Cas ran away to escape his problems. Now, he may have to run for his life.
This electrifying middle-grade novel is about twelve-year-old Cas, who runs away to avoid a reunion with his estranged father. He 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 suspenseful page turner. With a spiky, memorable cast, gripping twists and turns and thorny moral dilemmas, RUN will keep readers glued to the page all night.
Perfect for:
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
“With its blend of suspense, emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, Run will resonate with readers aged 10+. The high-stakes plot and social justice angle are age-appropriate, avoiding unnecessary grit or violence and making the story suitable for the target audience.’ ”
“A survival story and a big-hearted adventure - what a wild ride! ”
“Brilliant and original! I was hooked from the start. ”
“This is a fast-paced survival story that also manages to thoughtfully address themes of family and forgiveness. Set in the bush, it’s an exciting read filled with strong, memorable characters. The plot is gripping, yet written with sensitivity and an inclusive approach. ”
‘Magic Awry’ – the sequel to ‘Big Magic’
Eleven-year old Tulsi loves using the Big Magic she’s inherited from her mother. But one night, in the middle of her family’s spectacular circus show, something goes wrong with her magic powers - with frightening results.
Tulsi is desperate to stop magic from going awry again and must travel to a parallel universe where she discovers that magic is in danger everywhere.
Buy ‘Magic Awry’ at your local bookstore or online.
“Sometimes reading sweeps you away on an adventure and you just can’t stop. This book was my adventure, with all the ingredients of a perfect page-turner: friendship, magic, family and loyalty. I loved it.”
The cover for Magic Awry was designed and illustrated by Julia Murray.
The cover for Big Magic was designed and illustrated by Julia Murray.
‘Big Magic’
2023 CBCA Book of the Year Notable
When a circus trick goes horribly wrong and star magician Merry disappears in front of her daughter, Tulsi, everyone believes Merry’s gone forever.
But then 11-year-old Tulsi discovers one tiny, impossible sliver of hope for bringing her mother back: If Tulsi learns enough Big Magic before the next full moon, she just might be able to rescue Merry by travelling to a parallel universe – a world where Tulsi has never been born, and which holds the key to saving their circus.
Buy ‘Big Magic’ at your local bookstore or online.
“A perfect mix of magic, mystery and suspense! I loved it!”
“My heart was in my mouth as I followed Tulsi’s search for her mother. A wonderful adventure with the sort of magic I could really believe in.”
“If I didn’t believe in magic before reading this, I certainly do now. Sarah takes you through parallel universes, across continents and into magical circus tents so deftly, with pure heart.”