On the Run
White Lightning Series
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Ben, eleven years old and the youngest of the Mallory children, has left his aunt and siblings to come to London where his widower father wishes to introduce him to his young future step-mother. Unable to return home when his brother and sister become ill, Ben is left on his own to explore the maze of walled gardens which surround his new home. Soon he meets Thomas, the son of an exiled East African Prime Minister, and Lil, a fatherless cockney waif. All three children, troubled and contending with the dislocation of their new lives, become entwined in each others' journeys of self-discovery and adventure. In Nina Bawden's much-praised second novel for young readers, the lessons and pains of childhood are evinced with characteristic deftness, combining sympathy, affection and timeless wit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions affect their journey throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision like the characters in the book? What did you decide?
How do the characters grow or change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What do you think the main message or lesson of the book is?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the situations or dilemmas in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the motivations and emotions of different characters, helping them to develop their analytical skills.
Discuss the consequences of the characters’ actions to underline the value of decision-making and responsibility.
Highlight the growth of characters to teach lessons about personal development and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'On the Run' encounter numerous challenges, but they display strength and ingenuity to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own obstacles, whether at school or in personal matters, with determination and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters rely on each other and realize the value of being there for one another.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the significance of supporting family and friends and seeking help when needed.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The protagonist faces moral dilemmas and makes choices that reveal insights about right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically about the consequences of their actions and strive to make ethical choices.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront injustice
Explanation: The characters in the book stand up against unfair situations, demonstrating courage and integrity.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the storyline progresses, the characters develop deeper understandings of each other’s struggles and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to empathize with others and appreciate diverse viewpoints in their interactions.