Running Scared

Running Scared tells the story of Paula, a teenager living in London who becomes the sole witness to a violent crime. After seeing the incident, she faces threats and intimidation from those who want to prevent her from testifying. The narrative follows Paula as she enters a witness protection program, taking on a new identity and relocating to another part of the city. She must adapt to life under an assumed name while navigating school, relationships, and the constant fear of being discovered. Life in hiding proves complex as Paula struggles to maintain her false identity and determine whom she can trust. The mounting pressure tests her resolve as she grapples with the choice between staying silent or standing up for justice. The book explores themes of courage, moral responsibility, and the personal cost of doing what is right. Through Paula's experiences, Ashley examines how ordinary people respond when faced with extraordinary circumstances that challenge their safety and values.

Readers describe this young adult thriller as gripping and intense, with authentic portrayals of inner-city London life and immigration issues. The story moves quickly and keeps readers engaged through its chase sequences and building tension. Liked: - Realistic dialogue and London setting - Complex moral themes around immigration - Strong character development of Davey and Mo - Accessible for reluctant readers Disliked: - Some found the ending rushed - Violence may be too intense for younger readers - Secondary characters could use more depth - A few readers mention dated cultural references Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.4/5 (16 ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parents' rating) "The chase scenes had me holding my breath" - Goodreads reviewer "Tackles serious issues without being preachy" - Amazon reviewer "Too scary for my 11-year-old but perfect for teens" - Parent review

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🏃 Author Bernard Ashley worked as a headteacher in London schools for over 30 years, drawing inspiration from his students' real-life experiences for his stories. 📚 The book tackles themes of human trafficking and modern slavery, issues that affect an estimated 50 million people globally as of 2023. 🌍 Running Scared was inspired by real cases of Vietnamese children being trafficked into the UK, particularly through nail salons and cannabis farms. 🏆 Bernard Ashley was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Greenwich for his contributions to children's literature and education. 📖 The novel employs multiple viewpoints to tell its story, including those of both the pursued and the pursuers, creating a complex narrative structure that builds tension throughout.