Runaways

Get in the xigxag app
Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book. Pre-order Buy Now ${{ price }} Send as a gift

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Runaways by E.L. Norry, read by Emily Jackman & Terrell Lewis

'Extraordinary. I loved it.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear

'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

'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.

Critics Review

Extraordinary. I loved it.
Hannah Gold
I was drawn into the story to such an extent that I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting ... I thoroughly recommend Runaways to teachers, public librarians, and school librarians at both primary and secondary schools
View From the Bookshelves blog https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home.blog/2025/05/05/mgreview-runaways-by-e-l-norry/
I just wanted to say how much I LOVED Em Norry’s Runaways. It has note-perfect voices and deft telling and two important stories at the heart of it all. I couldn’t put it down.
Joanna Nadin
A fantastic novel that doesn’t shy away from big emotions. I loved the different kinds of families represented in this book
Maisie Chan, author of 'Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths'
Runaways is gripping and deeply authentic and more than a bit brilliant
James Goodhand, author of Last Lesson
Runaways is a gripping, heartfelt story that pulled me in from the first page. Jamie and July are unforgettable—real, vulnerable, and brave in the face of impossible choices. The beautifully written dual narrative explores what it means to be heard, to be safe, and to find connection in the unlikeliest of places. It’s a book that pulses with authenticity and emotional truth and one that will stay with you long after reading.
Jenny Pearson, author of 'The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates'
A warm, compassionate and hopeful story
https://jonestheschoollibrarian.com/2025/08/17/runaways/

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.