Step into the thrilling world of On the Run, where two brave siblings dodge danger at every turn to save their parents! Gordon Korman’s gripping children’s series follows Aiden and Meg Falconer, a 15-year-old brother and 11-year-old sister, as they become fugitives to prove their parents’ innocence. Packed with heart-pounding suspense, clever twists, and themes of loyalty and resilience, this six-book adventure captivates young readers and keeps them hooked.
Perfect for middle-grade fans of action-packed mysteries, On the Run blends fast-paced storytelling with relatable characters. Whether you’re a kid dreaming of outsmarting the FBI or a parent seeking a series that sparks courage, Korman’s tale delivers a rollercoaster ride of emotion and excitement.
How On the Run Began
Gordon Korman, a Canadian author with over 100 novels, kicked off On the Run in 2005, drawing on his knack for crafting adventures that resonate with young readers. Known for hits like the Macdonald Hall series, Korman was inspired to write a high-stakes thriller after years of exploring humor and schoolyard antics. The idea of kids as fugitives, outwitting adults while chasing justice, sparked a fresh direction for his storytelling, resulting in a series he’s called one of his proudest works.
Korman’s own childhood, where he penned his first book at 12, likely fueled the series’ authentic kid-driven perspective. Published by Scholastic, On the Run unfolded over 2005 and 2006, quickly gaining traction for its edge-of-your-seat narrative and relatable sibling dynamic.
The Heart of On the Run
The series begins with Chasing the Falconers, where Aiden and Meg escape a juvenile detention center after their criminologist parents are wrongly convicted of treason. Racing to find Frank Lindenauer, a missing CIA agent who holds the key to their parents’ freedom, they face wildfires, police chases, and a sinister assassin named Hairless Joe. In The Fugitive Factor, the siblings head to Boston, only for Meg to be captured, pushing Aiden to stage a daring rescue.
Now You See Them, Now You Don’t takes the Falconers to Los Angeles, where they team up with a street gang to evade capture, while Hunting the Hunter, the finale, delivers a nail-biting showdown as they confront Hairless Joe and uncover the truth. Themes of family loyalty, perseverance, and resourcefulness shine through, with Aiden’s cautious smarts balancing Meg’s fearless spunk. Set against a cross-country backdrop, Korman’s punchy dialogue and cliffhanger chapters make each book a page-turner.
The series’ style is lean and action-driven, with short chapters that suit reluctant readers. Korman weaves moral dilemmas—like lying or stealing to survive—into the plot, encouraging kids to ponder right and wrong. The urban and rural settings, from Nebraska’s Sunnydale Farm to LA’s gritty streets, ground the adventure in a vivid, relatable world.
Why On the Run Resonates
On the Run stands out in children’s literature for its bold premise: kids as fugitives, taking on a corrupt system. Fans praise its intense action and the authentic bond between Aiden and Meg, which mirrors real sibling dynamics. The series has sold millions alongside Korman’s other works, earning a loyal following among middle-grade readers who crave adventure. Its sequel trilogy, Kidnapped, extends the Falconers’ saga, proving its lasting appeal.
Teachers and parents love On the Run for sparking discussions about justice, trust, and resilience. Its blend of suspense and heart ensures it remains a go-to for reluctant readers, cementing Korman’s legacy as a master of kid-centric thrills.
- Publication Years: 2005–2006
- Number of Books: 6
- Target Age: 9–12
- Genre: Children’s Adventure, Suspense
Grab Chasing the Falconers and dive into On the Run’s pulse-pounding world of mystery and courage!