Books About Runaways · 94 titles considered

The Best Runaways Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about runaways? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Runaways

Bud, Not Buddy
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)Golden Kite Honor (2000)
245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,991 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Newbery Medal (1968)
172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 222,322 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1876

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

By Mark Twain · Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn series

A murder witnessed, a secret oath, and a perilous cave. Can Tom Sawyer escape danger?

336 pages· 70,131 words· Est. 10 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,046,033 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: Tom Sawyer, ever the adventurer, stumbles upon a murder with his friends by the Mississippi River. Bound by a blood oath to keep the secret, they flee to become pirates, seeking treasure. But when Tom finds himself trapped in a cave with the menacing Injun Joe, his courage and wits are put to the ultimate test. Will he find a way out, or will the shadows of the cave claim him forever? Discover the thrilling escapades and daring escapes in this timeless tale of adventure and friendship.
The Bridge Home
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

By Padma Venkatraman

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Golden Kite Award (2020)
208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 12,044 ratings
$16.99
Hardcover
Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?
My Side of the Mountain
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1959

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George · Book #1 in the My Side of the Mountain series

A boy escapes city life for mountain solitude, discovering hidden strengths.

Newbery Honor (1960)
177 pages· 39,679 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 88,093 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sam Gribley flees his cramped New York City apartment for the wild mountains, seeking solitude but finding unexpected challenges. As he navigates the dangers of nature, Sam uncovers a resilience he never knew he possessed. Will he thrive in the wilderness or be forced to return to the life he left behind?
Journey of the Pale Bear
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Journey of the Pale Bear

By Susan Fletcher

A runaway boy must choose between his freedom and saving a captive polar bear.

Golden Kite Honor (2019)
291 pages· 49,102 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 530 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Arthur, a runaway, finds an unlikely ally in a royal polar bear bound for London. As he cares for the bear on a perilous sea journey, their bond grows. But when pirates strike, Arthur faces a life-altering decision: save himself or help the bear find freedom. Will he risk everything for the creature who mirrors his own lost family? This adventure, inspired by true events, explores themes of captivity, freedom, and unexpected friendship.
Unwind
Sale price
$2261
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2007

Unwind

By Neal Shusterman · Book #1 in the Unwind Dystology series

In a world where teens are dismantled for parts, three runaways fight for survival.

335 pages· 95,147 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 255,557 ratings
$23.80Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a future where unwanted teens are 'unwound' for their organs, Connor, Risa, and Lev become fugitives. Connor rebels against his fate, Risa faces unwinding due to budget cuts, and Lev is a religious sacrifice. As they flee, their lives intertwine, challenging the morality of a society that trades life for convenience. Will they escape the system that seeks to dismantle them, or will they find a way to change it? Dive into a gripping tale of survival and ethical dilemmas that questions the true meaning of life.
Dealing with Dragons
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1990

Dealing with Dragons

By Patricia C. Wrede · Book #1 in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series

A rebellious princess seeks adventure with a powerful dragon, facing magical dangers and unexpected allies.

208 pages· 50,352 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 95,259 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Cimorene defies royal expectations by fleeing to live with Kazul, a formidable dragon. Her quest for excitement leads her into a whirlwind of magical encounters, including a witch, a jinn, and a talking bird with deadly intentions. As she navigates these challenges, Cimorene must outwit oily wizards and a mysterious stone prince. Will her thirst for adventure bring triumph or peril? Discover a world where a princess's courage defies tradition and danger lurks at every turn.
Moon Over Manifest
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Moon Over Manifest

By Clare Vanderpool

A hidden past, a mysterious spy, and a town's secrets await discovery.

Newbery Medal (2011)
384 pages· 81,295 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 36,944 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Abilene Tucker arrives in Manifest, Kansas, seeking her father's past. Disappointed by the town's faded glory, she stumbles upon a cigar box with letters about a spy called the Rattler. With friends Lettie and Ruthanne, she embarks on a thrilling quest, defying warnings to uncover Manifest's secrets. Guided by the enigmatic Miss Sadie, Abilene unravels tales of colorful characters and hidden truths, determined to find her father's place in this history. As secrets unfold, Abilene's journey intertwines with the town's legacy, revealing a story of loss, redemption, and belonging.
My Father's Dragon
Sale price
$1699
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1948

My Father's Dragon

By Ruth Stiles Gannett, Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Father's Dragon series

A young boy runs away from home to rescue a baby dragon from a group of wild animals on a remote island

Newbery Honor (1949)
96 pages· 7,571 words· Est. 1 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 37,775 ratings
Bookroo Collection Edition: Hardcover
Summary: A young boy embarks on a daring adventure to Wild Island, determined to rescue a baby dragon held captive by lazy animals. As he navigates the island's dangers, will he succeed in freeing the dragon and returning home safely? The stakes are high, and the journey is fraught with unexpected challenges.
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Runaways Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about runaways for the youngest readers and listeners.

Under the Lilacs
Sale price
$1799

Under the Lilacs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl seeks independence but discovers the value of family.

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Runaways Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about runaways for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Love, Sophia on the Moon
Sale price
$1799

Love, Sophia on the Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Sophia escapes to the moon, but letters from home reveal unexpected surprises.

Home for Christmas
Sale price
$1999

Home for Christmas

Ages 3–5 · 2011

A runaway troll discovers the true meaning of home just in time for Christmas.

Tiger Wild
Sale price
$1799

Tiger Wild

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A girl's imaginary friend leads her on a wild adventure. Can she tame the chaos before it goes too far?

Very Far Away
Sale price
$1999

Very Far Away

Ages 4–8 · 1957

A boy seeks escape from a world overshadowed by a new sibling.

Bremen Town Musicians
Sale price
$1995

Bremen Town Musicians

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Four animals face robbers in a quest for a new life as musicians.

Where's Walrus?
Series
Sale price
$1799

Where's Walrus?

Ages 3–5 · 2011

A walrus escapes the zoo, donning disguises to evade capture. Can he find a new life?

Trixie Ten
Sale price
$1699

Trixie Ten

Ages 3–7 · 2012

Trixie seeks quiet but discovers the comfort of her noisy family.

The Hideout
Sale price
$1699

The Hideout

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A child's imagination creates a secret world, but reality calls her back. Where is she truly lost?

Runaway Signs
Sale price
$1799

Runaway Signs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Road signs go on vacation, causing chaos. Can they save the day?

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Runaways Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about runaways for developing and independent readers.

Mosquitoland
Sale price
$1799

Mosquitoland

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl's journey to her sick mother reveals unexpected truths and challenges her sanity.

The Catcher in the Rye
Sale price
$1799

The Catcher in the Rye

Ages 15–18 · 1951

A teen escapes prep school, navigating New York's chaos and his own turmoil.

The Whipping Boy
Sale price
$899

The Whipping Boy

Ages 8–12 · 1986

A prince and a pauper must trust each other to escape dangerous outlaws.

The Thief Lord
Sale price
$999

The Thief Lord

Ages 8–12 · 2000

Two brothers flee to Venice, pursued by a detective, uncovering a magical treasure that alters time.

Orphan Eleven
Sale price
$899

Orphan Eleven

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A mute orphan must find her voice or be left behind by the circus.

Runaway Twin
Sale price
$899

Runaway Twin

Ages 10–+ · 2009

A runaway seeks her long-lost twin, facing storms, bullies, and unexpected truths.

The Honest Truth
Sale price
$799

The Honest Truth

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy and his dog embark on a daring journey to conquer a mountain, defying illness and fate.

Another Kind
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Another Kind

Ages 10–12 · 2021

Six kids with unique powers must escape a mysterious Collector's grasp.

The Midnight Children
Sale price
$1699

The Midnight Children

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy discovers mysterious children hiding secrets in a small town.

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Books about running away from homeBooks about secretsBooks about self-relianceBooks about dragonsBooks about economic depressionsBooks about family historyBooks about freedomBooks about grandparent-grandchild relationships