Escape: One Day We Had to Run . . .

CLING. Don’t let go. Hold tight. Never give up. FLY. Rev up. Lift off. Soar. PEDAL. Set off. Cycle. Pedal for your life.

Throughout history, ordinary people have been forced to leave their families and homes because of war, famine, slavery, intolerance, economic and political upheaval, or climate change. These remarkable true stories of escape show how courageous people all around the world have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their flight to freedom.

"An arresting collection of deep, accessible stories of people on the move"―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED

"A remarkable and beautifully illustrated book which helps children understand what it’s like to be in someone else shoes. The extraordinary achievement is that it is still such a delight to read"―Emily Maitlis, BBC newsreader

"A compelling and inspiring book that contains an array of personal accounts of heroic value, many of which aren’t included in elementary school textbooks. This will undoubtedly be an invaluable resource for educators and students alike"―Manhattan Book Review, 5 STARS

"Highly recommended for ages 9 to 80!”―Reading Pebbles

"Both inspirational and moving. The outcome of each story is full of hope with a focus on positive achievements and outcomes without making light of the difficulties faced"―North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards

Ming and Wah Chen are identical twins who love history, plucky heroes, and anything by Agatha Christie. Graduates of Harvard and Columbia Universities respectively, they have previously published two children's books and live in Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Carmen Vela is an independent art director, designer and illustrator from Spain. For over a decade she has been living between Hong Kong, Brooklyn, and Europe, fueled by her love of books, paper and stories.