A short, captivating novel ... satisfying 5 star read

Reviewed by Emma, Age 13

I laughed, feeling cold all of a sudden. I reached into my pockets and pulled out my black tuque and red mittens. I hadn't worn them since the night of the accident. I noticed that Steve and Pete had gotten very quiet. I heard Bobby and Jeff stop mumbling to each other and turned in time to see them staring at me.

Running Scared is about a grade nine girl, Jennifer Bannon, and her swiftly changing world. In the two years since her father left, Jennifer's life has gone downhill. Her grades are down, her mother's grumpy, and she seems to spend all her time babysitting her little sister, Leslie. One night, while sneaking out to pick up a forgotten homework assignment, she witnesses an event that will set her already mixed up world spinning out of control. And things only get spookier after that!

Running Scared was written by Brenda Chapman. Chapman is a Canadian author hailing from Ottawa, Ontario. She taught reading and language arts as a special education teacher to all ages for fifteen years, and now works for the federal government as an analyst. She wrote this book for her daughters. Running Scared is a realistic fiction paperback with 122 pages. I would recommend it to kids in grades four to eight.

This is a good book to write a review or report on. It's not very long, but it doesn't feel too short. It brings up some serious issues, but is still a fun read. I really liked it because of the reality involved. The author made an effort, I think, to make the events and circumstances in it believable, but not predictable, holding my attention 'til the very end. I enjoyed reading this book, even though it's not the type I normally choose.Running Scared is about seemingly real people with real problems and real lives. That is why I give this book four stars.

Reviewed by Hayley, Age 13 

The person on the other end whispered what sounded like a muffled, " Keep your mouth shut,” … .

Late one night, thirteen year-old Jennifer witnesses something she shouldn't have. With her father finally back in town, her revived hopes to piece her family back together are painfully being torn further from her reach. She feels that if she reveals what she saw, it could break up her family forever. That thought alone silences Jennifer. With the help of a new friend, she uncovers the truth and makes a dangerous attempt to straighten things out. But is telling nobody really the best thing to do?

Reviewed by Rebecca, age 13

I was running. I could hear a loud pounding coming closer, closer, and I felt a spasm of fear buckle my knees. The sweat heated my forehead running down my back, making my nightgown stick to my legs. My lips and mouth felt dry and I opened my mouth to take in a gulp of air. As I swallowed painfully, my arms shot out into the darkness before me to ward off the shadows, fluid and alive, advancing and receding as if blown by the wind.

Running Scared is a thrilling and suspenseful page-turner about 13-year-old Jennifer. Jennifer's father left her family empty-hearted two years ago, but now that she discovers he is back in town again, she is convinced she has a chance of getting back her old life, free from her mother's new commitments and babysitting her younger sister. But, to put a damper on the whole subject, she witnesses a terrifying event and is left shaken and disturbed by what she saw, and witnessing it puts other lives in danger! Down to the very last page, the excitement and action keeps you wide-eyed and hungry for more!

In her writing, Brenda Chapman mixes in descriptive but not confusing suspense, with a story very carefully plotted and written down to every last detail. She cleverly uses foreshadowing, making for a very realistic storyline.

Brenda Chapman grew up in Terrace Bay, Ontario and currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario. After doing mostly short stories and poetry, Brenda Chapman wrote her first novel, Running Scared. I would say Running Scared is suitable for ages 10 and up. The sequel to Running Scared; Hiding in Hawks Creek, will be in bookstores early 2006.

Overall I think that Running Scared is the perfect mystery novel for preteens to younger teenagers. I, for one, thought it could've been slightly more descriptive at times, but I think the author did an excellent job of making it comprehensive to younger readers. The story made me able to visualize exactly what was going on and compare my thoughts and strategies to those of Jennifer. I found I had a lot of room left at the end of this story to imagine farther beyond Running Scared. So, in this young teenager's point of view, I give this book 4.5 stars.