What happens when you are a thoughtful young boy in a family of rough and tumble bullies? Well, for William the time comes when he decides to run away. As he saves his money and strives to stay out of the way during all the fights, he thinks of the day when he can live with his aunt and be himself.
Unfortunately for William, he was born in the Baggett family. Known for fist fights, stealing, drinking and generally causing problems, the family subsists on help from the government during the depression while William and his sister, Jancy struggle to go to school. Believing his fathers interest in him and his three younger siblings stems from the money they bring in, William plans to leave as soon as he can.
One day, however, Jancy demands that they leave as soon as possible and take their littlest siblings with them. Shocked to find out that Jancy knew what he was planning, William initially says no but is soon persuaded to agree with Jancy's plan. A logistical nightmare, the two pack up what they can and start off on their adventure. The twists and turns of running away with smaller kids add suspense and panic to what William and Jancy hoped would be a safe and quick trip to their aunt Fiona's.
Spellbinding and completely engrossing, this book is a masterpiece of story telling. All tweens will relate with one of the characters as will many parents if they think back to their childhood days.
Age range: 8 to 14
Snyder, Z.K. (2009). William S. and the great escape. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.
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