On the Run

On The Run is the first in the Elijah Project series by Bill Myers. This action-packed adventure gets rolling early in the story and never quits. It begins when three siblings, Zach , Piper, and Elijah, are walking to school and witness a terrible car accident where a little girl is critically injured. She was chasing her puppy and the dog has been killed. 6 year-old Elijah cradles the dog in his arms, whispers to it, and the puppy begins jumping around as though nothing happened. Unfortunately, the TV news captured the entire miracle and three people working for The Organization see the broadcast. They’ve been looking for Elijah for a long time. 16- year-old Zach and 13-year-old Piper know Elijah is special, but they’re not sure why. They’ve moved four times in six years; running from evil people who want to use Elijah's gifts or destroy him.

The parents also see the broadcast and are preparing to leave town when the bad guys roll up. The parents escape and leave a note for the kids, instructing them to meet at Aunt Myrna’s. The note tells them to remember the Bible verse, “Lo, I am with you always…” –Matthew 28:20.

The three siblings find the note, but the bad guys have seen it too, and they’re waiting for them at Aunt Myrna’s. Cody, a boy who Piper has a major crush on, chooses the moment of Piper's escape to call her. Because she “sounds funny” on the phone, he grabs his friend Willard and they go to her rescue in Willard’s Helio-hopper, a bouncing helicopter made from ceiling fan parts. As the five teens hide in a shed inside an RV, they grow hungry. Elijah performs another miracle: he turns a half-eaten cheeseburger into burgers and fries for everyone.

After Willard hotwires the RV, the exciting chase continues on to the hospital where Elijah performs a third miracle: the healing of the young car accident victim. From there, the three siblings are on their way to The Organization’s headquarters to rescue their parents from the Shadow Man.

Both teens use their strengths and their faith in tough circumstances and a mysterious, angelic man appears whenever they’re in a tight predicament. Zach is irresponsible, but likeable, and Piper is tough-minded and constantly worried about boys. The story ends abruptly in the midst of action. You must buy the second book to see what happens next!

What I Like: It has some very mild teen relationship things going on in the background, making the story have wider appeal. The use of prayer and faith is woven throughout as the kids are on the run.

What I Dislike: The plot is a bit predictable and formulaic. At times, the humor is a little goofy, but I could see young teens enjoying it.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Ages 9 to 12.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009, ISBN: 0310711932; Paperback $4.99.

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