A poignant and political adventure set in the exotic lands of Tibet! Not only is the setting amazing and the chapter heading gorgeously illustrated but the story is incredibly moving and will stay with me for a long time.

This is a fictional story based on a very real issue – that of the ongoing situation for all inhabitants of Tibet. In this story, we see the imagined impact that it has on children.

The central themes of the story ring true throughout the narrative: that of hope and perseverance. Tash, the main character, is determined to reach the other side of the mountains and complete her journey, even if she doesn’t fully understand what is happening in her village and in her country of Tibet.

The setting of the majority of the story, the Himalayas, is another main character here. As daunting as the journey through the mountains and towards the relative safety of northern India is, the setting is still painted as breathtaking and beautiful by debut author Jess Butterworth. It’s unforgiving, yes, and Tash along with her best friend Sam and their yaks have various difficulties to contend with along the way. The landscape is still seen in a reverential way, a way that inspires awe in these young minds.

Despite the serious subject matter at hand, Jess Butterworth writes with a great sense of adventure from the point of view of Tash. She is optimistic in her outlook and even though adult responsibilities fall to her, Tash is a real child at heart with a whimsical and naive quality that endears her to the reader. She is a character of hope and the reader gets the sense throughout, whether right or wrong, that everything will be alright in the end for Tash and Sam.

There is a real sense of danger however with treacherous climbs and potentially dangerous nomads among the obstacles between Tash, Sam and their destination. This is not to mention the overarching threat of being caught by Chinese guards and being sent right back to where they came from.

The attitude and outlook of the Tibetan people is reflected in many of the characters in the book and it’s refreshing to read. Even though these characters endure hardship and persecution, there is always hope and a lot of love. Despite there being a clear “villain” in the shape of Chinese soldiers, there is rarely if ever a feeling of ill-will towards them from Tash or her neighbours.

It’s a great message running through the book and a positive one for any child to read.

A note on the cover design and artwork inside the book. Absolutely stunning and some of the best work I’ve seen this year. Well done to all at Hachette for the effort.

Beautifully written and an accomplished debut.

Tibet-set children's adventure, a good insight into the regions' troubles

Danger is present in this short novel. Tash's parents are taken away to prison, after producing rebellious leaflets against the Chinese. Adults are setting themselves on fire in protest at the ruling groups, certain words cannot be spoken for fear of being taken away in the night.

Tash and her friend Sam have lived in Tibet all their lives, abut when her parents are taken, they flee, taking two yak, over the Himalayas to India where their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is living. They hope to receive his help in freeing her mum and dad.

It is an evocative story, as the young people struggle through the cold of the mountains. They manage to meet both friends and enemies, they face danger, their friendship is tested.

It feels a little rushed, with its short length, and a sudden ending that ties things up a little neatly. For the age group, it's a great insight into the country, its situation and the lives of ordinary people living there. It might make a good class read with its very short chapters to encourage discussion of another country.

With some rather upsetting content (nothing too graphic, but there are deaths and violence) this is suitable for ages 9 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

Tash lives in Tibet. She knows the rules. She knows what happens to people who don't follow them. The people taken by the Wujing don't ever return.

Rule Number One: Don't run in front of a soldier.
Rule Number Two: Never look at a soldier.
Rule Number Three: Say as little as possible.
Rule Number Four: Never draw attention to yourself.
And, there are two words banned in Tibet, two words you must never say: Dali Lama.

When a man sets himself on fire as a protest against the Chinese rule, soldiers flood her town. With their street being searched house by house, her father sends her on a dangerous mission. Only when she sees her father being held by the Wujing does she flee, and with the help of best friend Sam, begin rapid preparations for the gruelling journey across the Himalayas to ask for help from the Dali Lama in India, never knowing who to trust…

A gripping adventure, filled with danger, sorrow and hope. Tash shows true courage and determination against all the odds, and never forgets the compassion her parents taught her.

So many children in our world live in conflict and war zones every day, and face perilous journeys to find somewhere they can live in peace; without fear. Books that tell their stories with the empathy, compassion and understanding, as shown in Running On The Roof Of The World, deserve a place in every School Library and Class Library from Upper Key Stage 2 onwards. I've placed my preorder. This is a must for my Bookshelf.

Great for fans of Looking At The Stars, Welcome to Nowhere and The Bone Sparrow. In fact, it's a must read for all our children. If they can't imagine the lives that other children face in our world, they won't have the compassion, empathy and understanding needed to help begin to make all of our world a friendlier place to live.

Many thanks to Hatchett Children's Group for the ebook proof via Netgalley.