Runaway Road

By Author / Illustrator

Sue Divin

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

First Ink

ISBN

9781035087174

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-05-2026

Synopsis

Runaway Road is a moving story of family and belonging set in contemporary Northern Ireland. By Sue Divin, author of Truth Be Told. Perfect for fans of Margaret McDonald's Glasgow Boys.

Ezra is 16. He's no stranger to crossing the line, but this time it's really bad - and there's no going back. His only hope of escape is to cross another line, the Northern Irish border, but that will mean leaving behind the only thing that really matters, his little sister, Evie.

Evie is nine and sees it differently. Ezra took her into care, into safety, the last time they ran away. Why shouldn't she go on the run with him now?

'An absolutely gripping read, the sort of book it's impossible to put down.' - Jan Carson. 'Moving, funny, cinematic, compelling' - Bernie McGill. 'This powerful, immersive story explores difference and belonging with real compassion and thoroughly engaging wit' - Byddi Lee, author of Barren

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Reviews

Rachel

It's very hard not to feel for 16-year-old ezra, a teenager in care whose overwhelming love and loyalty for his neuro-diverse nine-year-old sister, Evie, guides his often-damaged moral compass. Set in northern Ireland, Runaway Road begins with Ezra committing a crime (no spoilers!). When he realizes the seriousness of what he has done, he decides to flee for the Irish border, deciding to leave Evie with their foster parents. Evie, however, has other ideas and so the two set off with Evie's beloved scooter and Ipad, existing on iced tea and lucky breaks as they decide to find former foster parents, Rob and Sarah.

This is a familiar trope - a journey, a quest with difficulties along the way, and an ending that will break your heart. But it is the emotional depth throughout this story which makes it such a terrific read. Ezra is desperate to do the right thing while living in a world which encourages him to do wrong and there were times when I wanted to shout at the unfairness of his life.

I also found the dual narrative of one chapter per sibling to be very effective at introducing Evie's world view. There were times when it provided some light humour, but it also gave me an insight into how her neuro-diverse brain worked.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel with many elements that can be considered, discussed or even dare I say it "enjoyed". It's not a relaxing read but it is absolutely worth it.

304 pages / Reviewed by Rachel Bolton