The Runaways
Victor Canning
Paperback
(Scholastic Book Services, March 15, 1971)
Samuel Miles, a.k.a Smiler, and a cheetah named "Yarra" are running away. Smiler was running away from his reform school, while Yarra escape a zoo. At first place they need a shelter and they both accidentally find the same place to stay. The rest of the book tells how Smiler and Yarra are trying survive. However, Yarra meet her unfortunate end of life. This add more trouble to Smiler, because he is now have to take care of the young cubs she have while maintaining the anonymity of his I.D. The end of it? I'll let you find out for yourself. This book tells us that life is not easy out there, even for kids. It teaches us to think critically at all times, and not to panic even if the condition is not very good at all. Also, the book teaches us to love all kinds of animals since they are also a living being.