Run Away with Me by Brian Selznick
on April 1, 2025
ISBN: 1339035529
Genres: LGBTQ+, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads

 

Boy meets boy in 1986 Rome.

While his mom works the summer away as a book conservator, American Danny spends his time exploring the city. Lured by a voice and a hand-drawn map, Danny meets the mysterious Angelo and his world is turned upside down. The two fall for each other quickly, embarking on a whirlwind romance. During their days together, the boys discover various love stories throughout history similar to their own, in eras where such love needed to be secretive but still endured over time.

Selznik’s signature illustrations comprise the first 90 and final 20 pages of the book and are striking as always. Each chapter is a countdown to the end of the summer, when Danny will leave and his relationship with Angelo will have to come to an end, which helps add some urgency to the story. Messages of identity and the timelessness of love, no matter what barriers or struggles exist, abound. The book reads quickly, though the writing is flowery and poetic so it will likely appeal to a specific audience, not necessarily your average YA reader. 

Grades 9 & Up

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York ME