I liked the characters in the book - Savannah is gusty and well-meaning, Henry is a precocious 8-year-old, and the boys are attractive - but I wanted more! There weren't enough details in the book, or rather, there was too much description of the windows and such and not enough about the characters and the action. I did enjoy the memories that Savannah shares of her travels with her mother and the glimpses into her mother's life as a teenager. Overall it was well written and a good read - just felt like it was missing something. ( )

Savannah lived a free life for the first nine years of her life. Where ever she put her finger on the map is where she and her mother traveled. Although they were hungry at times Savannah was still happy. Thats until their car broke down, and Jack came along. Jack was Savannahs future abusive alcoholic steofather. Savannah watched her mother change into a neglectful stressed woman. One day Savannah couldn't take anymore. She heated up a frying pan and hit jack on the head with it. She packed her things, and her little brother Henry packed his. They took Jacks car keys and were on the off to New York. Runaways. ( )

Heart-wrenching story about Savannah, a 17 year old girl, and Henry, her 8 year old half-brother. Savannah leaves home with Henry in tow to escape from her abusive stepfather. Along the way, she remembers her childhood when it used to be just Alice (her mother) and her. Interwoven throughout the book is Alice's own story about her life-changing teenage years. Wonderfully quick, with very real emotions and situations. I loved it. ( )

What teens say:

This book really makes me want to run away, go see the world but I don't know if it will have that effect on everyone. It's a brilliantly told story, revealing everything at exactly the time necessary for you to know the details. Towards the end I was so involved with the main character, Savannah that something her mother said to her actually made me angry, and sad, and I had to put the book down until the next day: "It's the deal I made with Jack. He won't press charges, he won't...he won't say I lied. As long as I bring just Henry back. I can't take you back with me, baby." It was on page 182. Anne McNeely

The cover is awesome. The book is written exceptionally well and it will have wide appeal. This book really brings to light the challenges that teens can face today. The book is dark but it does have some parts that are light. I picked this book out because I needed a quick read, but I got more than I bargained for! I would nominate this book for the Best Books for Young Adults list (BBYA). Chelsea ( )