Run Away with Me

Brian Selznick's 'Run Away with Me' is a deeply romantic young adult novel that follows sixteen-year-old Danny as he experiences a life-changing summer in Rome. While his mother works, Danny explores the city and encounters Angelo, a boy his age. Their bond quickly evolves into a tender first love, prompting Danny to confront his own identity and desire for belonging. The narrative beautifully weaves together the magic of Rome with the complexities of a burgeoning relationship, including the fear of the unknown and the weight of Angelo's undisclosed past. Parents should be aware of the prominent LGBTQ+ romance theme and the exploration of intimate closeness, handled with Selznick's characteristic depth and artistry.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Brian Selznick, a profoundly romantic YA novel about two boys finding each other and falling in love over one summer in Rome. "I'm going to call you Danny. What are you going to name me?" "Angelo." Danny is spending his sixteenth summer in Rome. As his mother spends the day at work in a mysterious museum, he wanders the ancient sites and streets. Soon after his arrival, he encounters a shadow... who becomes a voice... who becomes a boy his age. Angelo. Soon Danny and Angelo are spending as much time as they can together, piecing together stories of the city while only gradually letting their own histories be shared. Attraction leads to affection, and affection leads to both an intimate closeness and a profound fear of what happens next. Danny has never really had a home, or known the love of another boy. Angelo seems to have more experience... but he also has secrets just out of Danny's reach. Run Away With Me is a stunning creation, weaving words and illustration to tell the story of a transformative love over the course of one Roman summer.