David Almond (text), Salvatore Rubbino (illus), Harry Miller’s Run, Walker Books, 1 November 2015, 64pp., $17.95 (hbk), ISBN 978 1 4063 6224 4
Old Harry is about to go into a nursing home, and Liam’s mother wants to help Harry pack up. She says eleven-year-old Liam must help her, which means that the boy cannot train with his friend to run the Junior Great North Run, which is an actual English athletic event.
Harry relates the story of the run he made in 1938 – thirteen miles from Newcastle to South Shields, UK. He too was eleven. We follow Harry’s story with his friends, two lads and a lass, ‘young and daft and fit as fleas’ as they reach their goal and eat their lovely ice-creams on a blazing summer’s day. There is a poignant conclusion to Harry Miller’s Run, but we know that Harry’s story has enriched Liam’s experience as he is about to take the run. Harry’s words will linger in his heart: ‘That’s reet, lad! Run! There’s a wolf at your tail! Run for your lovely life!’
Harry Miller’s Run has clearly been written to advertise the Great North Run, and it is well told, with the confidence and empathy we expect from an Almond story. The intent has been to encourage Liam to respect Harry for his feat, but Liam shows little response to Harry’s story. It is quite a distant experience for an Australian child. Is there a Junior Stawell Gift? If so, Harry Miller’s Run may find an audience at the local athletics club.
Reviewed by Stella Lees
