School Library Journal, “Best Books 2023”

 

Azari’s life has been split in two and the halves are as different as lemons and mangoes. Running links the two
parts of her life: sometimes when she runs it is because she wants to, because she feels strong and free. But
sometimes it is because she has no other choice.

When Azari and her mother flee for their lives to Ireland they are put in a Direct Provision Centre. They must
share a room with a stranger, eat food they don’t know the name of and answer intrusive questions from authorities.

Azari’s life has secrets; she must tell them so she can stop running and live a life where she can make her own
decisions.