Runaways

Runaways in juvenile fiction centers on young protagonists who leave home—by choice or circumstance—and must navigate unfamiliar environments, daunting challenges, and complicated emotions. These stories address themes like personal freedom, family conflict, survival, and identity, providing a lens into the difficult realities some young people face.

To narrow within the runaways category, consider the underlying reasons for characters’ departures, the tone of the narrative—adventure, drama, or suspense—and the journey’s resolution. Compare runaways to other social themes such as homelessness or delinquency for different perspectives on youth in transition.