Books About Runaways · 65 titles considered

The Best Runaways Books for Kids

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.

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

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Runaways

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 · 116,636 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.

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 · 221,783 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?

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 · 87,569 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?

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 529 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.

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 254,433 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.

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 36,836 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.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Mosquitoland

By David Arnold

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

352 pages· 74,576 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 36,211 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Mim Malone's life is uprooted when she's forced to move to Mississippi. Upon hearing her mother is ill, she embarks on a thousand-mile bus journey back to Ohio. Along the way, Mim encounters a cast of eccentric travelers and faces unforeseen challenges that force her to question her understanding of love, loyalty, and sanity. As her odyssey unfolds, Mim must confront her inner demons and redefine her world. Will she find the answers she seeks, or will the journey change her forever? Discover the twists and turns of Mim's unforgettable adventure in 'Mosquitoland.'

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 15–18 · 1951

The Catcher in the Rye

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

277 pages· 54,989 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 3,989,023 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Holden Caulfield, a sixteen-year-old New Yorker, flees his prep school and dives into the bustling streets of New York City. Over three days, he grapples with the complexities of adolescence, beauty, and pain. As he encounters various voices and experiences, Holden's journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity and belonging. What truths will he uncover in the city's underground, and can he find solace amidst the chaos? Dive into a world where innocence clashes with reality, and every moment is a step towards self-discovery.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1986

The Whipping Boy

By Sid Fleischman, Peter Sís (Illustrator)

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

Newbery Medal (1987)

90 pages· 13,249 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.6/5 Goodreads · 28,897 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a twist of fate, Jemmy, a street-smart orphan, becomes the whipping boy for the mischievous Prince Brat. When the unlikely duo is captured by outlaws, they must rely on each other to survive. As they navigate treacherous situations, their forced alliance raises questions: Can they overcome their differences and escape? Will their adventure forge an unexpected friendship? This tale of mistaken identity and high-stakes adventure promises humor, suspense, and a journey of trust and transformation.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Thief Lord

By Cornelia Funke, Christian Birmingham (Illustrator)

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

Mildred L. Batchelder Award (2003)

368 pages· 86,063 words· Est. 12 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 103,580 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the shadowy alleys of Venice, orphaned brothers Prosper and Bo find refuge with a band of street children led by the enigmatic Thief Lord. As they embrace their new life of petty crime, their past catches up with them—a relentless detective and a magical treasure capable of bending time threaten their newfound freedom. Can they outwit their pursuers and protect their secret haven, or will the allure of the treasure unravel everything? Dive into a world where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.

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Runaways Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1799

Under the Lilacs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl seeks independence but discovers the value of family.

Series

Sale price

$995

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Ages 0–5 · 2014

Introduce toddlers to classic tales with simple words and felted scenes.

Series

Sale price

$995

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Ages 0–5 · 2014

Discover Tom's adventures with a kiss, camp, and a mysterious cave.

View all runaways board books

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Runaways Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Love, Sophia on the Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1999

Home for Christmas

Ages 3–5 · 2011

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

Sale price

$1999

Very Far Away

Ages 4–8 · 1957

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

Sale price

$1995

Bremen Town Musicians

Ages 8–12 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1699

Trixie Ten

Ages 3–7 · 2012

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

Sale price

$2499

Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Two puppies face a wild adventure and an angry bird. Can they find their way home?

Series

Sale price

$1899

Voices from the Underground Railroad

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two siblings flee slavery, navigating danger and allies on the Underground Railroad.

Sale price

$1799

Runaway Signs

Ages 4–7 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1899

Andrew Henry's Meadow

Ages 6–9 · 1965

An inventive boy runs away, inspiring others to join him, but loneliness soon follows.

View all runaways picture books

Browse by age

Runaways Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about runaways for developing and independent readers.

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night

Ages 8–12 · 2024

An orphan's escape leads to a new life among the undead, but a dark plot threatens her newfound family.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1300

Maximum Ride, Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel)

Ages 13–17 · 2009

A winged girl must rescue her friend and uncover her destiny amidst danger.

Sale price

$899

Runaway Twin

Ages 10–+ · 2009

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

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Another Kind

Ages 10–12 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1699

The Midnight Children

Ages 8–12 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1799

Thanks a Lot, Universe

Ages 10–14 · 2021

Two boys face fears and secrets as they navigate friendship and identity.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Pilu of the Woods

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A runaway girl and a lost tree spirit face a storm and their emotions in the woods.

Sale price

$899

Now You Say Yes

Ages 10–14 · 2022

Orphaned siblings flee to find family, facing challenges and discovering themselves.

Sale price

$899

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A girl bikes cross-country, facing unexpected challenges and ghostly encounters to meet her idol.

Sale price

$799

Wild Life

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A boy and his dog face the wild, uncovering family secrets and survival truths.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$599

Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance

Ages 6–10 · 2009

Two friends try to escape their ballet class by running away to the aquarium, but things don't go as planned.

View all runaways chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about running away from home Books about self-reliance Books about coming of age Books about dreams Books about economic depressions Books about family history Books about family life Books about freedom

Our 10 Favorite Books About Runaways

Great books, picked for their age.

Runaways Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Runaways Picture Books

Runaways Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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