Hit the Ground Running

by Alison Hughes

Sixteen-year-old Dee and her seven-year-old brother, Eddie, have been on their own for six weeks. Their father has seemingly vanished into the baking Arizona desert. Their money is drying up and the rent is coming due, but it's a visit from a social worker and the prospect of being separated from Eddie that scares Dee enough to flee. She dupes her brother into packing up and embarking on the long road trip to Canada, their birthplace and former home. Lacking a driver's license and facing a looming interrogation at the border, Dee rations their money and food as they burn down the interstate in their ancient, decrepit car.

Genres: Young Adult, Family, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Teen, Adventure

205 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2017

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 stars

To tell you the truth, the reason I picked up this up was because it was the first available ebook I came across on the new overdrive app (and Libby is so much easier to read on and has so many features that are beneficial when reviewing). I borrowed it more to see an example of the setup and features, rather than to read it.

But within a couple chapters I became intrigued by the characters and fell in love with Dee, a sixteen year old girl left to look after her seven year old brother when their father runs off on another antiquing trip and fails to come back. Faced with the sudden interest of CPS and their passport's looming expiry date, Dee packs up her younger brother and begins a road trip to Canada.

Dee was such an unusual teenage character, especially for YA. The main anomaly was that I managed to make it the whole way through this book without once getting frustrated with her character. Don't get me wrong, she's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination—well meaning, but not perfect.

She was however, one of the first female teenagers that didn't have the inner monologue of a self absorbed twit. I had about had it with every girl in YA contemporary (and YA in general if I'm being honest) being portrayed as immature and illogical; may it be ruled by boy obsession or just general lack of common sense. You know what I mean, those characters in life or death situations who still manage their every second thought to be about a boy or something equally as inconsequential.

Dee was a character I often forgot was a teenager, she was mature and focused on keeping her little family unit together. I loved how realistic her emotions and feelings were, I felt everything she thought about and she was just damn relatable.

The plot of this story was a little laking, although the book is short enough that it didn't hinder the overall entertainment of the story.

This is definitely what I would consider a character driven book, everybody who entered the story was memorable in their own way. Eddie was one of the most quirky and adorable characters, I'm a sucker for adorable little brothers and Eddie met the mark (with a little added stubbornness that made him all the better).

'He was wearing only dirty shorts and his cowboy boots. Like some little psycho hillbilly, Dee thought. But he always ran around that way in the house, and there didn't seem to be any harm in it. Those boots had saved him from a scorpion bite once, and he wore them everywhere.'

My biggest issue was this weird character called Jake, who enters in the story while Dee is trying to get hold of her Aunty and Uncle living in Canada. Almost immediately you could tell that Jake would be a love interest, and although it didn't really progress in this book—probably more to do with the fact they had little to no face time—it still kind of annoyed me. I was excited to find a YA book that had a sensible teen girl and why, just why?! did. they. have. to. add. in. a. boy.

This was a quick, fun read but probably not something I would have picked up for myself. With a little more plot drama and humour, it would have made this book stand out.

[Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a story about family, about feeling alone and vulnerable, about being on a roadtrip and sometimes feeling helpless or free or afraid of the future. Sometimes this story is cute, sometimes sad and sometimes it makes you think about certain things.

Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dee, the older sister needs to take a big responsibility and I think throughout the story her feelings, her thoughts and her reactions are so relatable. Eddie was cute, but weird little brother that I absolutely liked.

Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is mostly about the relationship between a sister and her little brother. Dee tries to be a responsible adult with sixteen even if she feels helpless. And when she can’t be the adult Eddie tries to be her anchor. And that’s like the loveliest thing ever.

Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was a nice fluent writing style. If I haven’t been so busy I would have easily read that book in one sitting. It was short but really nice, so I can definitely recommend reading it.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book on Netgalley in return for an honest review

Too short. I enjoyed the characters and was interested in more of their adventures, their dad and Jake. I think there could have been a lot more to their story!

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dee’s father hasn’t been home in six weeks, leaving 16 year old Dee and 7 year old Eddie to fend for themselves.
Dee does everything she can to keep them afloat but after a social worker comes by the house, she decides that they just have to leave for her aunt’s place, in Canada…

I really enjoyed this book. Dee was an interesting and loveable character, so was Eddie. I really loved Eddie.
And I always love a good roadtrip story.
I was disappointed by the ending though, that I found way too abrupt and left me wanting.
All in all, this was an interesting, cute and pretty short story.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. Boy, was I surprised with how much I liked this story. I loved both the main characters, and I greatly admired their spirit. I can not in any way relate to them or their life story, but I sure felt like I was in that car with them, driving across country. I liked the development of the characters, the storyline, the adventure, and the sense of urgency. However, I did not like the abrupt ending. I just kept thinking...there has to be more...what about_____? and how did ______? but where is ______? and on and on! Obviously, the author wanted to leave us wondering -- leaving the door open for a sequel? being realistic that one's story never truly ends -- adventure is always around the corner? I don't know...!

[Vivian Stevenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mini Review:
Rating: 2/5 stars

I was able to read this book from netgalley.

Synopsis:
This book is about a sixteen year old girl named Dee, and her seven year old brother Eddie. They have been on their own for six weeks, because their father decided to just leave and their mother had died years before. No parents, they packed up all that was necessary and all they could and left. Running away from the responsibilities they had and a social worker. They make their way to Canada to visit their aunt and uncle. On the way they encounter money rationing, a car that can barely get them anywhere, and eating just enough to keep them going in the hot desert.

Cons:
This is a short review so I am not going to go into great detail about the book. I'm just going to say it: I didn't like this book that much. It was cute don't get me wrong but it had very little detail. You had to really hold on to the descriptions that was there. It was a fast read but to me it was too fast. I would have liked more to the story. Whenever they ran into problems it was over in a page. I don't want to see characters struggle but I think it helps a story evolve into something better. It gives the reader something to hold on to. They traveled from one state to another in very few pages and they never really stopped to do anything. I just didn't find it as interesting as I found the synopsis.

Pros:

The characters were described very well when it came down to their appearance. It really showed how dirty they were from all the traveling in the desert and not being able to shower for days/weeks.

I could see the panic in Dee when certain problems made themselves prevelent. She handeled them quite well if I do say so myself. She was definitely a strong willed young lady and I do appreciate that about her. She did the best that she could for her little brother who didn't quite understand what was happening.
I'm glad that the author really described how innocent Eddie was. Being seven he never really grasped they their dad wasn't going to follow them to Canada.

These were the reasons that I gave it two. If there was a little more to the story I would have bumped it up to a 2.5-3.

[John Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at a girl who wrestles with multiple worries/obsessions in her mind at a time in her life when she should be cared for by parents and enjoy life. Unfortunately with her mother dead and her father so enmeshed in his own grief, he's disappeared, Dee must step into the parental role. With just over $400 and a twenty year old car (but no drivers license), she strikes out from the small Arizona town where she, Dad and her younger brother landed, determined to drive all the way to Rolling Garden, the nursery in Canada owned by her Aunt Pat.
It's a long journey, not only in terms of distance, but in experiences and personal growth. Following it makes for a great read. While there are many things left unfinished by the end, readers close the cover with a sense that Dee will not only survive, but thrive.

[Kelly]

I really wish this had been in first person, if for no reason than to really FEEL the fear and worry that Dee had regarding the fact her father's disappeared and the only safe thing she thinks she can do is drive her and her brother from Arizona up to Canada to be with relatives. The distance in this POV choice made it hard to really invest in the story.

That said, as a hi-low read, I see those teens who struggle with reading investing in this one pretty quickly and sticking with it.

[Kathy Mathey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the resilience of the characters in this satisfying road trip.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometime. A future ‘sometime’. I like the sound of that.” – Alison Hughes

I was so close to giving this book five stars, for such a long time there just wasn’t anything that I didn’t love about this book and then…the ending, or should I say a lack of an ending, this book just stopped so suddenly but I shall get to that later in the review.

Let me make one thing clear. I am usually a slow reader; doesn’t matter how little pages I will find a way to make a ninety-page play last me at least a week. When it came to ‘Hit the Ground Running’ though I read it in almost one sitting, it took me two days, that is how much I enjoyed this book I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

The main reason for this came down to our two lead characters; Dee, who is sixteen and her younger brother Eddie, who is seven. They were just fantastic and I utterly adored them throughout the book, both had such well wrote personalities and I think that Hughes did such a good job of finding a sixteen years old voice when they are in such a stressful situation as Dee’s. While Dee did read as the ‘mature for her age’ character this didn’t stop her from having cracks, she’s paranoid, scared and tired, trying to keep together what is left of her family while also trying to stay sane herself. It was her breakdown, later in the book, when I realised that Dee might be one of my favourite characters, it was such a human reaction and the way Eddie tried to help made me fall in love with him even more. Speaking of Eddie, what a wonderful, kind-hearted character. It became clear early on in this book that Eddie really is Dee’s rock and one of the things that keeps her sane on their journey, the siblings love for one another being the driving force of the whole plot.

I for one, loved the plot too, it was simple; their father is missing and to ensure they don’t get separated by child services Dee decided to take her brother from Arizona to Canada, where they used to live and their relatives live now. This simple plot allowed for more character exploration and this book thrived with that. I also like the set-up of the book, each chapter is based around which state they are travelling though. Due to this being a road trip book, my very first, I loved the feeling of filler while the plot is moving forward, it gave me a warm excited feeling while reading and made sure that I needed to know what happened next.

Hughes did an amazing job at creating atmosphere, there were sections when I could feed off the emotions of the characters; Dee’s panic and Eddies fear and that helped to further suck me into this story and help empathise with these characters. Then it was all the little things, like Eddie interacting with Murph and Dee’s connection to Vera the plant that just made this story feel so whole even when it was so short.

Now onto the reason that I couldn’t give this book it’s deserved five-star rating. The ending wasn’t enough. I was left with far too many questions for it to feel like a satisfying end, and when you’re so bloody invested it’s even cruel. What did happen to the dad? Where they able to live in Canada? Did they further contact Murph? There were just so many things that felt unfinished and I had to double check to make sure I hadn’t missed a chunk. Maybe this was the effect that Hughes wanted and I can respect the open-ended ending to a certain degree but not with this book, not when you’ve got me so attached to the characters.

So, let’s see this as more of a 4.5-star rating because it just did too much right for me to penalise it right at the end but I would like to make it clear that I’d love more from these two characters, I’d read a whole sequel about Dee, Eddie and Jake going on a detective hunt for the father at this point. The characters are amazing, the simplicity of the plot allows for great character and story moments and really my only nit-pick is the fact the book isn’t long enough.

Thank you very much to Orca Book Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I loved

Complicated characters
Dee and Eddie are relatable, likeable and complicated. Both are smart, but in totally different ways. Dee works from scarce resources to save her and Eddie from their troubles, keeping their heads just above water while their dad travels. Eddie quizzes almost everything (see what I loved less for more), including his teachers at school. His curiosity lands him in some hot water, but makes for a charming character.

As they prepare to run from social services, Dee’s smarts take them a long way. She creates cover stories for her dad, pretending his long absence is part of a quirky routine. She plants little clues for those who come too close – her social worker, school, friends and boss – to stop them from learning the truth. Dee wants to have a carefree world for her and her brother, where they’re free to just be – parent or no parent.

Sentences that stick with you
When you’re stuck in a story, you can become blind to how it’s written. I lost count of the number of times I stopped to re-read a sentence that made me stop.
“People sometimes just vanished, evaporated, like spilled water on the hot pavement.”
Alison Hughes’ writing is almost like art. It turns from funny, to gut-wrenching, to dreamy or sad with the same clever little threads running through it.

A dose of reality
I don’t normally seek out stories that remind me of the not-so-great parts of reality – I prefer to read to escape – but this was… necessary. I’ve never wondered what my life might be like if I didn’t have two reliable parents. Reading the words can’t give you the experience, but the pain in Dee’s voice and the denial in Eddie’s starts to take you there.

What I loved less

Pressing anxiety
Even with the comic relief, I found Hit the Ground Running was very stressful to read. The ticking time bomb of an expiring passport combined with teetering trust, hardship and denial made it difficult to get through at times. It couldn’t have been written any other way with Dee as the narrator, but it’s not my normal jam. I prefer good offset with bad, rather than bad offset with good.

Missing intuition for a smart boy
Even with Eddie absorbed in his own little happy place, I felt he should have cottoned on to the seriousness of their situation. Dee had dressed up their escape as a fun roadtrip, but with some obvious holes – the lack of stops, the tiny portions and Dee’s visible stress being big indicators. Eddie is a smart boy, so perhaps should have been aware. If Eddie did know, but chose to be silent, then he’s smarter than I gave him credit for.

Final rating: 3 ½

Disclaimer: this story was provided in exchange for review via Netgalley.

Purchase from: see distribution locations on Goodreads.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hit the Ground Running was a quick read, which I wasn't expecting. The story was fast paced, tense, and relatable.

Allison Hughes did a great job building characters. They were all well-rounded, realistic, and easy to love. 

I appreciated how Dee worked to take care of her younger brother and keep herself together at the same time. She seemed incredibly mature for 16, but it was easy to see what matured her. Yet, Dee wasn't too over the top. She was tense, but funny. She loved her brother and was desperate for home. 

The real treasure of the story was Eddie, the younger brother. His school stories were just hilarious. His interaction with Dee and other people were so cute. Be prepared to learn a lot about reptiles, rocks, and math from Eddie.

Another joy was the atmosphere. You could feel the Arizona heat, the desperation of the desert, the tense driving. The driving descriptions were easily my favorite part of the book. The descriptions were masterfully woven into the plot, not overbearing, but a vital part of the story. 

I also thought the simplicity and style of the book was a plus. It was a fast read, and you always knew where the plot was headed. 

Some disappointments

I felt like there were a lot of loose ends. The story doesn't feel resolved. There's a lot more going on than a road trip, and yet the book just ends. Maybe it was too messy to tie up, too many details to work through. But the ending was unsatisfying.

I also felt like there were some strange parts of their trip that didn't add up. I'll not list them here for spoilers, but I felt like some stuff was just a little over the top.

This book is really geared towards middle-school, so I was surprised at the language. I understand the pressure Dee is under, but it still seemed incongruous with the overall style and story. 

My rating

I'm giving Hit the Ground Gunning 2 stars. I wanted to give the story 3 stars, but I just couldn't. If the plot was just a bit more fleshed out, it might have been a 3-star book. While I wouldn't read the book again, I would love a sequel giving us more details on what happened to Dee's dad. And more reptile facts from Eddie. 

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteen-year-old Dee and her seven-year-old brother, Eddie, have lived in Arizona with their father since their mother died. Their father is a loving parent but not always reliable. They are used to him going away for a few days or even a week on antique hunts but it’s been six weeks and he’s never been away this long. The money is starting to run out and when Child Services shows up on their doorstep, Dee decides that she and Eddie have no choice but to run. They were born in Alberta Canada and have relatives there. She’s not sure what the status of their citizenship is, whether American or Canadian but they do still have Canadian passports. And Dee is not sure how far it is to Canada or if she has enough money or that her aunt will be there when they arrive. She has no driver’s license and is terrified to drive on the highway but she packs up their rickety old car and, hoping for the best, they head for the border.

Hit the Ground Running by author Alison Huges is at once a heart-warming and heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about the loyalty and love of two siblings faced with a situation they’re not sure they can handle. Most of the story reads like a road trip except one the children don’t want to take and, with one exception, most of it seems fairly tame. But Dee and Eddie are very likeable making it easy to empathize with them which in turn creates tension in even small incidents and made me care about how things would turn out for the pair. There is also a nice touch of humour that breaks up the tension without slowing the pace of the story. If I have one criticism, the story ended rather abruptly but overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more by Hughes in the future.

Thanks to Orca Book Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a 4.44, so close to a 5 but maybe only because I feel motherly towards a girl dealing with her absent dad and being such a good caregiver to her 8 year old brother. No one should have to be in that position! I would get mad at her father, who is obviously suffering from depression. But I still really have a hard time not blaming him for at least not finding a safe place for his kids while he deals with his problems, or leaving them where they were originally safe. And what about the other adults that went through their lives? No one noticed and intervened prior to Social Services? I would remind myself this is fiction and then remind myself that while this is fiction, the same situation happens daily, though perhaps not resulting in such a drastic reaction as we get from Dee. Admittedly a lot of feelings for a book that is a little over 200 pages. Parallel to all my feelings regarding parental responsibility is a story of a strong brave girl who sees her family being threatened and makes a dramatic move to protect it. While I would have suggested Dee spend a bit of time online mapping out her adventure and looking into options and resources, that wouldn't have made for as fun of a book. I also wish Ms. Hughes would have spent more time in the relationship between Dee and her brother Eddie. While Dee is obviously in a position of taking care of Eddie, we never see his attachment to her or any real distress that his father has been missing for a long period of time.

A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Ceridwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, simple but gripping novel about a sixteen year old's nightmare scenario - being abandoned by your sole remaining parent with your odd little brother and the threat of family services. I received an ARC from netgalley.com.

I really enjoyed the almost real-time experience of the few short days that the book encompasses. The characters are vividly evoked and the inner life of both Dee and Eddie are clear and original. Their relationship is loving and although possibly a bit too idealised it's needed to balance out the way they are lost and alone.

I liked how brave Dee was, not in a kick ass fighting way but in a true feminist role model manner. She's strong and dedicated and fights through her terror and anxiety.

The journey builds in tension until three quarters of the way through the novel, but it's a quiet, realistic tension. Even the scariest bit is kept low key in a way that feels natural. The sense of the horror that could have been is small but true and luckily, after this, the sense of security and safety grows even as Dee's emotional turmoil continues to build. It was lovely to have the authorities as safe and care taking figures.

There isn't an easy ending, just one that wraps up enough of the story, if not the plot. It feels right though and the open ended question of where Dee and Eddie's father is, isn't enough to frustrate me as I feel that Auntie Pat will take care of them. It's good to have something that ends with adults taking responsibility and saving the day.

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notwithstanding some pretty serious issues being addressed, it’s a happy book, a feel good book.

The book is fast paced and absorbing. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. This is in large part due to the thoroughly likeable characters... Dee, Eddie, Mr and Mrs S., Murph, Jake, Aunt Pat and even Uncle Norm (though we never actually meet him).

Yes there were some things that bugged me and for which I had to hold my nose but not near enough to trouble about. The writing was authentic, I enjoyed the imagery (i.e. Dee’s ‘worries bit away at her like insects’ while she was driving, p63… or wind turbines as ‘the cacti of the north’, p147) and my heart broke for Dee and Eddie more than once… but especially in the scene where their car - finally - dies.

I especially like the ending… no tidy wrapping up of all the bits and pieces of the puzzle. As we said on occasion last year, life is messy and this ending is messy - and in its messiness, absolutely believable.

The final couple of lines sum it up so beautifully: But now is enough. Now might just be everything. Now, right now, we’re heading home.

This has the same feel to it as Allan Stratton's The Way Back Home, which I adored. It leaves me feeling good with an albeit wry smile on my face. That can't be bad!

[Amy Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of HIT THE GROUND RUNNING in exchange for my honest review.

A story of siblings whose father disappears, the book follows their struggles as they try to find a safe place to escape in an attempt to avoid being separated by the child welfare system. This story was a weak 4 stars for me (really more like a 3.5). It was a very simple and quick read, fitting of the YA genre. There are so few stories outside of the fantasy realm for young adults, so I was excited to pick this one up and read it, in hopes of having a new YA novel I could recommend for those looking for variety. I found the story to be easy, entertaining, and enjoyable. The reason for my not quite 4 star review is because I didn't enjoy the end. It lopped off at the end with no conclusion and so many holes were left unfilled. There was so much more I was left wondering and I felt like I put a book down three fourths of the way through, and never got back around to it. Left wondering and wanting more...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of 16 year old Dee and her 7 year old brother Eddie; kids whose Dad has left them alone for 6 weeks, longer than he ever has before. When a lady from child protective services shows up, it looks like Dee needs to get them out of there or risk being split up in the system.

I do love a road trip and seeing how Dee pulls this one together and how she may or may not get them from Arizona to Canada in a car that's already on its last legs is engaging.

I wish there had been more resolution to some of the plot lines, but I think I get what the author was doing here.

This would make a great movie, if those last few questions were answered satisfactorily. I'd watch it.

[Ms_Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Hughes style of writing as the plot flowed well just like a road trip. It was easy to read and kept my interest so it didn't take long to finish.

I connected with the main characters. Dee was a thoughtful and resourceful teenager and a protective big sister. Eddie was the nerdy little brother who kept Dee grounded throughout the book. Together they made a great team making the best of a difficult situation.

My only disappointment was the unresolved question of what happened to the father.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee and her younger brother, Eddie live in Arizona and their father has been missing for 6 weeks. When a social worker comes to the door, Dee decides to make a break for Canada before the authorities try to separate them. They hit the road in a decrepit car (luckily they have passports even though Dee doesn't have a driver's license) and she hopes that they will make it to Edmonton.
But there are dangers at every stop and the chances of success are very slim.
Recommended for teens who love a great road trip novel!

[Crystal Ellyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Hit the Ground Running by Alison Hughes, through Librarything.com Early Review Giveaway for a honest review. I received an Arc copy of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I love all the characters in this book. I really enjoyed how Dee the main character was portrayed. She is a strong character who truly cares about her little brother. Dee and her brother, Eddie go on a road trip of their lives.

[Cait Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for this to come out!
This tune in with life novel is well worth the short read. Looking at growing up quickly, an insane road trip, and sheer panic over the moment, it has been utterly gripping and relatable through and through.

Thank you to Speak up! Book Club and my local library, it has been a joy to read these ARC's.
(As promised, the hashtag. This is social media, right?)
#yalsattt

[Vava · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Alison Hughes that I've read, and I must say I like her style of writing. She brings her characters to life and you can't help but empathize with their plight. She has a realistic and straight forward way of describing settings and situations, so even though this is a work of fiction, it reads like a memoir.

I felt so sorry for Dee and Eddie, I wanted to reach into the pages and give them a reassuring hug. I so wanted these kids to have a happy ending, and though it ended differently from what I desired, I wasn't disappointed. For me it was a fitting and realistic ending to a bittersweet story about the love of siblings and their search for a place they can call home.

I read this in one sitting and give it 4 over 5 stars. Thank you to Orca Publishers for sending me a copy of this book.

[Rai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quite cute for what it is. It really shows that distrust for authority runs deep, and the lengths children will go to in order to survive. It's great to see that the Canadian Border Control tries to help and not harm. I have problems with certain aspects of the Canadian justice system but I do believe more people are in it to do good. It does end kinda without a resolution to one point...so that's mostly the lost star.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Dee's dad doesn't come home from a work trip she is worried that eventually Child Protective Services will realize that she and her brother are living alone. Dee packs up her few possessions, all the money she has, and her seven year old brother and starts a road trip from Arizona to Canada in their beat up car. This is where their adventure begins. The character development is strong with Dee and her brother. I rooted for them.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books was surprisingly good considering the plot was fairly simple. Hughes' amazing characters are what keeps the story going and what kept me engaged. This is a good book for all ages and the story incorporates a lot of thought provoking themes. It would be good for book clubs/groups and even for school classes to read.

[Susan Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Alison Hughes, who with a keen eye for detail, penned a short novel packed with interesting, relatable and well-drawn characters, suspense and compassion. I really enjoyed Hit The Ground Running and I thought the ending hit the perfect note. I can definitely see why the author was nominated for a Governor General's award.

[Braden Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book YEARS ago and it was really nice to revisit it!
It still stands to this day and the themes are timeless. Love the journey that Dee goes on and how much she loves her little brother. It breaks my heart knowing there are kids like Dee all over the world that have to step up and grow up too fast, but have the strength to do so. They are my heroes!

[Kelly K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

At first I wasn't into this but then I started to really like the characters and was invested in their journey. While I was hoping for a little more out of the conclusion, I'm also okay being shrouded in mystery. I found this book to be the perfect length for the story.

[5555ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this book is a very good book because i like type of book that has mysteries and if you like this type of book go read it and if you like adventures go get this book has a it's about a girl that goes with her brother on a road trip to Canada without a map or a licence .