Long Story Short

Long Story Short tells the poignant tale of Jono, 14, and his sister Julie, 8, who make the difficult decision to run away from home. Their mother's alcoholism and a recent violent incident, following the death of their grandmother, push them to seek safety. The story follows their brief time as runaways in Galway, Ireland, and the eventual intervention of the police, which forces Jono to confront the serious implications of their actions. This book sensitively explores themes of family dysfunction, sibling loyalty, grief, and the harsh realities faced by children in challenging home environments. It is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who can process complex emotional situations.

Fourteen-year-old Jono and his eight-year-old sister Julie run away when, soon after their grandmother's death, their alcoholic mother hits Julie, but when the police find them in Galway, Jono learns he is in big trouble.