Review: And Now We Run

And Now We Run is an absolutely gripping, unmissable, eco-adventure that kept me utterly engrossed throughout.

Far from looking forward to the Year 7 residential to an outdoor activity centre in West Yorkshire, Jelly is dreading it as her friendship with best friend Mikala has become toxic with Mikala seeking every opportunity to humiliate and exclude her. Someone, however, who is looking forward to the residential is Lincoln who has fond memories of going to the area with his brothers.

After settling in to their cabins and following lunch, the children are taken to visit the three dammed reservoirs which were built over 100 years before, flooding the village that had been there. Lincoln spots a red kite circling above and both he and Jelly connect over their exhilaration at watching it dive for fish.

Later, when Jelly feels humiliated during an orienteering activity, she leaves the group and heads to the isolation of the reservoir, but she is not alone. Lincoln is already there, skimming stones, and he invites her to explore the nearby manor house. As they wander around, they notice that water is soaking their feet so they decide to head back to the activity centre. On their way, they notice that animals are seeking higher ground and they fear that this may be a warning …

When they arrive back at the centre, they quickly discover that there is no-one there – everyone has been evacuated. As the heavy rain continues and water pours in to the centre, they realise that they are not safe. And so they find themselves running …

This is an absolutely gripping, fast-paced adventure which kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed Jelly and Lincoln on their desperate race to outrun the burst dam. I could really feel the rising tension, the genuine sense of fear and panic as danger increased and the desperation of the children as they fight for both their own survival and that of others. The short chapters, told mostly from Jelly and Lincoln’s perspective, kept me eagerly turning pages, making this a one-sitting read for me. I have no doubt that younger readers will be desperate for just one more chapter! I don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but there are moments that made me gasp out loud, that brought tears and that brought sighs of relief … before my heart was pounding again!

Whilst this is an eco-adventure that shows the effects of climate change and extreme weather on the environment, it is also a story that celebrates the awe and wonder of nature, an aspect that is beautifully realised through the viewpoint of the bird that soars over the landscape, especially when connections are made. There is a real feeling of hope and willingness to make a difference.

I really liked both Jelly and Lincoln who are incredibly sympathetic young children whose move to secondary school has been far from easy for a range of reasons as told from each of their viewpoints, something that really allows the reader to empathise with them. On the residential, they are brought together through their shared ordeal in fighting for survival, showing real courage, strength, resilience and kindness.

A powerful, heartfelt and thought-provoking adventure: a story of peril and courage, of family and friendship, and of discovering your inner strength, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review it, and my review is my honest opinion.