Running on the Roof of the World
Warwickshaw Book Award
UK Publisher
Orion Children's Books
US Publisher
Algonquin Books
Date Published
June 1st, 2017
Translations
Carusel Multimedia (Romanian) Algonquin (American) San Paolo (Italian)
Dramatic Rights
Available
There are two words that are banned in Tibet. Two words that can get you locked in prison without a second thought. I watch the soldiers tramping away and call the words after them. ‘Dalai Lama.’
Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash’s parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet – and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India.
And so, with a backpack of Tash’s father’s mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.
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RUNNING ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD won the Warwickshaw Book Award and was chosen as a future classic for BookTrust. It was longlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Award.
Reviews
A story relevant to the world that we live in today, told with compassion and understanding
- The Guardian
Daring kids, sidekick yaks, Himalayan setting - all the ingredients of a smashing adventure. Loved Running On The Roof Of The World.
- Abi Elphinstone
A wonderful debut. The book itself looks beautiful and the story of two young friends trying to escape across the mountains from Tibet to India is vividly told. Tense and incredibly moving, and it's beautifully written too. The prose is almost poetic at time. It's one of those books that will live with you long after you finish it.
- Claire Fayers (Author of The Accidental Pirates)
A cracking adventure and survival novel
- Irish Independent
This unique debut novel is perfect for inspiring anyone who, like the dedication says, ‘has ever felt too small to make a difference.’
- Booklist
[T]he pages [keep] turning... raises questions about freedom, occupation, and exile.
- Kirkus Reviews
A wonderfully fast - paced read that's a celebration of courage and integrity in the face of danger, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in
- Scoop
The unique setting and Buddhist perspective adds depth to this page-turning adventure.
- School Library Journal