 2023"
Bank Street Best Children's Books 2024
Azari's life has been split in two and the halves are as different as lemons and mangoes. Running links the two parts of her life: sometimes when she runs it is because she wants to, because she feels strong and free. But sometimes it is because she has no other choice.
When Azari and her mother flee for their lives to Ireland they are put in a centre for asylum seekers. They mustshare a room with a stranger, eat food they don't know the name of and answer intrusive questions from authorities. Azari's life has secrets. Will she ever be able to stop running?
"It is important – but it is also a skilfully structured novel"
-- Claire Hennessy * The Irish Times *"Jane Mitchell's Run for Your Life stands out from this year. It is a well researched and hugely empathetic novel ... Deft and lyrical."
* The Irish Times *"Mitchell researched this novel meticulously and portrays life in direct provision starkly and honestly."
-- Sarah Webb * Irish Independent *"Showing the fragile yet resilient humanity at the heart of refugee journeys ... Run For Your Life is a book which should make us all reflect on how we in more peaceful, prosperous and safe countries receive those seeking protection.”
* Immigrant Council of Ireland *"A gripping read."
-- Pat Kenny * Newstalk *"A powerful story featuring resourceful women bravely making their way toward safety and hope."
* Publishers Weekly *"A gripping, educational page-turner about a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide."
* Kirkus Reviews *"A compassionate look at the asylum seeker system in Ireland through the eyes of a teen girl."
* School Library Journal (Starred review) *"Very much a book for our time ... It's one of those books that grabs your heart."
* The John Toal Show *"Stirring, honest and deeply compassionate."
* LoveReading4Kids *"A hard-hitting new novel."
* The Echo *"A courageous story of having and fulfilling a dream."
* The Meath Chronicle *“I was marking quotes as I went along, but I ended up with so many I couldn't choose. There are so many moments in this story that absolutely shine.”
* Read and Reviewed *"Stop everything and read this right now ... Extraordinary, moving, consuming and very, very real. I couldn’t put it down."
* Fallen Star Stories *"I started it and finished it in one sitting."
* NetGalley Educator *"This would be a great classroom read."
* NetGalley Reviewer *'Wonderful to read.'
* NetGalley Reviewer *"This book was sad but beautiful. A story of a refugee girl and her mother, the chapters bounce back and forth from the present, as they apply for protection in Ireland and try to figure out life, to the past, as we learn about their life back home and what eventually made them flee. The saddest section shook me. It was hard to read ... It was wonderful to read though and I recommend it."
* Goodreads/ NetGalley Reviewer *Jane Mitchell lives in Dublin and works with children with physical disabilities. Her Amnesty International- endorsed novel A Dangerous Crossing (Little Island), about a Syrian family fleeing the war, has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide. Jane spent time volunteering at the refugee camp in Calais to research the book. Chalkline (Walker), about child soldiers in Kashmir, won the Children's Choice Award at the 2010 CBI Awards.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781912417858 |
| ISBN 10 | 1912417855 |
| Title | Run For Your Life |
| Author | Jane Mitchell |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Little Island |
| Year published | 2022-04-07 |
| Number of pages | 256 |
| Prizes | Short-listed for The Badger Books Award 2023, Short-listed for KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2023 2023, Long-listed for Redbridge Children's Book Award 2023 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |