Runaway Days
A touching and funny story about running away and coming back home to the people you love
Ten-year-old Luca is having a hard time. His best friend has moved away, and everyone at home keeps arguing. He’s convinced that his dads want to get divorced. His big brother, Lorenzo, has accepted that they’re not in love anymore, but Luca has a bright idea to bring them back together. He plans to run away.
However, he’s going to need a new best friend to run away with. So, he puts an advert on the board at the local supermarket, asking for someone who wants an adventure. Imane responds. She has plans of her own – to help her grandpa escape from ‘prison’.
In fact, her grandpa has broken his leg and is recuperating in a care home, but all he wants is to return to his house in the forest. Imane wants to help him, and she needs a partner in crime. Luca and Imane form the perfect team. Their exciting adventures involve burnt pizza, a scary walk in the forest at night, a disastrous games night at the home, a robot cat, an all-terrain wheelchair and a care assistant who’s more like a prison guard. Luca even ends up on TV and gets to ride in a police car.
Luca’s dads are still going to get divorced at the end of the book, and Imane’s grandpa is resigned to leaving his beloved house. Life is changing, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and Luca learns from Imane that even if you can’t change something, you don’t have to take it lying down.
The relationship between Imane and her grandfather is touching, and Lammers depicts the people in the care home sensitively, painting individual portraits that are believable and funny. He also captures the personalities of Luca and Imane’s troubled parents, allowing their love for their children to shine through their worries.
The story ends on an optimistic note, with a tasty recipe and with hope for Luca and Imane and for their families and friendship.
Age: 10+
A warm friendship between two strong characters
A great role for a grandpa with a fun and appealing character
Deals with sad realities but always with hope and humour
“This sparkling story does not end with a magical miracle, but it does end with hope.”
“A loving adventure full of friendship, emotions and a touch of humour.”
“A cheerful adventure about friendship and acceptance.”
