Running on the Roof of the World

Join 12-year-old Tash and her best friend Sam in a story of adventure, survival and hope, set in the vivid Himalayan landscape of Tibet and India. Filled with friendship, love and courage, this young girl's thrilling journey to save her parents is an ideal read for children aged 9-12.

There are two words that are banned in Tibet. Two words that can get you locked in prison without a second thought. I watch the soldiers tramping away and call the words after them. 'Dalai Lama.'

Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash's parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet - and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India.

And so, with a backpack of Tash's father's mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.

“Running on the Roof of the World is one of those stories that gives its young readers an honest understanding of some of the awful things that go on in the world, but balance that understanding with a narrative of survival and hope...”

Daring kids, sidekick yaks, Himalayan setting - all the ingredients of a smashing adventure. Abi Elphinstone
A wonderful story of courage and hope. Amy Wilson, author of A GIRL CALLED OWL
A powerful, compelling story of hope, wisdom and compassion... Steve Voake
a cracking adventure and survival novel set in the Himalayas which really makes you think about the plight of the Tibetan people. -- Sarah Webb Irish Independent
This beautifully designed book is a richly atmospheric story of friendship, courage and survival. -- Anna McKerrow BookTrust
...a thrilling fable about hope, and the importance of holding onto what matters, no matter what. With its derring-do charm, and vivid sense of place, this follows in the tradition of classic adventure stories, and comes thoroughly recommended for fans of Eva Ibbotson, Lauren St John and Katherine Rundell. -- Joanne Owen Love Reading 4 Kids
With a cover that sings of sunrise and adventure, and inside pages that hold intricate print designs and hidden yaks, this is a beautiful book to own. An eye-opening and somewhat different read. Minerva Reads
...one of those stories that gives its young readers an honest understanding of some of the awful things that go on in the world, but balances that understanding with a narrative of survival and hope... -- Jill Murphy The Book Bag
This is a fantastic book which is relevant to today's crises: refugees, conflict and children growing up in war zones. Although there's danger, gruelling journeys and battles to survive, there is also hope, and hope is the essence of Tash's story. Type Writered
This is an excellent story it maintains a good pace throughout and is filled with insights into both Tibetan and Indian culture. The School Librarian
Running on the Roof of the World by Jess Butterworth is full of excitement and tension, and also gives you a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of the people in the mountains. The Hindu
...an absolute page-turner and Tash was an amazing character full of spirit and determination. -- Evie - 11 NG Kids (Reader Review)
A story of adventure, survival and hope Angels and Urchins
A captivatingly classic adventure. Love Reading 4 Kids
A cracking adventure and survival novel set in the Himalayas which really makes you think about the plight of the Tibetan people. Irish Independent (Weekend Review)
There's inevitably a political element to the story, pitched at just the right level, but this is also an exciting adventures with vivid descriptions of the landscape. A story relevant to the world that we live in today, told with compassion and understanding. The Guardian
This is a wonderfully fast-paced read that's a celebration of courage and integrity in the face of danger, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Scoop

Jess spent her childhood between the UK and India, and grew up hearing stories about the Himalayas from her grandmother. She's lived in India and even met with the Dalai Lama. She studied creative writing at Bath Spa and after a few years living in Louisiana, is now back in the UK, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

Join 12-year-old Tash and her best friend Sam in a story of adventure, survival and hope, set in the vivid Himalayan landscape of Tibet and India. Filled with friendship, love and courage, this young girl's thrilling journey to save her parents is an ideal read for children aged 9-12. There are two words that are banned in Tibet. Two words that can get you locked in prison without a second thought. I watch the soldiers tramping away and call the words after them. 'Dalai Lama.' Tash has to follow many rules to survive in Tibet, a country occupied by Chinese soldiers. But when a man sets himself on fire in protest and soldiers seize Tash's parents, she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined to escape Tibet - and seek the help of the Dalai Lama himself in India. And so, with a backpack of Tash's father's mysterious papers and two trusty yaks by their side, their extraordinary journey across the mountains begins.

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