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.
This book is now on my must-read list! You compared it to the movie "The Village," which I honestly hated, but I think that this story would be able to give me a more vivid image. It sounded like a captivating story which I would really enjoy when I get some free time for pleasure reading (I know, we're in college, free time is a funny, funny joke). But your description of it was enough to make me think I might have to make time for pleasure reading this semester! Thank you for presenting this book!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you really enjoyed the book. Interesting story! I loved the concept. I agree, I think the action-packed part of the book would very much interest middle school students. Good review!
ReplyDeleteYour review definitely embodies the fast paced storyline in the novel. I like that. Can't help but wonder, is your theme going to be young adult action novels? I will be very interested to find out other books you read throughout the semester.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the chance to read this book. You made it sound super interesting. I love when middle schoolers have the opportunity to read action packed books and I have no doubt that it'll be a great read. Great choice in book!
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to read this book after reading the review. It sounds like this book could really keep kids’ interest because it is action packed. It seems that it is the type of book students would want to read. Trying to get students motivated to read, especially middle school aged students, is a big deal and I believe that this would be a great book to get students into reading.
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