'Some of my memories are dark and frightening: my father and the village council, leaving school. Having to run for our lives.'

Endorsed by Amnesty International.

School Library Journal Best Books 2023

Bank Street Best Children's Books 2024 

Azari's life has been split in two and the halves are as different as lemons and mangoes.

She and her mother fled for their lives to Ireland, where they live in a bleak Direct Provision centre. They long for their own hot, vibrant country. But to go back would mean certain death.

When Azari runs she feels strong and free. But Azari has secrets — and she's still running for her life.

"It is important – but it is also a skilfully structured novel." – Claire Hennessy, The Irish Times

"Jane Mitchell's Run for Your Life stands out from this year. It is a well researched and hugely empathetic novel ... Deft and lyrical." – The Irish Times

"Mitchell researched this novel meticulously and portrays life in direct provision starkly and honestly." – Sarah Webb, Irish Independent

"Showing the fragile yet resilient humanity at the heart of refugee journeys ... Run For Your Life is a book which should make us all reflect on how we in more peaceful, prosperous and safe countries receive those seeking protection.” – Immigrant Council of Ireland

"A gripping read." – Pat Kenny, Newstalk

"A gripping, educational page-turner about a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide." – Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful story featuring resourceful women bravely making their way toward safety and hope." – Publishers Weekly

"A compassionate look at the asylum seeker system in Ireland through the eyes of a teen girl." – School Library Journal (Starred review)


"This is a compassionate and unique look at the Direct Provision system in Ireland."  – School Library Journal, Best Middle Grade Books of 2023 List

"Very much a book for our time ... It's one of those books that grabs your heart." – The John Toal Show

"Stirring, honest and deeply compassionate." –  LoveReading4Kids

"A hard-hitting new novel." – The Echo

"A courageous story of having and fulfilling a dream." – The Meath Chronicle

"I was marking quotes as I went along, but I ended up with so many I couldn't choose. There are so many moments in this story that absolutely shine.” – Read and Reviewed

"Stop everything and read this right now ... Extraordinary, moving, consuming and very, very real. I couldn’t put it down." – Fallen Star Stories

"I started it and finished it in one sitting." – NetGalley Educator

"This would be a great classroom read." – NetGalley Reviewer

"This book was sad but beautiful. A story of a refugee girl and her mother, the chapters bounce back and forth from the present, as they apply for protection in Ireland and try to figure out life, to the past, as we learn about their life back home and what eventually made them flee. The saddest section shook me. It was hard to read ... It was wonderful to read though and I recommend it." – Goodreads/ NetGalley Reviewer

Read a Sample Chapter

Jane Mitchell has written several books for children and young people which have won national and regional awards in Ireland and the UK, including the Bisto Book of the Year, Children’s Books Ireland Merit Award, Reading Association of Ireland Merit Award, and Children’s Choice award. Her books have been listed on the school curriculum in Ireland and Brazil. A Dangerous Crossing, which told the story of Syrian refugees, was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year in 2017, and also for the CBI Book of the Year Award in 2018, and has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.