Running on the Roof of the World

When Tash’s parents are imprisoned by Chinse soldiers on suspicion of being Buddhist rebels, Tash and her friend Sam decide to flee Tibet for India to ask the Dalai Lama for his help. Traveling with two borrowed yaks, camping supplies, and a secret message that had been entrusted to Tash’s father, the two begin a journey that quickly turns into something bigger than their own quest for survival.

Running on the Roof of the World is a heavy yet heartwarming story about Buddhists in Tibet who must hide their religion in order to live in peace. Tash’s dedication to her beliefs and her family will have readers rooting for her success. The pacing is overly fast, as each chapter is only about three pages long, and obstacles are introduced only to be resolved moments later. The result is that Tash and Sam rarely seem in real danger, even as they take a journey over the mountains where they risk being killed on sight by enemy soldiers. However, this is common in many middle-grade novels and not an issue most young readers are likely to notice. Overall, the book combines adventure, history, and politics with themes of bravery and friendship, making it a great pick for general readers and educators.