On the Run

Holman, Marilyn Anne. On the Run

August 1st 2019 by Lorimer
E ARC from Netgalley.com

Ryan can't get a break, mainly from himself. In and out of juvenile detention from the age of thirteen, he goes before the court yet again. The judge decides to give him one more change to turn things around before he turns 18 and is subject to adult court. For a while, Ryan keeps his curfew, but when he finally gets antsy and ventures out, he accidentally gets in the way of a breaking and entering in progress. When he goes home, he has to deal with his drunken and abusive father, who kicks him out of the house. Ryan decides to hitchhike far away from his town, and gets picked up by a trucker, Pete. Luckily, Pete had a similar background and knows that Ryan needs someone on his side, even after Ryan sneaks out of the hotel where the two are staying and gets involved with yet another bad set of guys. Leaving that trouble behind, the two make their way across Canada, only to get caught in the snow and a bad accident. Ryan is caught, but the policeman is glad to report that Ryan's actions saved Pete's life. Back in juvenile detention, Ryan has to deal with several bad guys from various parts of his past, but keeps reflecting on lessons he learned from Ryan, as well as some of the helpful staff at the center. Will it be enough for Ryan to get his GED and turn his life around?
Strengths: I certainly have readers who will want to read about Ryan's flirtings with the law; this has a very Buford High feel to it. We see Ryan make a number of typically bad decisions, but he is not without redemption. Running away and being on the truck with Pete was the best part for me, but some of my students might find the juvenile detention scenes more interesting.
Weaknesses: Ryan has F***U tattoed on his knuckles, and this is mentioned. Also, there are a lot of Canadian references and terms; my students don't seem to be too bothered by this in other Lorimer titles, but some readers might be confused.
What I really think: If this becomes available in a prebind, I will probably purchase.