Running On Empty

by S.E. Durrant, Rob Biddulph (Illustrator)

AJ's grandfather has always been the one to keep his unusual family together, so when he dies things start to unravel at the edges. AJ is worried about his parents but they don't really seem to notice. In order to deal with his grief and to keep his anxiety at bay, AJ does what he and his grandfather did running. Round and round the Olympic Park, aiming for the cross country trials. Running to escape, AJ only seems to be heading ever closer to disaster. Running On Empty is a beautiful book about false starts and emotional journeys, with hope as the ultimate finishing line. From the author of Little Bits of Sky and Talking to the Moon Cover illustration by Rob Biddulph. Winner of the Student Vote, UKLA Book Award 2019 Highly Commended, UKLA Teachers Book Award 2019 Nominated for the 2019 CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlisted for the 2018 North Somerset Teachers' Book AwardsShortlisted for the Little Rebels Award 2019 Shortlisted for the Warwickshire Book Award 2019 Shortlisted for the Tower Hamlets Book Award 2019 Lyrical, moving and realistic, SE Durrant'sRunning on Empty is about the struggle of an 11-year-old carer who is starting secondary school and wants to run like Usain Bolt. With a rich and diverse cast, it sings." -Sunday Times " Running on Empty is one of the best children's novels of the year." - Express "Beautiful writing about family, loss, dreams and small pleasures that packs a real emotional punch." - The Bookseller "I absolutely love this book!...it's a light-hearted, tender book, as warm and funny as AJ himself." - Official Jacqueline Wilson Magazine " Running on Empty is a deeply moving story of one young carer's struggle to keep his family together... It is beautifully written and thought provoking. A really special book." - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award "AJ's situation is described with powerful realism, and yet with the very lightest of touches. He is essentially a young carer, whose parents have learning difficulties, but there is never a sniff of a stereotype or call for pity. Durrant makes important points about avoiding assumptions with huge subtlety, sensitivity and humour. Convincing, uplifting and immensely readable." - BookTrust

Genres: Middle Grade, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Contemporary

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2018

About the author

Author S. E. Durrant spent her childhood in Scotland before moving to Leicestershire when she was twelve. She now lives in Brighton with her partner and two teenage children

Reviews

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running On Empty: a story of family, relationships, and of knotty moments and problems that need solving but don't have easy solutions, a story of life, really. It's the second novel from SE Durrant (the first, A Little Bit Of Sky, I review here). She's an interesting writer in that she kind of slides into the heart of things and does so in a very gentle, truthful and honest manner. She's a writer with heart, and Running On Empty is full of it.

AJ, the twelve year old lead, is having a bit of a rough time. He's worried about his parents, who suffer from learning difficulties, and he's trying to come to terms with the death of his grandfather, and the bills are piling up and he's convinced that social services are at the door ready to break up his family. Throw into the mix the transition to senior school, trainers that don't fit - not great when you're a star runner - and there's a whole whirl of problems all vying to make themselves felt first.

Running On Empty is somewhat stiff at first, reading a little protectively and defensively, but after a while it starts to work its subtle magic. Durrant has this great gift of finding the truth of people and of letting them be what they are, whether that brave or scared or foolish or whatever. This feels like a grounded and honest book, not in the least of the representation of AJ's relationship with his parents. Young carer's aren't represented that much in children's literature, and Durrant handles this well; never sliding towards 'I AM WRITING ABOUT A YOUNG CARER ASK ME HOW', but rather tenderly and sensitively sharing this story with the world.

It's really quite something to deliver two books in a row that are as quiet and calm and as carefully crafted as these. I really do look forward to seeing what comes next from Durrant.

I am grateful to the publishers for a review copy.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic narrator in a tale of dreams and realities.

4.5 stars

A boy with dreams to run, the granddad who encourages him... AJ is talented, but he has things holding him back - both his parents have learning disabilities, there is little money, he can't get inside the local Olympic stadium to train. And then his world falls apart when his beloved granddad dies, leaving both himself and his family without its centre.

With worries about the bills at home, no running trainers to wear at school, the embarrassment but love he feels for his parents, AJ is a boy with more cares than most his age.

I was touched by this story, and by the unusual inclusion of two parents such as AJ's. Their portrayal was very sympathetic and would make an excellent discussion topic. AJ himself is a conflicted but worthy young man, who has both talent and ambition, but requires the mentor and backing to be able to utilise them.

The Audible narrator telling the story gave an appropriately young-sounding voice to AJ, slightly inexperienced and yet mature at the same time. The book worked well as a 'listen', with AJ's voice telling us his story. A very easy-to-follow narration.

Would work well with the age group portrayed here - 11-13 in particular. Could be used in classroom settings for discussions in PSHE and English, and by book groups.

Uplifting and sweetly moving.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

[Sarah AF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it a really enjoyable book to read! It shows you what it would be like for a teenager to have parents with learning difficulties and what events could happen after a loved one has passed away. A.J loves to run. Yes, as the author said, he gets it from his grandfather however I feel the author made him a little too self indulgent when it came to running. - Emily

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful little book.



Running on Empty is the story of AJ. AJ lives in East London, close to the Olympic park and is a runner. AJ's grandfather dies early on in the book and the story the follows shows how AJ deals with life without his rock.



AJ has such a tough time because his parents both have learning difficulties. They are kind and loving people who work but they heavily relied on AJs grandfather to keep things ticking over as he looked after the running of the household and bills. AJ suddenly finds himself needing to be the one in charge of these things without a clue of how to do it or a clear idea of who could help him as extended family members seem to busy with their own stuff to help. Seeing his struggle as he's trying to manage a household budget and ensure the family has electricity is heart breaking at times.


For me the book is important because it looks at life in a real working class family who are not rich. So much fiction feature families who are apparently comfortably well off to the point where money is not thought of or spoken about but is obviously there. AJ's struggle in the book when he needs new trainers but has no way of being able to afford them really got to me and really showcases that divide within society that absolutely exists between families who are comfortable and those who really struggle despite working hard.


Such an important read. I will be recommending far and wide.

[Woff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice little story, but I think it barely skimmed the surface of what it would be like to have two parents with learning difficulties.

[alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

MONEY PROBLEMS BOOK

[Fiona Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5!

[Carmen Haselup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special book. Full of heart and honesty it perfectly expresses a child's view of an unfair world. AJ's parents have learning difficulties and his grandfather, who used to keep everything going, has died, leaving it up to AJ to be responsible. He is a young carer with the weight of adult worries on his shoulders. Durrant beautifully portrays the suffocating nature of these anxieties and the way they drown out everything else.
But this is also a book filled with hope and family and friendship. It sings of the power of passion and following your dreams. It really is a very beautiful and positive thing. 
Durrant's writing reminds me of Hilary McKay's; it has that same warmth and sensitivity and that sense of being in very safe hands.
It's also wonderful to see an honest representation of working class families and of young carers so competently portrayed. No sugar coating or issue flagging here. Just a boy, doing his best and telling his story and winning our hearts in the process. 
Source - kindly sent for review by Nosy Crow


[Andrew Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ is a typical 12-year old boy in Year 7: he loves running, has a love-hate relationship with his little cousin Aisha and a crush on the girl who works at a local shop.....except that his parents both have learning difficulties and he's struggling to come to terms with the loss of his grandfather. Whilst written in very simple, down-to-earth language, this heart-warming story gives a perceptive insight into the emotional turmoil young carers experience, trying to cope with 'grown-up' issues alone out of loyalty to their family, and because they simply don't have anyone else close enough they can turn to. S.E. Durrant takes us through AJ's thoughts and feelings so that his, at times, inexplicable behaviour makes perfect sense and might indeed be ours in such circumstances. The climax builds when AJ sells his trainers to provide his parents with enough money to pay for their electricity meter: an agonising conflict of personal ambition and family loyalty that leaves the reader willing AJ to win the day in true Olympic style faithful to the story's East London setting. Ultimately, he doesn't; an anticlimax perhaps too unsatisfying given the sedate pace of the plot; however there is as a result a message of realism, contentment and hope for children that life is about not giving up when things predictably don't fall perfectly every time. This book could help build pupils' empathy and understanding of others, maturity and selflessness in deciding what matters most in their lives, and, in their own writing, elucidation of characters' thoughts and feelings in a deep, insightful way. It could link easily into classroom drama and hot seating, and valuably into PSHE and school ethos and values. How many of us, presented with challenges beyond our understanding or control, could manage to keep our lives going, trying our best even though running on empty?

[Maranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running on Empty by S.E. Durrant, is a story about family and not only learning to ask for help but to accept help when it is given. ​

AJ's family has always relied heavily on his grandfather. He's the one who always makes sure the bills are paid and that everyone is taken care of. But when Grandad dies, things slowly start to fall apart and AJ is afraid if he doesn't keep it together, he will be sent away from his Mum and Dad. The only thing that keeps AJ from falling apart himself, is doing what he does best: running.

As the pressure builds and the pressures of adulthood begin to weigh on his twelve-year-old body, AJ doesn't know what to do. Will be be able to sort everything out and compete at nationals or will everything fall to pieces?

This book has a lot of heart and deals with themes we don't often see in juvenile literature. AJ's parents both have developmental disabilities and they have always relied on others to help them navigate things like bills and bank accounts. AJ takes on these responsibilities and the weight of them is too much.

A lot is packed into this little story. Death and grief, disabilities, family issues/struggles, financial issues, worrying about foster care, losing and making friendships, being part of a team, knowing when to ask for help... being kind. The more I think about the book, the more I can pull out of it.

There's a lot going on "behind the scenes" in Running on Empty. AJ isn't the only one struggling and overcoming something. His parents, Eddie and Alice, both have these beautiful, underplayed, moments of growth. Alice with her cake and Eddie leaving the house. Even Tyler, has this moment of change.

I think this book is going to be underrated, but it addresses so many things that any kid would find something to relate to. This one gets 4 stars from me.

That's all for now!
-M-

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven-year-old AJ loves to run, especially because it allows him to spend time with his beloved grandfather, who was also a runner when he was young. But when the elderly man dies unexpectedly, AJ is left rudderless, confused and looking for something to hold onto. As he practices running up and down the stairs in his apartment, he also shoulders the responsibility for his special needs parents, trying to help out at home and sort out the bills. But eleven is too young for all that responsibility, and AJ is clueless about how to keep things running smoothly and reluctant to ask other members of the family for help. His track career is threatened when he can barely run in his ill-fitting shoes. When his track coach finds a pair of discarded shoes that fit AJ, the boy is able to show off his fleetness. But success lasts only briefly when he feels he must sell the shoes in order to put coins in the electric meter at home. AJ's love for his parents sometimes conflicts with his embarrassment at how different they are from the other parents. This book highlights a population not often addressed in books for children--youngsters of parents who are differently abled--while also showing the different ways each family member copes with loss and how there are plenty of unexpected allies out there, willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

[Sarah Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ's family has always relied on his grandfather to help them with things as his parents have some disabilities (these are never really defined by the author, more explained as they would be by a child who sees them as being different from other people but also used to them as they are). When grandfather dies AJ and his parents must learn to cope with the loss and learn to deal with things without his help. AJ and his grandfather had enjoyed running and AJ uses that as a means for coping but when his shoes becomes too small he doesn't know what to do and finds he cannot participate with he track team he had so looked forward to joining. Then red letter bills start arriving and the power gets cut off. AJ takes it upon himself to deal with the issues as he fears anyone else's involvement will result in a call to social services which could mean that he can no longer live with his parents.
Good for ages 10 and up

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running on Empty by S.E. Durrant, 200 pages. Holiday House, 2018. $18.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Eleven-year-old AJ thinks about running constantly, but when his grandfather, who ran with him, passes away, AJ has to grapple with his complex feelings for running. To make matters even more complex, AJ’s parents have intellectual disabilities and when AJ’s shoes are too small, he doesn’t know if his parents have the money for new shoes.

A book about a nice kid with parents who have special needs is a guaranteed heart tugger. I enjoyed every moment of this book and felt emotional at several points. There are beautiful lessons about compassion for others and compassion for ourselves in this novel. I could see this becoming a beloved classroom read aloud novel.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, I can't see kids getting into it. The writing is a bit artificial, written in a voice that appeals more to adults. There's a poverty theme kids might be drawn to and death of a beloved grandparent, but both parents having slow mental functioning was too much.

A.J. loves to run, just like his grandfather. He loves Usain Bolt. He got to see him perform at the London Olympics. Then his grandfather died. His grandfather was the stability in his life. He checked in on his mentally slow parents and kept everything running smoothly. Now A.J. is on his own, which is proving difficult. His sneakers are too small, but he doesn't want to tell anyone. His parents are barely making ends me and he's afraid if anyone finds out, he'll be put into foster care.

There's a lot of detail. Chapters are short, but jam packed with all kinds of random examples of A.J.'s challenges. A lot of good stuff, but also something off.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ is 11, and he's a runner. He always ran with Grandad. it was their "thing." Grandad also helped take care of AJ and his parents who are wonderful people but appear to be suffering from slight mental handicaps. Now Grandad is gone, however, and AJ isn't sure what to do. He can't trust his parents to take care of basic things, or so he believes. The aunt he might lean on is expecting and busy. His crazy little cousin is good for entertainment but not much else. AJ joins the track team, but his fears of his parents not being able to cope lead to decision that hurt his chances. A kid his age shouldn't have such big worries. This is a heart-felt book about coping with real life, and learning to trust others.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

AJ loves to run, especially with his grandpa. When grandpa dies, it leaves a big hole in his life - and not just because of the running. Grandpa also helped out with a lot of other things with his his family because both of AJ's parents are special needs. His mom and dad are very loving and take good care of him but are not good at day to day things like paying bills and going to school conferences, etc. AJ is worried that if he says anything, then he will get reported to CPS and have to go into foster care so he just gets by the best he can.
A sweet story about family, love, and those relationships. Perfect for middle school (main character is 11). Set in Canada, so some vocabulary will be different such as trainers for sneakers or jumper for sweater.

[Christina Simpson]

This is an amazingly written book about a real world problem from the eyes of a young child. It was eye opening, especially for a teacher who is aware of issues regarding safeguarding and this is definitely a difficult area.
However, I would not shy away from using this in the classroom. The themes about inspirational people and disabilities could definitely be a talking point in a PSHCE lesson. Also for reading comprehension, this would be a good book to answer questions from.
Overall, It was a good read and I feel that I have learnt a lot from reading it.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of our EL kids have to cover for their parents. This story of a kid who covers for his disabled parents might resonate with them. AJ's PE teacher is realistically complex, seeming at first indifferent and mean, but really just making his best assumptions based on the information he has at the time. It's what we all do. When we know better, we do better. The stress and grief AJ feels after his grandfather's death seem very realistically portrayed.

[Reader Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter, a runner, encouraged me to read this book because "it's about running". I'm actually surprised she liked it, because nothing really happens in the story. To me, the beauty of the book is in its sadness. An eleven-year-old boy has two loves in his life: running and his family. When he believes he is forced to choose between them, he chooses his family. The story illustrates how important communication is and how many trials can be avoided just by talking them.

[Katy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running on empty is a book about an 11 year old boy called AJ who loves running, and dreams of one day running at the Olympic Stadium. However, when AJ's Grandfather (and running partner) dies AJ struggles with helping his parents, who both have learning difficulties and dealing with grief. This book contains several themes that could be used in classroom discussions - links to PSHE.
Recommended age 9-12.

[Suzanne Bhargava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little vignettes capturing moments in one boy’s life, after he’s lost his beloved grandpa, and as he’s starting secondary school. While sometimes very sad, it’s is ultimately an uplifting, feel-good book. It reminds us of the importance of family and friends, of having someone to confide in, and finding kindness in the most unexpected places.

[Carol Moore Kollar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grandpa has always looked after A.J. And his parents since they have learning challenged. However, when Grandpa dies, A.J. Feels it is now his job. Past due "red" bills, no money for the electric meter, and no running shoes are a few challenges A. J. Must face. Set in London close to the Olympic Stadium, readers will enjoy a bit of Olympic history.

[Lisa Trank · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and tender book about grief, family, and hope. AJ is a stunning main character whose voice rings true throughout. His doubts, his mix of love and embarrassment about his parents, his beautiful and funny relationship with his cousin Aisha and mostly his deep love for his Grandad. Lovely!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried. So I feel like that says it all. This was a beautiful and sad book. Wow. Gives you second look on your own life. Gets into the life of people with learning disabilities. It was beautiful. Quick read (the main character is 11 years old.) I picked it up on a whim at the library. Glad I spent my time enjoying this book.

[Tracey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my 10 yo, we loved it! Such a moving story. It cut a bit close to the bone sometimes, my son has a great relationship with his grandad as does the boy in the book, but that's what makes the story so good. It's all about relationships, friendships, hardships and of course, running! Briliant!

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When AJ's grandfather dies, his life seems to spiral out of control in a matter of days. AJ's parents are around, but due to their learning disabilities they aren't able to maintain a stable living environment. My full review can be found here: http://bit.ly/2kSNC5B

[Liesl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and occasionally tear-jerking story of a boy who loves to run, dealing with the struggles of growing up and acting as a young carer for his parents who have special needs. AJ's an engaging hero and I loved how the book went from hilarious moments to touching emotional sections.

[EJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this could have done with being a bit longer and the characters more fleshed out for the reader's sake, but as a book from the POV of an eleven/twelve year old, it works really well to have that vague sense of impotence, since that's essentially what being eleven/twelve is like.

[Thomas Rist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. It had a lot of description and really made you feel a part of this book. When the characters were sad it made me feel sad to. This book is a very good book to read and I would really recommend that you read this book.

[mrs hayley mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read which will be so relatable to so many. I used to love running as a child and teen, the freedom it gives those with a clouded brain is unimaginable. Thank you for helping me remember my youth.