Running on the Cracks

Leo, a 15-year-old girl living with her aunt and uncle after her parents' death, flees her home in response to her uncle's unsettling behavior. She makes her way to Glasgow with nothing but determination and hope of finding her long-lost Chinese grandparents. During her journey through Glasgow's streets, Leo encounters an unlikely group of individuals who become instrumental in her search. The story tracks her navigation through both physical and emotional challenges while trying to stay hidden from those looking for her. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including Mary, a woman dealing with mental illness, who brings depth to this contemporary tale of survival and connection in an urban Scottish setting. This coming-of-age story explores themes of chosen family, cultural identity, and the resilience of young people in the face of adversity. Through Leo's experiences, the narrative examines how trust and community can emerge in unexpected places.

Readers describe this as a tense thriller that tackles serious themes like mental illness and homelessness through a teen protagonist's perspective. Most found the pacing quick and the characters believable. Readers appreciated: - Realistic portrayal of life on the streets - Complex side characters, especially Jin's friend Mick - Balance of heavy themes with moments of hope - Authentic Glasgow setting and dialogue Common criticisms: - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers wanted more character development - Young teens may find certain scenes disturbing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (40+ ratings) "The characters feel real and flawed - not the usual YA stereotypes," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another wrote: "It tackles dark subjects without becoming depressing." Several readers mentioned being surprised that this came from the author of The Gruffalo, as it's a significant departure in style and content.

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🔸 While best known for "The Gruffalo" and other picture books, "Running on the Cracks" represents Julia Donaldson's bold departure into YA fiction, showcasing her versatility as an author. 🔸 The book's Glasgow setting was inspired by Donaldson's time living in the city during her early career as a busker and street performer. 🔸 The protagonist's mixed Chinese-British heritage reflects a growing trend in British literature to represent diverse cultural identities, with only 4% of children's books published in the UK at that time featuring BAME main characters. 🔸 Several theaters have adapted the novel for stage performances, including the Pilot Theatre Company's acclaimed 2013 production which toured major UK cities. 🔸 Despite addressing challenging themes like mental health and loss, the book maintains Donaldson's signature technique of short chapters—a style she developed while writing songs for children's television.