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Runaround

Runaround
View Larger Runaround
Helen Hemphill
In Reader Guides
Ages: 10 and up
Pages: 144
List Price: $16.95
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 3/1/2007
ISBN: 1-932425-83-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-932425-83-3
Everything eleven-year-old Sassy knows about love comes from the magazine True Confessions, but now that she has her eyes on her handsome neighbor, Boon, she wants more details. Only nobody will talk to her, not her widowed father or her old-maid housekeeper or, worst of all, her gorgeous sister, Lula, who has more boyfriends than she can shake a stick at. When Lula sets up Sassy for an embarrassing moment, Sassy vows revenge: she will make Boon her boyfriend and show Lula a thing or two in the process. Consult the discussion guide for Runaround for pre- and post-reading activities, notes from the author, suggested readings, and discussion topics (PDF format, will open in a new window).

Reviews

Starred review "The story is laugh-out-loud funny, but it is also a timeless tale of anger, grief, and love, with surprising twists in plot and character that will break your heart. The sisters' realistic relationship challenges formula."
     —Booklist/Book Links

Starred review "At once heartbreaking and desperately funny, this story is much more than a tale of young romance gone sour. Hemphill explores the bonds of family and resiliency of the human spirit despite pain and loss. This is a perfect follow-up to her beautiful debut novel, Long Gone Daddy."
     —Library Media Connection

"Deft comic pacing and snappy dialogue make this a gem of Southern storytelling."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"[A]nother Southern storytelling gem with attention to regional voice and vivid period details. ...The author also manages to capture the immediacy of tween emotions. ...Readers will want to give Sassy a big ol' hug."
     —BookPage

"Hemphill credibly portrays Sassy's frustration at being 11, her desire to grow up, and her feelings of betrayal towards Lulu [her sister]."
     —Publishers Weekly Online