Doncaster: Discover the Spirit
Born to Run
by Michael Morpurgo
Shortlisted
So far we have received 98 reviews of Born to Run. You can read them below - or why not add your own review?
Leonie from Year 6, Saltersgate Primary School:
This book was a magical experience! The picures were fantastic
and the description in the book was brilliant. This book will
definitely be a winner and I hope anyone else that reads this
book will see that this is a fab winner, the author of this
book is owed some real credit and I hope to tell Michael myself
one day thank you so much you have brightened up my week!
Jessica Heaton from Year 7, Hayfield School:
I love this book it's full of emotion and sometimes it actually
made me cry!!! Ecpecially the bit where Becky finds out that
her stepdad kills all the dogs he's used for racing. It turns
out in the end that the dog finds a new owner(i can't really
tell you its name because the name keeps changing everytime he
has a new owner.)and evrything is happy ever after.
Jessica from Year 6, Toll Bar Primary School:
This book is a very talented and an exciting book. If you love
dogs this is the perfect book for you. I would probably
recommend this book to 8 years and over.
It is about some
greyhound puppies who get put in a lake and a boy saves them
and becomes best friends with one.
Dani from Year 5, Adwick Park Junior School:
This book is funny sad happy and really good.
Bradley from Year 7, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
A dog is rescued from a canal and that is the start of his many
adventures.
I really enjoyed the part of the story where the dog is taken
to the greyhound racing kennels.
My favourite character in the novel was the dog because he was
gentle and very protective of his owners.
I particularly liked this book because you could read it in a
couple of hours!
Vicki from Year 9, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
Born to run is about three people: Patrick, Becky and Joe. At
some point in the story they are all the owner of the same dog.
It is a very sad story at some points and nearlymade me cry. I
enjoyed this book because it showed that people really do care
for animals and in some parts it was really sweet.
Because it was so sad I readdly like it, not becuase it was sad
but because it had such a happy ending!
I rate this book 10 out of 10 because there was nothing I
didn't like about it. I would read this book over and over
again it was so good. I would recommend it to everyone who
enjoys and loves dogs companyu
My favourite character was obviouly the dog with its three
different names: 'Best Mate', 'Brighteyes' and 'Paddywack'.
Georgie G from Year 6, Hayfield Lane Primary School:
This Book Is Fantastic - It Is Very Catchy An Make You Want To
Read On And On. I Cant Keep My Head Out Of This Book.
Jessi from Year 5, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
this is the best book i have ever read and is by one amazing
author i hope and as far as im concerened this book will win it
is very happy yet sad at the same time this book made me cry at
the end but it is still an amazing book
Aiden from Year 8, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
The story starts with a woman throwing a bag of pups into the
canal and Patrick, a young boy on his way to school, dived into
the canal to save them - and then becomes a local hero.
His parents relent and let him keep one of the pups, which he
calls 'Best Mate' because he couldn't think of another name.
My favourite character in the book was 'Best Mate because he
had lots of adventures from being a pup to being an adult dog.
I didn't like the part of the book where 'Best Mate' got
kidnapped.
I would recommend this book for students from Year 5 to adult.
Emma and Megan from Year 6, Montagu School, Mexborough:
It is an emotional book, we love the way he writes it. It makes
you feel for the characters, our favourite character was the
little girl she was so sweet and brave we couldn't cope out on
our own. Our favourite bit of the book was when the dog always
had a different name when he went to different owners. We loved
this book and we would recommend it to any reader older than
8!
Natasha from Year 9, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
In Born to Run I love the bit where he has lots of names like:
Best Mate for Patrick, Brighteyes for Becky and Paddywack for
his last owner. I also like the way they describe the puppies
- leggy, gangly looking creatures.
I think the way Becky describes her relationship with her mum
when Craig, her mum's partner, is not there is wonderful!
I give this a tearful eight out of ten!
Christoher from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
I thought the book was very good. It was quite dramatic and sad
I thought it was good when the puppies got found in the river,
it is ace.
Lauryn from Year 6, Montagu School, Mexborough:
This book is a book I strongly recommend as it was brilliant.
It is a very emotional book and it brings a warm tingling
feeling inside me! It has the point of view not only from
Patrick but the dog as well. It has an easy storyline to follow
and simple text. There is good times and bad times and well I'm
revealing no more , so you'll have to read it and find out !
Becca from Year 9, North Doncaster Technology College:
It was good for people aged 9 or 10 but for a 13-year-old it
was a bit boring. I would say it was really funny and it's good
if you like dogs. It was a good book and it's not very scary,
so if you like to read before bed it's good to read so you
don't have nightmares.
jessica from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
I thought this book was incredibley moving.A really exellent
story.Well done, Michel Mopurgo!
Jess from Year 6, Toll Bar Primary School:
This book is magnifisant everyone will luv this book thank u
for bringing out this book.jess
Laura from Year 6, Montagu School, Mexborough:
This story is very emotional.
It is about a boy called Patrick and he has to got to school
past a lake. Then one day when he is walking by it he finds a
brown bag. He stands there wondering to himself "should i jump
in an have a look?" Anyway he jumps in! Patrick finds 5 grey
hound puppies...
I recomend this book to all age readers!
Rebecca from Year 8, Hayfield School:
I think that Born to Run is a fantastic book about a
greyhound who is a wonderful pet and when he got dog-knapped
the boy Patrick missed him a lot. It was quite a good book, I
will recommend it and give it an 8 because it was interesting
but it wasn’t good enough to be a 10 . Boys and girls who like
animals would like it. My favourite character is Becky because
she loves the dogs equally and she cares about animals. COME ON
AND READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Havana from Year 8, Hayfield School:
Born To Run is a great book it does every thing a good book
should, its exciting and believable and makes you involved by
putting across your ideas even though it’s a book. The start
appeals to people of certain personalities but soon includes
people of different backgrounds. The varieties of characters
who end up with him gives the story a unique edge which is
important in this case. The pictures in the book will help
younger people and I seemed to like them too, the font is a
good size as well as changing when the dog puts across his
point of view. I loved this book 10/10 and I would definaty
recommend it to girls and boys f the age 8 to 13.
summer jay from Year 6, St Albans Primary School:
a lady come in to my school to talk about the book awords i
will defantly buy this book it sounds grate!!! ! :] !
Andrew from Year 8, Danum School Technology College:
This is a very interesting book I find it cool and funny, the
dog is the best. Michael Morpurgos books are all interesting
but that has to be the best book he has written and no wonder
why this book is on the dba long list and I hope this book wins
the dba.
Hannah from Year 10, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
Born to Run is a fantastic book which follows the life of a dog
from being a pup to an adult. The dog in the book has many
different lives from being a loved pet to being a race dog used
for money. The book is a easy one to read and i would recommend
it to anyone. This book was a great read and i loved it.
lauren from Year 7, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
Michael Morpurgo has done it again people!
Born to run is the first book on the longlist I have read and I
loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! It was really good and I fell in love with
the dog(I won't put what the dogs called).
Definetly the BEST Michael Morpurgo book I have ever
read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9/10
jessica from Year 6, St Albans Primary School:
I thought it was very good, funny and sad. The illustrations
in the book were fantastic. The story was that good that I
couldn't put the book down. I got one copy from the local
library and my mum bought me a copy! She read it also and
liked it very much. I will be sending reviews on some of the
other books as I read them!
Beth from Year 6, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
I really liked this book because if any of you like dogs you
will probley enjoy this one. The main story is fairly simple
but it includes lots of detail and feelings of basicly nearly
all the characters. I think that any age will enjoy this book.
this book will probley be in the short list and probley might
win.
Charlotte from Year 6, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
I really loved this book, although it was very emotional and
all of a sudden you will find a tear rolling down your cheek.
I think that this book should totally win!!!!!
I so could not take my eyes off of this book, it just is the
best ever it will sure be in the short list.
Chloe from Year 6, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
This book is the best book i've read and I rated Born to Run 10
out of 10 because I couldn't put it down. I hope this book will
win. Everyone will love it and all ages will like it. It's so
emotinal and overall it's soooooooo great. I loved it.
jessica from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
I thought this book was incredibly moving. A really exellent
story.Well done, Michael Morpurgo!
Jessica from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
A complete sad, but moving book. It is about a greyhound that
has lead many different lives, and different types of carers. A
beautifully compelled story.
Well done, Morpurgo
leanne from Year 6, Owston Primary School:
Born to run is a fantastic book.my 2 favirot character were
Patric and Best mate.what i liked best when patrick found the 5
dogs what i dident like where best mate got tuck away.This is 1
book i could not put down.i hope you enjoy the book.
hannah from Year 6, Edenthorpe Hall Primary School:
I like this book becuase it is about a boy called patric and he
risks his life for five puppies. one of the puppies he likes
lots : when he puts his hand into the basket, one of the
puppies look up at patric. i like the bit when patric dives
into the canal to save the poor puppies from the cold water.
George from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
it was very interesting
caitlin sidney from Year 8, Armthorpe School:
it was really interesting because of where they find the best
mate out side in the frezzing cold.very very good sad is my
style .
Natasha from Year 6, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
Although I am only half way through this magnificent book I
just have to say it's a lovely book and it has made me shed a
tear already.
Daniel from Year 6, Montagu School, Mexborough:
The cute dog on the font cover makes me beg my mum for a dog,
but you can guess what the answer is NO!Back to the book it is
very emotional! i am going to give it a big banger number
10!!!!
Jack from Year 8, Danum School Technology College:
This book was the most emotional book I have ever read. It
nearly made me cry. Michael Morpurgo really gets your attention
in this book with so many different emotions the greyhound in
the story goes through. The book starts with a boy called
Patrick who finds 5 baby puppies trapped in a bag in a canal
near where he lives. The 5 puppies are greyhounds. There is one
of them who really stands out to Patrick. He takes the puppies
to his local school where the head teacher phones the RSPCA to
collect the puppies. Patrick is upset because he loves one of
the greyhounds and he wants to keep it. In the end, he gets to
keep that one and he calls it Best Mate. Best Mate is the
fastest dog in the local park. Patrick loved the way he ran
until one day, Best Mate didn't want to run at all. In the end,
Best Mate runs for Patrick but he doesn't feel comfortable at
all. He can sense trouble. In the middle of Best Mate's run,
two men capture Best Mate and put him in the boot of their van
when Patrick was too far away to see. From here on Best Mate
gets a new name and a new life waiting ahead of him. I can't
tell you any more or I would be telling you the whole story!
All I shall say is that if you read this book, you will be
really sad at the end. I think Michael Morpurgo has done a
great job of this book and it is only a matter of time before
it hits the shortlist and wins the award, but who knows, that
is only my opinion compared to thousands. I would recommend
this book to any age group and I would rate the book a 10/10
easily. Clearly, it is my favourite!
Adem from Year 6, Edlington Victoria Primary School:
This book is an amazing Michael Molpurgo book (again). Nearly
all of is books are about an animal which either runs away or
gets lost. Although lots of people like this book ot can get a
bit repetative with only 3 chapters and each chapter very long.
There may be ups and downs but this book is a great book that
is easy to understand and will keep you reading for 2-3days.
Millie from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This book is very adventurous and quite sad, but I would
recommend it to children 7 - 11 years.
It is very startling and you will just want to finsh this book!
Brianna from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This book is about a dog that goes through many problems. Half
way through the book he loses a friend. It is a good book and
in the end he solves all his problems. The book is very
exciting and sad when he loses his frined or good friend. The
main character is a dog and it is about his life.
Ellis from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
A sack of greyhound puppies were thrown in the canal and a boy
saved them and kept one and called it Best Mate. Thegreyhound
went missing and then his collar fell off. The dog-knapper saw
the dog and put him in the cage. The story is about its
adventures.
Heather from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
The boy in this story is a good character because he is caring
and brave. Also he is daring!
The main character was a nice boy and liked animals enough to
rescue them from drowining.
The settings in this story were brilliant but very convenient
as there was a lake.
It was a brilliant story because it was so grasping it nearly
made me cry.
I loved this story because it was imaginative and thoughtful.
Ellis from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This story is about a dog who got thrown in the canal and a boy
jumped in and saved him. Because he didn't have a family the
boys family let him stay with them and he got up to lots of
capers.
Bethany from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
Born to Run was a really good book about a boy who saved
animals. The animals were dumped into a canal. The boy saved
them. At the beginning of the story a boy named Patrick saved
about 6 or 7 puppies and named the one he kept "Best Mate".
I liked this book because it was sad and you didn't know what
was going to happen when you continuously turned every single
page.
Paige from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This book is about a boy who finds 7 greyhound puppies in a bag
whining in a lake, so the boys jumps in and gets them. He
names the one he was allowed to keep "Best Mate".
The characters are amazing and it is a very sad story.
Daniel from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
Born to Run is a very emotional book so for someone who want to
have a cry, I would recommend it.
The main character is 'Best Mate', aka 'Bright Eyes', who is a
greyhound dog.
The atmosphere is very sad and depressing because Bright Eyes
and his carer ran away from Craig, but in the end it turns out
fine.
Chelsea from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
It was sad but very amasing
Thomas L from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
The main character is Patrick.
It is a really good book because you are wanting to know what
happens next! His dog is a champion....
Abbigail from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This is a book about a dog who is saved from drowning. It
wasn't just a pet but it was a race dog. The dog then proves
that cats are not the only ones with more than one life!
Chelsea from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
'Best Mate' was rescued as a puppy from drowning. In the
canal there was a bag with something in it. Patrick shrugged
off his school bag and jumped into the canal -
and saves the puppy and afterwards the dog can always find a
way home.
Callum from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
This book is about a dog that is rescued from a canal from
then on he has 2 new homes one as a race hound one as a normal
pet.
I liked the time where he was racing dogs in the park and
always bounded back to Patrick his first owner.
My favorite charector was Patrick because he risked his
life to save 5 others.
I would recommend this book because it is sad, happy and
true.It will get different emotions going for different people.
Callum from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
This book is about a dog that is rescued from a canal from
then on he has 2 new homes one as a race hound one as a normal
pet.
I liked the time where he was racing dogs in the park and
always bounded back to Patrick his first owner.
My favorite charector was Patrick because he risked his
life to save 5 others.
I would recommend this book because it is sad, happy and
true.It will get different emotions going for different people.
Callum from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
This book is about a dog that is rescued from a canal from
then on he has 2 new homes one as a race hound one as a normal
pet.
I liked the time where he was racing dogs in the park and
always bounded back to Patrick his first owner.
My favorite charector was Patrick because he risked his
life to save 5 others.
I would recommend this book because it is sad, happy and
true.It will get different emotions going for different people.
Amy from Year 9, Ridgewood School:
I loved this book so much! It is full of emotions and it make
you feel like you are a part of the story. It is also a very
good adventure filled book.
Courtney from Year 6, Owston Primary School:
I would reccomend this exellent book to average readers, even
though this book is easy to read I wouldn't have reccomended it
to a persific age reader.I once put down my book ready to go to
sleep at 9:00pm but I couldn't help sneeking a peek and reading
a page onwards.It just makes you feel like you can not put it
down for much longer than a split second.Now I've read most of
Michael Morpurgo's books I am now reading Butterfly Lion.Out of
all the books I've read in the 6 years I've been able to read
this is the best one yet and probably will be until I get my
hands on one of Darren Shans horrors!
So tell Mr Morpurgo I'M HIS NUMBER .1. FAN.
Tia from Year 6, Balby Street Primary School:
This book is good I have read it in school and my friends think
it is good as well so read it the only thing I would say is
that they might need to make it a bit more happier
abbie from Year 6, Montagu School, Mexborough:
The reason I gave this book a 10 out of 10 is because it is
emotional and not also is it from patricks point of view but it
is from the dogs. the story is about a dog who keeps getting
past on to diffrent owners.
Bethany from Year 6, Sunnyfields Primary School:
This book is AMAZING!!!!
I would recomend this book to children under 12 years old.
its about a boy named patrick and he loves animals he jumps in
the canal and saves puppies that are in a sack he names one
best mate but hes not aloud to keep it because he lives in a
flat and he already has a pet named swimsy which is a fish. ok
better not tell you any more it will ruin it
Emily from Year 10, Ridgewood School:
I think 'born to run' was a great book. I was about a boy
called Patrick and he found a dog and named it Best Mate.
Patrick took his dog to the park, and because Best Mate was so
fast Patrick lost him, but Best Mate ran into the forest, and
then a man took him away and gavehim to a girl called Becky and
she named it a different name, but i can't remember what the
name was that she called him. She started looking after him and
even out him into a dog race against her ith dog, but her other
dogs gets ill and can't run in the race no more, so Becky and
Best Mate ran away, and the a man called Joe took Best Mate
because he thought that it was his dog ad named the dog
paddywack. Joe and Paddywack stopped outside a old people home
because Joe owns a potatoe bar, even he hated them, but he
still sold them because they knew that eryone liked them and
the people who lived in the care home and the liked the potates
the most, but the it was they old people last chance to have a
potatoe because it was closed down. So Joe stop selling the
potatoes to help the care home, Joe and Paddywack stood outside
with a sign that said ' Honk to safe the care home.'
After hat Joe and Paddywack decide to move so they got on Joe's
boat and went away, but Paddy wack knew where he was once they
have stopped it was his proper home. At the end Patrick found
Best Mate again an Joe found his.
This book has got some pictures to follow long with the story.
My favourie Character has got to be Best Mate because e is
likes making new owners and he is a friendl dog and I would
love to take him out of the book and keep him as a pet.
Nicola from Year 8:
School: Rossington All Saints
I loved this book. My mum bought it for me one christmas and
read it straightaway so i didn't need to read it again for
doncaster book award. It is about a greyhound which is rescued
from a river and all the homes he has been to live with. I
would recommend this to any true readers who are looking for a
brilliant moving story.
from Year 7, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College:
I thought Born to Run was a little upsetting. By the
description Michael wrote I imagined a pretty dog for 'Best
Mate'! Best Mates story and travels were tradgic and sad, I
would know how I feel in that position. I thought the part of
the conversation of keeping one of the dogs was serious and
emotional overall. I give this book ten out of ten, because I
think it is a great book and has a great chance of winning!
When I heard this book was on the shortlist I was very
relieved. It is one of the most emotional books I have read.
I hope it wins!!!
Abigail from Year 9:
School: Rossington all saints church of england sports collage
This book is good and i love it and the only reason i like it
is because this boy save's puppys and i think that is caring
and all the school kids like him after he has savede the
puppy's
Travis from Year 8, Danum School Technology College:
Born to run is awesome. It is really emotional and is by
Michael Morpurgo. This book is about a boy called Patrick who
discovers Five little puppies trapped in bags in a canal close
to where he lives. The five puppies are greyhounds. One of the
cute little puppies catches Patrick's eye. He takes the puppies
to his school where the head teacher phones the RSPCA to go and
collect the puppies. Patrick then gets upset as he likes one of
the greyhounds and he wants to keep it. He later ends up
getting to keep the puppy which he decides to call Best Mate.
Best Mate ends up being the fastest dog in the whole park.
Patrick loved the way the dog ran until one day, when Best Mate
didn't want to run. Best Mate ends up runing for Patrick but
doesn't feel comfortable. In the middle of Best Mate's run, two
men capture the puppy and put the poor puppy in the boot of
their van which made me think of the dog being picked up and
still running in midair but back to the story. Anyway
unfortunately Patrick was too far away from the dog to see the
dog been dog napped. You must read this book as it is
awesome.
Simon from Year 8:
I am from bangor grammar in N.Ireland and i think that this
book is fab it is great for people who love animals but
sometimes you would feel sad.
Jess from Year 7, Hayfield School:
This powerful moving book is one of my favourate on the whole
list.I especially like the parts with Becky in, because she is
determined for BrightEyes to survive , and escape from her
cruel father.
I recomend this to everyone. Well done Micheal Morpurgo.
Rebecca from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
I think that this book is realy emotional and sad.
Also it makes me cry to think that people do kill racing dogs
when there no use to them any more.
I wish all dogs could get happy homes.
Marianne from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
I like the book because it was about a dog that when he was
born he could run straight away. It was really a enyoyable book
that people would love and that would like to read it over and
over again. People that don't have a dog and read this book
will probally want a dog.
It is a really good book for people who like dogs.
Rachel from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
I loved this book because of the cute puppys, I'm glad patrick
saved them or i would have let out a tear. Well i did let out a
tear at the end of the book because the puppy had to find a new
owner! I think that the best bit about the book is the
beginning when patrick comes and notices the puppies, and
reaches in and fishes them out of the canal. I also think it
has its sad parts and its good parts I would give it a whopping
10/10.
Simone from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
I think that it is really good, the picture goes good with the
title. I think the dog on the front is really cute.
ardiana+dhurata from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
This book was a magical experience! The picures were fantastic
and the description in the book was brilliant. This book will
definitely be a winner and I hope anyone else that reads this
book sees that micheal morpurgo has a very creative mind
Maisie from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
I think this book was really emotional im really glad at the
start of the story patrick saved them ! I can definately say i
did cry at the end but i cant tell you why or i would spoil it
! I would give this book 10 out of 10 !
James from Year 5, Intake Primary School:
it was very funny
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10:10
rachel from Year 6, Intake Primary School:
i really loved this book im very glad that patric saved the
poor puppys or i would cry! Well i did cry i can definatly say
i did i cant tell you why because it will spoil the ending i
will defintly give this book 10 out of 10 and i hope you enjoy
reading the book
Shannen from Year 6, Owston Primary School:
This book was fantastic !!!! This books pictures were really
realistic and I really enjoyed this book and I'm sure you
will.
Kiera from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
I think this book was very sad but interesting as well I would
recomend this book to all aged readers.
megan from Year 8, Armthorpe School:
i really enjoed this book i really got into it and it was very
touching i think it was a great book
Liam from Year 8, Armthorpe School:
I've always enjoyed Michael Morpurgo's books since reading
Kensuki's Kingdom. Being an animal lover (well dog lover, who
needs cats!) this book struck such a chord. It discribes
perfectly how dogs react to certain situations, it also
highlights the good bad greedy selfishness and selflessness
that humans possess.
I really enjoyed "Best Mate's" journey, the ups and downs etc.
The icing on the cake was when we acted out a piece from the
book.
Jessica T from Year 6, Saltersgate Primary School:
An amazing book and an amazing author. The dog goes to 3
different homes and 3 different owners. I really enjoyed the
book it is the type of book I like to read.
Megan from Year 8, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
This might not be to everyone’s taste but I really enjoyed
reading it and the plot was really easy to follow since you
only have one main protagonist and the other characters all
circle around him.
This book seemed so real and I could just imagine myself
standing where Patrick stood waiting for him to come back or
Becky sat on her rock talking to her father. Or Joe in the
tatty van or talking to his wife. I could just imagine myself
feeling how the greyhound would feel when he’s running.
The characters in the book seem so real since I can hear
them in my head (no I’m not mad) and sympathise with them.
The characters all keep up their first appearance which
some may find boring but I enjoy this as the author hasn’t
rushed them and changed who they are half way through their
part.
Whilst reading the book I felt exhilarated but at times I
felt so much sadness and I could easily sympathise with the
character.
This book definitely gets full marks and I really enjoyed
reading it the author has exceeded my expectations.
James from Year 9, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
I really enjoyed reading this book, and the plot was easy to
follow with only one main character.
When I read this I felt like I was there, and it seemed like a
memory to me, I could just imagine myself being a greyhound,
and know how they must of felt running all the time.
The characters in the book felt like they were my friends and
when it’s there dialog, you can amagine your friends talking to
you.
The characters appearance seems so real one reminded me of one
of my friend, which made me giggle.
I’m not really a dog fan, but this made me think again and I
did feel a bit sad though as probably most dog lovers would.
This book will get full marks from me, I really did enjoy this
story, and I am going to read this again.
Charlotte from Year 6, St Peter's Catholic Primary School:
Born to run is a very good book including a Greyhound called
Best Mate and his owner Patrick. Making his way to school he
hears a few yells for help coming from a bag in the canal he
passes everyday on the way to school. This is where the
adventure begins! Patrick jumps into the canal unaware of
drowning, he just keeps his mind on saving the helpless
creature or creatures. He really wants to see what is in the
bag so jumps in gets the bag takes it to shore and sees if they
are ok. When he gets to school his teacher phones someone to
take them away. Patrick ends up wanting one and he gets one.
Best Mate, thats his name! Best Mate ends up being a really
good racing dog. Adventure leads into more fun! Read the book
to find out more about the adventures of this inseparable
pair...
I totally love this book which is why I gave it a huge rating
of 10! I rccommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Michael from Year 8, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
Born to Run is about a young boy who saves some puppies. The
puppy he decides to keep gets stolen and is made to race, but
when his friend Alphie (another dog) hurts his ankle, he is
sent away to be killed, but the girl who’s mum ‘s boyfriend
stole the dog runs away with the dog but unfortunately, she
gets bitten and is sent to hospital, she is made to get rid of
the dog. An old man takes the dog in but his wife is in a care
home and she dies. The Council try to shut the care home so the
man and the dog make an enormous protest and win. Eventually
the dog finds his owner but he doesn’t recognise him, but
everyone is happy because his owner had got a new dog and the
old man got to keep the dog.
The plot is quite easy to follow because from the start it is
obvious who stole the dog. The characters are realistic because
the boy who lost his dog was really gutted and upset when he
lost him. They also speak like I would expect them to because
when he couldn’t find his dog he ran home in a panic and told
his parents. He does not act consistently because he is really
happy when he gets the dog but when he goes missing he is
really sad, until he gets another dog, then he is happy again.
In places the book made me feel sad because I know what it
feels like to lose your dog it’s terrible. The style of writing
suits the book because it really gives you an idea of what he
went through.
Overall I think the book was really good and I was happy with
what happened in the end.
Courtney from Year 6, Owston Primary School:
I am over the moon that BORN TO RUN has been shortlisted.It is
my favourite book of all times.I will never forget this amazing
story or Best mates long emotional life.Michael Murpurgo is the
most amazing author, I have read most of his books I have just
finished Butterfly lion and I loved it just as much as Born To
Run.
adam from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
This a powerful book which contains the best description better
than any book across the galaxy. I love this book because it
awesome. Please vote for this book. if you dont your crazy.
Kiera from Year 5, Owston Primary School:
LOVED IT!!!!! :)
IT WAS VERY INTERESTING.
Kyle from Year 10, Ridgewood School:
I think this book was good at times, another of the great works
of Michael Morpurgo. I found it a thoroughly good story with
great ideas.
sarah from Year 7, Ridgewood School:
I think this book is amazing. My best part is where patrick
saves the puppies. I am going to give this book a 9.
David from Year 9, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
I think that 'Born to Run' is very emotional, the way he keeps
losing his owners. His first owner Patrick was amazing. He had
a very strong bond with Bestmate, as he was called, when
Patrick owned him. When Bestmate was taken away from Patrick,
the emotions just flew from the pages. When Becky, the teenage
dog keeper, was owner of him, he was named Brighteyes.
Brighteyes made a best friend, Alfie he was called. He, like
Brighteyes, was a greyhound. They were inseparable and when
Alfie was shot I cried. All the characters are realistic and
the use of emotion is used at the time when needed. I loved the
ending where Fairlawns, the care home, is saved but I hated it
when Patrick didn't recognise his former dog. I loved how this
could probably be a true story for some dog.
This is an overall good book. I look forward to reading any
other books by Michael Morpurgo.
David from Year 9, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
I think that 'Born to Run' is very emotional, the way he keeps
losing his owners. His first owner Patrick was amazing. He had
a very strong bond with Bestmate, as he was called, when
Patrick owned him. When Bestmate was taken away from Patrick,
the emotions just flew from the pages. When Becky, the teenage
dog keeper, was owner of him, he was named Brighteyes.
Brighteyes made a best friend, Alfie he was called. He, like
Brighteyes, was a greyhound. They were inseparable and when
Alfie was shot I cried. All the characters are realistic and
the use of emotion is used at the time when needed. I loved the
ending where Fairlawns, the care home, is saved but I hated it
when Patrick didn't recognise his former dog. I loved how this
could probably be a true story for some dog.
This is an overall good book. I look forward to reading any
other books by Michael Morpurgo.
Laura from Year 8, Hatfield High School Visual Arts College:
I liked this book very much! I like the way the story built up
tension and how the story formed from the rescue of the
puppies to the dog getting captured, then Becky running away
with the dog, to the man getting the dog and how the dog
showed passion to all of his owners and the protection that the
dog gave to his owners!
I also like the way the story was told. At first it was told
from the boys point of view, then when the dog got captured the
dog told the story, then Becky told the story from her point of
view, then when Becky got injured the dog told the story, then
the old man told the story from then onwards!
Sarah from Year 6, St Peter's Catholic Primary School:
Born to Run is the emotional story of one dog who proves
that everyone can make a new start.
Best Mate was an abandoned greyhound puppy who was loved not
once, twice but three times! When found in the canal by his
first owner Patrick, Best Mate thinks he was settled safe and
sound, stuck to his peaceful daily routine (and enjoying it.)
But though Best Mate is happy with his peaceful life style,
his heart is on the race track. Will Best Mate get there, or
will he end up back on the canal where he was found?
Follow the life of one amazing dog, and three amazing owners
as they travel through the good and the bad, the happy and the
sad.
bethany from Year 6, St Peter's Catholic Primary School:
I liked this book because it is very adventures and I actually
felt like I was in the book. I thought it was rather sad
though. There was also a load of discriptive words in, witch I
liked. I would read it again but probebly only 2 more times. I
did get a bit boring at the begining though but uther than that
I liked it. I did injoy it though.
Heather from Year 7, McAuley Catholic High School:
This book is my most favourite, I nearly cried at parts. This
book is emotional and strong. It tells you some of the horrible
ways dogs are treated and it also tells you how dogs are our
best friends. We don't forget them if they go missing, and Best
Mate never forgot the boy who resucued him. As Brighteyes, he
helped the girl when she was seriously injured. This is Michael
Morpurgo's best book yet!
Emma from Year 7, Armthorpe School:
I think it sounds good i am going to read it soon because it
sounds good lol
victoria wood from Year 7, Armthorpe School:
becouse it got to me i thought it was a good book
Christine from Year 7, Armthorpe School:
it is realy fun to read . i thought that it whould be very
boring but when was reading it started to get intresing and fun
to read
semra from Year 9, Danum School Technology College:
this is the great story
i love michael morpurgo's books. i have read a lots of books
from this author and all of them was GREAT.
Kasey from Year 9, Rossington All Saints School:
If you like breath taking stories well this is a great book to
read!!!
I would recorgmend it to a friends!!!!
George G from Year 8, Danum School Technology College:
this book is shocking i rate it 1 out of 10
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