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40 pages 1 hour read

Beverly Cleary

Runaway Ralph

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1970

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary, Ralph S. Mouse decides to leave his family at the Mountain View Inn to seek adventure at Happy Acres Summer Camp on his mouse-sized motorcycle. There, he encounters a camp guard dog, a dangerous cat, and a grumpy hamster while learning about empathy and independence. He forms a friendship with a boy named Garf, discovering the risks and rewards of adventure.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Beverly Cleary's Runaway Ralph captivates young readers with its adventurous plot and charming protagonist, Ralph the mouse. Positive feedback highlights its engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. Some critics note that the pacing might lag for older readers. Overall, it’s praised as a delightful sequel fostering imagination and empathy in children.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Runaway Ralph?

Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary appeals to young readers aged 8-12 who enjoy adventurous and animal-centric tales. Fans of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White or Stuart Little by E.B. White will likely find this engaging story about a resourceful mouse and his motorcycle delightful. Its charm and accessible language make it a perfect fit for middle-grade readers.

RecommendedReading Age

7-10years

Lexile Level

890L