Run Hide Fight Back

Six teens find themselves trapped inside a Portland shopping mall during a mass shooting. They must work together to survive as an active shooter situation escalates around them. Each character brings different backgrounds, skills and knowledge that could help them stay alive. Miranda is a former police chief's daughter, Parker has medical training from her lifeguard job, Cole is an Army hopeful, and Javier speaks both English and Spanish - but they're all just ordinary kids facing extraordinary danger. The story follows events in near real-time over several intense hours, focusing on split-second decisions and the group's efforts to help both themselves and others. Their choices become increasingly complex as the situation evolves and they learn more about what's happening. At its core, this YA thriller examines how crisis reveals character and the ways ordinary people respond when pushed to their limits. The narrative raises questions about courage, sacrifice, and what people owe to strangers in life-or-death situations.

Readers find this YA thriller tense and fast-paced, with multiple perspectives that build suspense during a mall shooting scenario. Many appreciate how the book shows diverse characters responding differently under pressure. Liked: - Quick pacing keeps pages turning - Research into real shooting scenarios adds authenticity - Characters' distinct personalities and backgrounds - Practical survival information woven into story Disliked: - Some found the multiple viewpoints confusing - A few readers felt character development was limited - Several noted the violence may be too intense for younger readers - Some questioned if the scenario was realistic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) "The short chapters and constant action kept me reading straight through," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review critiqued: "Having six main characters made it hard to connect deeply with any of them."

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🎯 Author April Henry worked with a former Navy SEAL to ensure the survival tactics described in the book were accurate and realistic. 🏫 The story was partially inspired by real-life mass shooting events, including the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. 🔍 The "Run, Hide, Fight" protocol featured in the book is the actual procedure recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for active shooter situations. 📚 The book was written in real-time, with each chapter covering approximately 15 minutes of the characters' experiences during the mall shooting. 🎬 The survival strategies taught throughout the narrative are the same ones used to train employees in many American workplaces and schools, making the book both a thriller and an educational resource.