Title: Running on the Roof of the World
Author: Jess Butterworth
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books

Teacher review

“Remember your inner strength.”

Not just the motivational speech that teachers give to themselves in front of the mirror during the final week of the summer term, but also the words of the Dalai Lama in Jess Butterworth’s uplifting debut novel.

When 12-year-old Tash’s parents are captured by soldiers, she and her friend Sam make the journey from Tibet to India in order to seek help from the spiritual leader.

Some of the situations that our two young travellers find themselves in along the way would have challenged even the bear-wearing Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. At every stage of the journey Tash is using her inner strength, determined to save her parents.

This thrilling adventure story is about kindness, hope, friendship and the power of one person to make a difference. All of which seem to me to be pretty good messages to send to the many young people who will undoubtedly be reading this book.

Plus, two of the central characters are yaks and, if you ask me, we need more yaks in modern fiction.

David Gower is assistant headteacher at King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. He tweets as @david_gower83

Pupil reviews

‘A matter of life and death’

Running on the Roof of the World is set in Tibet. This story is about two friends, Tash and Sam, who are wanting to set Tash’s parents free from prison, after the soldiers captured them when their village was on lockdown. This involves a dangerous journey to India, crossing the Himalayas, in the hope of finding the Dalai Lama so he can help Tash’s parents and liberate them.

Have you ever thought about accomplishing a long trek over the Himalaya mountains? What to wear, what to eat, how to survive? How about you ask a friend to come as well for company?

A trek can be interesting and fun; for Tash and Sam it’s a matter of life and death. They’re on the run from soldiers, but can they make the right decisions on the way?

As they carry on, struggles and frostbite get the better of them. However, can they trust everyone they meet?

This amazing book keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you want to read more. The chapters are captivating and short, keeping you stimulated.

My favourite part of the book is where Tash spots her parents when they are in India and they are reunited again. I was glad when this happened, otherwise Sam and Tash would have had to conquer the Himalayas again to get back to their village.

I rate this book 9/10 because the author uses great vocabulary and creates lots of tension.

I hope there will be a sequel to come because Running on the Roof of the World was possibly one of the best books I have ever read.

Eva Da Re, Year 7
 

‘Sad parts, happy parts and scary parts’

Running on the Roof of the World is set in the Himalayas, in a small country called Tibet. It’s about a girl called Tash, who runs away to find the Dalai Lama, hoping he can help her with her problem. She has some friends to help her along the way: Sam and two yaks. On the way they bump into some strangers and we are not sure if they are there to help or to hinder their journey. Will they make it to find the Dalai Lama?

I really liked the exciting adventure throughout the story. There are some sad parts, some happy parts and some scary parts, but I just couldn’t stop reading it.

Lisa Rollinson, Year 7

‘Cliffhangers on every page’

An interesting, nerve-wracking and jaw-dropping story with cliffhangers on every page. I loved reading this book!

Ollie Crabbe, Year 7

‘Amazing’

This is an amazing book. My favourite part was when the tribe leader showed his supportive and caring side. I would rate this book 5/5.

Jake Andrews, Year 7
 

If you or your class would like to write a review for Tes, please contact Adi Bloom on adi.bloom@tesglobal.com

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