Mararet Haddix's book Running Out of Time grabbed my attention from the very first page. I was not enticed by vivid pictures or art, but by the detailed descriptions that allowed me to paint my own mental pictures. I could see every rustic detail and felt no need for illustrations to be provided. Running Out of Time was written with such great attention to detail, that with every twist and turn I was engulfed with the story of Clifton Village.
Running Out of Time is about the life and adventures of 12 year old Jessie. Jessie's story takes place in Clifton Village around the year 1840, or so she is lead to believe. After many of the children in Clifton fall victim to the disease diphtheria, Jessie's world is turned upside down. In the dead of night Jessie's mother revels to her that Clifton is a "historical preserve" village where they only pretent its 1840. Jessie is then shocked to find out that the year is actually 1996 and they are being held in this "historical perserve" against their will. With only moments to grasp this information Jessie is then ask to sneak out of the only home she knows and risk her own life to obtain help for the dying children of Clifton. Upon this heroic adventure Jessie sneaks past arm guards, is betrayed by the very man her mother told her to trust, all while being in a constant state of confusion by the modern technology of this "future" world. After all Jessie's tribulations her story is finally heard by a local news station. While conducting her interview Jessie abruptly passes out and is rushed to the hospital. Upon waking up Jessie finds she along with all the children of Clifton, have been brought to a hospital and are receiving treatment. After a small investigation by Social Services Jessie is finally reunited with her family concluding this story at "happily ever after".
Running Out of Time is an easy read that moves from action packed moment to edge of your seat suspense that will really grab young readers attention. I would strongly recommend this book for 5th through 8th graders because of its length and larger vocabulary. Any grade higher my find it not challenging enough.
