Running Out of Night

A Children's Book Review Seven Middle Grade Books for African American History Month Pick

Fans of Elijah of Buxton, Trouble Don't Last, and Stealing Freedom will be drawn to this tale of the incredible journey of an abused twelve-year-old white girl and an escaped slave girl who run away together and form a bond of friendship while seeking freedom.

Every day is a misery for a nameless, motherless Southern girl who is treated cruelly by her pa and brothers. Her life changes forever when a runaway slave named Zenobia turns to her for help and shelter. Longing for her own freedom, the girl decides to run away, and she and Zenobia set off on a harrowing journey. Along the way, Zenobia names the girl Lark, after the bird, for her ability to mimic its song.

Running by night, hiding by day, the girls are pursued by Lark's pa and brothers and by ruthless slave catchers. Brightwell, another runaway slave, joins them, and the three follow secret signs to a stop on the Underground Railroad. When the hideout is raided and Zenobia and Brightwell are captured, Lark sets out alone to rescue her friends.

2015-2016 Dorothy Canfield Fisher (DCF) Children's Book Award Master List Selection

2015-2016 Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee,
sponsored by Children's Librarians of New Hampshire

2014 Best Chapter Books Pick, International Reading Association

A Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book of the Year

A Children's Book Review Seven Middle Grade Books
for African American History Month Pick

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards Nominee for 2016-2017

Grades 3-5 Reading List for New Mexico's Land of Enchantment Book Award

2016-2017 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee

A gripping historical novel . . . heart-stopping, heart-racing and eventually heart-easing.--Library Voice

"A gritty, engrossing tale.--Slo Coast Journal


From the Hardcover edition.