Running Wild

Michael Morpurgo

2009

3.55
⚠️Content Warnings
Animal CrueltyDeathViolence
After his father is killed in Iraq, a surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect escape for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach, Oona, spooks. As Will sees a huge wave crashing in, Oona runs into the jungle with Will holding on for dear life. With nothing but the clothes on his back and both parents surely lost, Will wonders if there is much left for him in the world. But with Oona beside him, the jungle might turn out not to be so lonely . . .
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Completion Rate
83%
Avg Time To Finish
10 days
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Tonight’s fit

Best for readers who enjoy:  Easy-read · Adventure · Steady

Easy-read Indonesia POV: First-Person Published by Harper Collins
Characters
Animals Children Poacher
Sub-genre
Adventure Animal Stories
Experience
Easy-read Emotional Vivid Imagery
Pace
Gentle Adrenaline
Balanced
Tone
Light Dark
Balanced
Book length
Short Epic
Balanced
More nuance
Violence
Soft Graphic
Balanced
Romance
Background Front and centre
Background
Worldbuilding
Light touch Deep & dense
Balanced
Readability
Breezy Dense
Balanced
Humour
Serious Very funny
Serious
Target audience
Younger Adult
Balanced
Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo

Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure

Michael Morpurgo is a prolific and beloved British author, known for his enchanting children's stories like War Horse and Kensuke's Kingdom, which often feature themes of nature, survival, and outsiders, with vivid settings like the Cornish coast or wartime landscapes. A former teacher and Children's Laureate (2003-2005), he co-founded the charity Farms for City Children and uses storytelling to highlight literature's importance, with many books adapted for stage and screen.

Books By This Author

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Reader Reviews

3.55
11 ratings
10 reviews
5 stars
3 (27%)
4 stars
3 (27%)
3 stars
2 (18%)
2 stars
3 (27%)
1 stars
0 (0%)
6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: Running Wild

0
6 January 2026
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Mixed feelings: Running Wild

Mixed feelings on Running Wild, but I can see why people love it. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
0
6 January 2026
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Really enjoyed: Running Wild

I went into Running Wild with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
0
6 January 2026
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Loved it: Running Wild

0
6 January 2026
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Really enjoyed: Running Wild

Running Wild is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
0
6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: Running Wild

0
6 January 2026
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Mixed feelings: Running Wild

⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
Spoiler ahead Click to reveal this review.
0
6 January 2026
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Didn’t work for me: Running Wild

Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
0
6 January 2026
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Loved it: Running Wild

Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
0
6 January 2026
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Loved it: Running Wild

0