Kristin Butcher... has novel ideas

Kirkus Review

A 12-year-old takes a short flyer from home and finds a double cause in this earnest debut ... Butcher has an obvious cautionary message to impart, but allows readers to observe and draw their own conclusions from events ...

Victoria Times-Colonist

...readers are given a quick shake and forced to examine societal stereotypes about homeless people and personal choice. This is a great read for any young adolescent. (Carolyn Heiman)

Toronto Public Library

A powerful story of hope, friendship and understanding.

CM Magazine

Lurking beneath the surface of this coming of age story, however, are questions about the perils of running away, the harsh realities of life on the streets, and the emotional pain of adjusting to family changes. (Darleen Golke)

Quill & Quire

... Butcher's story moves at a lovely clip. Her narrative is solid and well-polished, the dialogue between Nick and Luther particularly effective ... Homelessness is a timely theme... (Teresa Toten)

School Library Journal

An interesting, sensitive portrayal of homeless citizens in our cities. (Lucinda Lockwood)

Educare

...Looking deep into family relationships, Nick learns about acceptance and respect and his homeless friend about love and letting go of the past. A "thinking" story for ages 10 - 13, whether in a step-family situation or not.

Books in Canada

The Runaways demonstrates the importance of having a social conscience and shows young readers that they, too, can make a difference. (Don Aker)

Children's Literature

This is a story about friendship blooming in unlikely soil, and about a boy coming to terms with his changing relationships with the adults in his life. Butcher's novel reads easily, and young Nick is a likeable character.

Book Links

Short chapters and scenes of action and suspense make this a fast-paced book that demonstrates an alternative cause of homelessness.

Booklist

...it forces children to put a face to homelessness. While doing so, it also helps them understand what society does when the homeless have no face. (Frances Bradburn.)