The Art of Running Away is so delightful, hilarious, and smart.
I enjoyed the topics discussed in regards to layers of yourself and being an ally.

The Art of Running Away follows 12yo Maisie as she navigates being in a new country while trying to bond with the brother she hasn't seen in six years and save her family's art shop. Calum is just the cutest. I enjoyed the banter between him and Maisie and their dynamic as siblings with mostly opposing personalities. I loved all the little gestures he did for her and I just want to give him a giant hug. His roommates and Aunt Lisa were awesome too.

Sabrina's writing is refreshing, creative, and witty. I laughed so many times in this book, including the 'Shrek' lie scene. I recommend this to everyone. I'm so glad I got to read it early, and during Pride Month no less.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Art of Running Away in exchange for an honest review.

I'm currently crying over a middle grade book so, that's where I'm at right now in life I guess. This was so, so, well done. The Art of Running Away is part "comedic story about a 12 year old girl suddenly living with her older brother and his two zany roommates" and part "heart-wrenchingly intelligent, nuanced discussion about allyship" and it balances the two expertly.

I've seen a lot of people talking about how they wish Maisie's parents played a bigger role here, but I'm honestly glad they were fairly distant from a lot of the plot. This is entirely the story of Maisie and Calum and how their parents and their actions effected them, it's not a think piece that needs to delve into the psychology behind why those crappy actions occurred because it's about results, not intent.

I think this book is honestly good for allies and queerfolk alike of all ages despite its middle grade status (I was definitely laughing along to a lot of the humour here and feel like it caters to a lot of demographics) and I'm super jealous this didn't exist when I was Maisie's age.

As Maisie’s parents deal with the possibility of their art shop closing, Maisie is sent to Edinburgh to stay with Aunt Lisa for the summer. Maisie’s brother, Calum, ran away when she was younger and is in England. Maisie and Calum connect, and Maisie runs away to England to try and reconnect with her brother. She also wants to know what made Calum leave home. As the two grow closer, Maisie makes friends with Calum’s roommates and learns more about art and also a few secrets. Maisie has ideas that can save her family’s art shop. Can her ideas help? She finds one can find themselves in their art and that people have many layers and art can capture that.

5/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Jolly Fish Press for providing this e-arc!

Who knew i'd cry over a Middle Grade book in the middle of the night? I thank the author for this very important book. Our protagonist is extremely flawed but thankfully at the end, gains self awareness. To be fair she's 12 so I can sympathize with her actions. Some details felt off. Like....why send a child abroad alone without preparing them? Would they even know what happens inside an airport? The secondary characters were swell as well! Some things feel unbelievable but then again, i'm a teenager judging the capabilities of a tween as if i'm any better. What a way to celebrate Pride Month!

I felt a little old for this book. it is more for middle schoolers but I still enjoyed it. the writing style was nice. the main character was easy to connect to. my middle schooler sister read this also and she loved it. I would recommend for anyone in middle school or if you enjoy these types of stories.

First off, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Flux Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Art of Running Away is a middle grade contemporary novel centering around Maisie, a 12 year old girl, sent off to a different continent to explore life outside of her world of art. The trip suddenly takes a left turn however, after she meets her brother she hasn't seen in years. The book is set to take you on a trip through family ties, relationship building, and what it means to truly be an ally.

Normally, I wouldn't pick up a middle grade book but the description really enticed me, after all who would say no to a light-hearted gay book?

The central theme of familial relationships and the true meaning of allyship really hit this book out of the park. It was comedic, and smoothly written. Some very meaningful lines, here and there.

I loved how well-written and consistent Calum is written to be, as well as the character development evident from Maisie, who is after all a soon-to-be teenager prone to making mistakes.

I guess my only qualm for the book is how the adults lacked connection to anything and everything related to the book? Mostly because it was told from Maisie's POV but oftentimes Calum was more a father figure than a brother because of the lack of adult presence in guiding Maisie's journey through identity.

Overall, however, it is a quick read that I read in one sitting and rather enjoyed myself. A perfect middle-grade book to introduce to younger audiences the value of being there for people, and learning to change.

"Being dramatic is just another way of saying someone is taking up space, and I'm allowed to do that."

Yes. Everything you will ask just yes. A masterpiece everyone should read. This can teach you so much and it's written so good and it not only has potential to be a bestseller, it should be one. It has amazing character development and an awesome plot and you learn something from every page. The best middle-grade book i ever read.

CW- homophobia, bullying, stalking
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The Art of Running Away follows a young girl who reconnects with her older brother in an effort to save her family portrait business.
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This book was everything right with middle grade. I don’t normally pick up middle grade, but the synopsis for this one was just so interesting. I absolutely loved this book though! The humor had me laughing out loud multiple times, and the characters were all so well developed.
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I also thought the inclusion of heavier topics was done well. Each issue was presented with multiple sides and perspectives, and overall I thought there was some great discussion.
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Familial relationships was another aspect I thought was handled well. Maisie’s perspective was so raw and real, especially when it came to the humanization of her parents.
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Overall, I would recommend this to people looking for a humorous read.
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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story talks about a twelve year old Maisie whose life revolves around art and her best friend, Alicia.

Her parents are worried if she wouldn't get much other life skills if she carries on with just art and so she gets sent away to another country where her aunt Lisa lives.

I love her comforting the writing is. I got to experience Scotland! It's so beautiful. It's like art. That's how beautiful the writing is. And how humorous it gets at times.

The plot explores culture, art, relationship between parents and teens, coming of age, the bond between siblings and friendship.

Maisie has to do something to save the Glenna's Portraits, their family-run art shop, when it's sponsor gets cut off. She hatches a plan with her brother who ran away six years ago and somehow it reconnects their relationship.

I like Rose as much.

However, I did hope for a better role from the adult characters.

Such an emotional ride. It's definitely worth the read.

Discover some big secrets about the characters that's coming up. You will get a good answer what would happen to the art shop. Pick up this book for all the feels and family vibes. The cover is so pretty! The contents live up to it.

Thank you, author and North Star Editions, for the advance reading copy.