''Extraordinary. I loved it.'' Hannah Gold, author of

The Last Bear

''Gripping, heartfelt ... unforgettable'' Jenny Pearson, author of The Super-Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates

''A fantastic novel that doesn''t shy away from big emotions.'' Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

He needs to get lost. She wants to be found.

Jamie and July are both eleven-year-olds living in London – but they have very different lives. They meet for the first time at Waterloo Station in the last week of the holidays. They are both desperate to get away from home. July is really worried about her unreliable mum - she needs to get help. Jamie has done something terrible - and left in a panic. Despite their worries, the sun is shining and, as they escape everything they''ve left behind in the city, Jamie and July can''t help but sense adventure in the air.

But running away isn''t just harmless summertime fun. What are they really trying to escape? And will either Jamie or July find a place that finally feels like home? Three homes, two kids, one journey.

''I LOVED Runaways. It has note-perfect voices and two important stories at the heart of it all. I couldn''t put it down.'' Joanna Nadin, award-winning author

''Runaways is gripping and deeply authentic and more than a bit brilliant'' James Goodhand, author of Last Lesson