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Away
By: Megan E. Freeman
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 12 and up

Away: The Answers You Were Waiting For (and So Much More!)

Megan E. Freeman’s Away is an absolute gem and a perfect, powerful companion to her bestselling novel, Alone. This book brilliantly expands the world of Alone, revealing in detail what happened to the evacuees and answering many of the lingering mysteries left hanging in the first book. If you, like many readers, were left wondering what the “imminent threat” was that caused the mass evacuations of Alone, Away delivers those answers and so much more in a compelling and emotionally resonant way.

In Alone, we met Maddie, a thirteen-year-old girl who wakes up one morning to find herself completely alone in her town after everyone else has evacuated. Away takes us back to the world of Alone, but this time, we experience the chaos and uncertainty of the evacuation firsthand.

The story unfolds from the perspective of four young protagonists, each with their own distinct voice and personality: Teddy, an aspiring filmmaker with a creative eye; Grandin, a sensitive soul longing to reunite with his father; Ashanti, a resourceful and determined girl with a dream of becoming a doctor who tries to make sense of the upheaval; and Harmony, a budding journalist with a nose for the truth. These characters find themselves thrown together in the same evacuation camp, a place filled with confusion, rumors, and a growing sense of unease. As they cope with their upended world, they become increasingly curious and suspicious about the mysterious threat that forced them from their homes. Before long, they discover that the official story doesn’t quite add up, and they embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the truth, facing difficult choices, and trying to make the adults take their discoveries seriously. Eventually, these kids take matters into their own hands, paving the way for a fantastic hero ending.

What I loved most—and what makes this book truly special—is how Freeman uses a rotating third-person perspective, with each character’s story told in a unique and distinctive style that perfectly matches their personality. The budding filmmaker’s story is told as a movie script, complete with scene directions and dialogue; the future journalist’s chapters are structured like beat reports, with a focus on facts and observations; and other characters’ narratives are woven with different styles of verse, adding a lyrical and emotional depth to their experiences. This creative and original approach adds so much to the story, making it incredibly engaging, immersive, and emotionally resonant. It’s original, it’s inventive, and I’m all for it!

The kids as heroes are a ton of fun, but…they are the most advanced 13-year old’s I’ve ever come across. I had to suspend belief before I could just enjoy the story, but once got my head around that there was no looking back.

There are no content warnings.

Should you read it?

Absolutely! Away is a must-read for fans of Alone and anyone who loves a great middle-grade story with heart, compelling characters, and innovative storytelling. It stands tall on its own, delivering a complete and satisfying story, but reading Alone first is strongly suggested to maximize the emotional impact and fully appreciate the interconnected narratives.

This dad says Away is best for 12 and up.

Happy Reading!