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On The Run #1
Chasing the Falconers
FUGITIVES!
Aiden and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison - unless Aiden and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? They're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night - and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country - with plenty of tests along the way.
THE CHASE IS ON.
Aiden and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison - unless Aiden and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? They're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night - and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country - with plenty of tests along the way.
THE CHASE IS ON.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
173 people are currently reading
2560 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
240 books4,286 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
November 25, 2015
I saw my third grader reading this series and it piqued my interest having been an avid Gordon Korman fan when I was a kid growing up in Canada (I now live in the States, as does Korman incidentally). I picked up the first book and could not stop reading. No doubt it is a quick read, not just because it's written for kids but also because it's a real page turner. My daughter obliged me by bringing home the rest of the series so I could see how the Falconer's adventures turned out. There are lots of suspenseful moments as in the Korman books I read growing up. The close but sometimes adversarial relationship between Aiden and Meg is entertaining, and it is fun to see how they co-operate to pull off a string of amazing escapes. There's also a sprinkling of Canadian references which I saw as a wink from Korman to his old fans. My main criticism would be a few moments requiring suspension of disbelief especially towards the later part of the series, but still nothing as egregious as say The Davinci Code. All in all a fun read especially when you can share the excitement with your kids!
November 19, 2021
Not exactly great literature, [i.e. not as deep or well-written as I think MG should be] but fun.
3 stars
3 stars
April 21, 2025
I absolutely loved reading this book series when I was a kid, and the series has stuck with me for many years. I had to reread it, and I was not disappointed. From an adult perspective, the book is far from perfect, but none of the unrealistic plot points occurred to me when I was in the correct age range for this series, though, so for the purposes of rating it, I'm going to ignore those. Even as an adult and having read the series before, the book is incredibly engaging and entertaining. Highly recommend for any late elementary/middle school kid.
January 11, 2018
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!
This was the worst book I have ever read. I never bothered finishing it because the first half was so terrible. If you are looking for a good read check out Dan Brown or Rick Riordan, but do not buy this, it is a waste of money.
BAD BOOK! >:(
This was the worst book I have ever read. I never bothered finishing it because the first half was so terrible. If you are looking for a good read check out Dan Brown or Rick Riordan, but do not buy this, it is a waste of money.
BAD BOOK! >:(
May 20, 2018
It's a fast-paced action and I think it suits the target audience well. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to read the rest of the series..♡
January 18, 2019
Very suspenseful and action filled.
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October 12, 2016Kevin T Swafford
10/10/16
English 10-1
Author's background
Gordon Korman is the author of On the Run 1: Chasing the Falconers. Gordon has published so many book, he has multiple series and this is the first book of the season “ On the run “. He is an Canadian
Literature time period
Chasing the Falconers is a book based in today's society, it had the same laws as today's, people worry about the same thing. People are also treated the same as they are today.
Setting
“It wasn't a prison”
“No bars, no cells, electrified fencing, guard towers or razor wire.”
“Welcome to Alcatraz Junior”
Characters
Meg and Aiden: Meg and Aiden are brother and sister, they’re not the smartest individually, but they could do anything they set their mind to do together.
Mom and Dad: Mom and Dad have both been sent to prison, for committing a crime, they obviously would've done something about it but it came to them as a surprise.
“Uncle Frank” Uncle Frank's real name is “Frank Lindenauer”. . Frank was just really good friends with Meg and Aiden parents well they thought he was anyway until one day he sent them to prison for life because what they didn't know is that he was an undercover CIA. And he had arrested them for “giving out classified information.” Frank then disappeared from the map.
Theme
The theme of the story is to not give up not only with Meg and Aiden in a juvenile center but they escaped hoping to prove the innocence of the parent, I knowing what was true or not they still did not give up and they kept pushing forward. They were running from cops helicopters dogs people in general and a whole state.trying to find evidence to prove who Frank was but in order to do that they had to go to a place that they hadn't been to in a while. Not having any money or food they still fought strong and didn't give up.
Plot
The plot this story is that Meg and Aiden’s parents have been convicted of a crime and put into prison for life and because they were put into prison, Meg and Aiden had to be moved to a juvenile center , were aiden would soon accidentally burn down. They will soon get the big idea to attempt to escape, which didn't turn out so bad after all. That you escape to attempt to prove anything so their parents with all this being said they had the slightest idea if their parents were innocent or not. But they had no thought in their mind that their parents were criminals. Who had put their parents in prison was a family “ friend” by the name of “Frank Lindenauer”. Frank had been working for the CIA as an undercover investigator, and had found that Meg and Aidens parents had been sharing classified information. But soon after he had taken them into custody he went off the face of the earth, and no one could find him. So Meg and Aiden set off the find him and get the parents out of prison.
Literary Device
Allusion: “ Meg was so nervous you could see her arm having sticking up from a mile away”
Allusion: “ The building was so hot, it was on fire”
Memorable Quote
“ It wasn't a prison, but it wasn't far from one”
“ The journey will be rough but the outcome with be greater than ever.”
“ Our parents were stuck in prison for life for a crime they may or may not had committed”
10/10/16
English 10-1
Author's background
Gordon Korman is the author of On the Run 1: Chasing the Falconers. Gordon has published so many book, he has multiple series and this is the first book of the season “ On the run “. He is an Canadian
Literature time period
Chasing the Falconers is a book based in today's society, it had the same laws as today's, people worry about the same thing. People are also treated the same as they are today.
Setting
“It wasn't a prison”
“No bars, no cells, electrified fencing, guard towers or razor wire.”
“Welcome to Alcatraz Junior”
Characters
Meg and Aiden: Meg and Aiden are brother and sister, they’re not the smartest individually, but they could do anything they set their mind to do together.
Mom and Dad: Mom and Dad have both been sent to prison, for committing a crime, they obviously would've done something about it but it came to them as a surprise.
“Uncle Frank” Uncle Frank's real name is “Frank Lindenauer”. . Frank was just really good friends with Meg and Aiden parents well they thought he was anyway until one day he sent them to prison for life because what they didn't know is that he was an undercover CIA. And he had arrested them for “giving out classified information.” Frank then disappeared from the map.
Theme
The theme of the story is to not give up not only with Meg and Aiden in a juvenile center but they escaped hoping to prove the innocence of the parent, I knowing what was true or not they still did not give up and they kept pushing forward. They were running from cops helicopters dogs people in general and a whole state.trying to find evidence to prove who Frank was but in order to do that they had to go to a place that they hadn't been to in a while. Not having any money or food they still fought strong and didn't give up.
Plot
The plot this story is that Meg and Aiden’s parents have been convicted of a crime and put into prison for life and because they were put into prison, Meg and Aiden had to be moved to a juvenile center , were aiden would soon accidentally burn down. They will soon get the big idea to attempt to escape, which didn't turn out so bad after all. That you escape to attempt to prove anything so their parents with all this being said they had the slightest idea if their parents were innocent or not. But they had no thought in their mind that their parents were criminals. Who had put their parents in prison was a family “ friend” by the name of “Frank Lindenauer”. Frank had been working for the CIA as an undercover investigator, and had found that Meg and Aidens parents had been sharing classified information. But soon after he had taken them into custody he went off the face of the earth, and no one could find him. So Meg and Aiden set off the find him and get the parents out of prison.
Literary Device
Allusion: “ Meg was so nervous you could see her arm having sticking up from a mile away”
Allusion: “ The building was so hot, it was on fire”
Memorable Quote
“ It wasn't a prison, but it wasn't far from one”
“ The journey will be rough but the outcome with be greater than ever.”
“ Our parents were stuck in prison for life for a crime they may or may not had committed”
February 18, 2014
A fast-paced, straightforward adventure story with engaging characters, but lacks a logical premise and has a predictable plot. At 160 pages this is written for readers who are not ready for advanced sentence structure and vocabulary with a complex plot. Readers who are intimidated by thick books and are working toward fluency will enjoy this adventure.
Aiden, age 15, and Meg, age 11, are at a juvenile detention center because they have no where to go after their parents are sentenced to life in prison after being falsely accused in a high-profile terrorist case. Relatives don't want the parentless children. Foster parents don't want them either. In short, the state doesn't know what to do with them and they put them in a detention center. Aiden believes that if he can find the now missing CIA operative his parents were working for then his parents would be exonerated of treason. When Aiden accidentally burns down the detention center, the two have a chance to escape. On the run, they manage to avoid the authorities with the help of a escapee, Miguel, a nasty piece of work accused of manslaughter. Once the fugitives come up with a plan, they discover that Miguel has been wronged like them and they begin to have empathy for the bully. As the three trek across the country to Vermont in search of a clue that will free their parents, they have to avoid capture and trust Miguel.
Gordon Korman is good with developing tension between characters and in dialogue. It is easy to get into his stories and he infuses emotions and details that create a vivid imaginary world. I have more issues with his plot that is not always logical and has convenient coincidences. That said it is still a fun caper. I just had to overlook a few strange premises such as the government putting kids in a juvenile detention center, especially an eleven-year-old, and pulling them from school. It also would have helped if the author had made it look like some foul play had happened to the CIA agent. As written, the facts show that the CIA agent is duplicitous and the kids are foolish to think he'll help them. Perhaps the sequel will add more interesting elements.
The story arc of Miguel was interesting and his rejection by his family made me want to find out what happened to him in book two. Korman is good at bringing some depth and internal conflict to the plight of his characters. The cliff hanger was a "cliff hacker" job that irritated me. Good stories have a strong beginning, middle, and end. The ending of this book doesn't wrap up much of anything. Andrew Clements does this in the "Keeper's of the School" series. While Korman undermines some of the plot's credibility with too much luck on the part of the characters, he has great suspense and strong characters that have made this popular with students.
Aiden, age 15, and Meg, age 11, are at a juvenile detention center because they have no where to go after their parents are sentenced to life in prison after being falsely accused in a high-profile terrorist case. Relatives don't want the parentless children. Foster parents don't want them either. In short, the state doesn't know what to do with them and they put them in a detention center. Aiden believes that if he can find the now missing CIA operative his parents were working for then his parents would be exonerated of treason. When Aiden accidentally burns down the detention center, the two have a chance to escape. On the run, they manage to avoid the authorities with the help of a escapee, Miguel, a nasty piece of work accused of manslaughter. Once the fugitives come up with a plan, they discover that Miguel has been wronged like them and they begin to have empathy for the bully. As the three trek across the country to Vermont in search of a clue that will free their parents, they have to avoid capture and trust Miguel.
Gordon Korman is good with developing tension between characters and in dialogue. It is easy to get into his stories and he infuses emotions and details that create a vivid imaginary world. I have more issues with his plot that is not always logical and has convenient coincidences. That said it is still a fun caper. I just had to overlook a few strange premises such as the government putting kids in a juvenile detention center, especially an eleven-year-old, and pulling them from school. It also would have helped if the author had made it look like some foul play had happened to the CIA agent. As written, the facts show that the CIA agent is duplicitous and the kids are foolish to think he'll help them. Perhaps the sequel will add more interesting elements.
The story arc of Miguel was interesting and his rejection by his family made me want to find out what happened to him in book two. Korman is good at bringing some depth and internal conflict to the plight of his characters. The cliff hanger was a "cliff hacker" job that irritated me. Good stories have a strong beginning, middle, and end. The ending of this book doesn't wrap up much of anything. Andrew Clements does this in the "Keeper's of the School" series. While Korman undermines some of the plot's credibility with too much luck on the part of the characters, he has great suspense and strong characters that have made this popular with students.
October 26, 2016
The Falconer parents are wrongly accused and Meg and Aiden are forced to go live in a juvenile camp. But here is the thing the Falconers lawyer, Frank Linierder, didn't show up to the hearing. Aiden and Meg go and try to find helpful evidence but they can do it without Frank. Why would Frank not help their parents when he has the information they need?
I think Meg and Aiden Falconer changed the most because at first they were bitter and awkward. Then later they changed to being devoted and serious but they still had morals. When it really started getting into the book they were timid. Then they started to adapt to what they have to do to survive.
I disliked how everyone is bitter about everything, and I don't like how there isn't much reasoning behind decisions but the decisions make the book understandable. I did like the challenges and danger involved also.
I think Meg and Aiden Falconer changed the most because at first they were bitter and awkward. Then later they changed to being devoted and serious but they still had morals. When it really started getting into the book they were timid. Then they started to adapt to what they have to do to survive.
I disliked how everyone is bitter about everything, and I don't like how there isn't much reasoning behind decisions but the decisions make the book understandable. I did like the challenges and danger involved also.
July 26, 2025
I'm mostly reading this because it's short-ish after I spent FAR TOO LONG this week debugging my workplace AND home, where it hadn't been an issue before (certainly not to a point where it affected my reading time, haha) but also to see if his original writing is better than his 39 Clues.*
Well... not looking GREAT so far. Okay, it's a thriller, which is cool, but it's ALSO one that starts in a Holes-style "juvenile detention center" where the main characters are put "for their safety" and treated like criminals for having done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but be related to their parents (who are framed for treason)... and the main characters' prison is . Like, okay, that specific plot twist was projected like a movie at the theatre, but HOW does one design a prison to be such a literal death trap? Where's OSHA?
There are six of these, looks like (unless Goodreads has failed), I guess that's enough for a cross-country escape, sure. We'll see if I can get through this ONE first, though.
Update:
So, ONE twist is obvious in retrospect but took me by surprise, the , because that's a common theme especially in books about being on the run (like the series name!), but it also makes sense from a narrative standpoint. Who ELSE would understand their situation best? Would they REALLY have to rely on random strangers who had also "done time" and helped them out of sheer spite?
What happens after that is so obvious, though—when one is on the run, where are the authorities going to look FIRST? I'm more surprised that they kept getting away, and that .
Anyway, it's an okay read. Very "crossword puzzle in the newspaper"-esque: good for a distraction, but definitely forgettable. Other than the .
*Okay, to be fair, I liked One False Note... as a graphic novel. Some of that was Hannah Templer's art, though.
Well... not looking GREAT so far. Okay, it's a thriller, which is cool, but it's ALSO one that starts in a Holes-style "juvenile detention center" where the main characters are put "for their safety" and treated like criminals for having done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but be related to their parents (who are framed for treason)... and the main characters' prison is . Like, okay, that specific plot twist was projected like a movie at the theatre, but HOW does one design a prison to be such a literal death trap? Where's OSHA?
There are six of these, looks like (unless Goodreads has failed), I guess that's enough for a cross-country escape, sure. We'll see if I can get through this ONE first, though.
Update:
So, ONE twist is obvious in retrospect but took me by surprise, the , because that's a common theme especially in books about being on the run (like the series name!), but it also makes sense from a narrative standpoint. Who ELSE would understand their situation best? Would they REALLY have to rely on random strangers who had also "done time" and helped them out of sheer spite?
What happens after that is so obvious, though—when one is on the run, where are the authorities going to look FIRST? I'm more surprised that they kept getting away, and that .
Anyway, it's an okay read. Very "crossword puzzle in the newspaper"-esque: good for a distraction, but definitely forgettable. Other than the .
*Okay, to be fair, I liked One False Note... as a graphic novel. Some of that was Hannah Templer's art, though.
January 14, 2019
Title: Chasing the Falconers
Author: Gordon Korman
Series: On The Run, #1
Format: ebook
Length: 221 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Aidan and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison -- unless Aidan and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? Right now they're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night -- and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker t who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country ... with plenty of tests along the way.
Favourite character: Meg
Least favourite character: N/A
Mini-review: Two Gordon Korman books and we’re only two weeks into the new year. I thought this was a pretty good book, I actually much preferred this to The Discovery, to be honest. I love this idea of two kids going across the country as fugitives to rescue their parents who have been framed. I understand that more than I do the ocean, which actually kind of terrifies me. There is the right amount of intrigue and action to keep you on your toes while not being to overwhelming (but then I’m a huge Marvel, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan so action is my favourite thing). Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Fan-cast:
Aiden Falconer - Cameron Boyce
Meg Falconer - Storm Reid
Miguel Reyes - Aramis Knight
Emmanuel Harris - Lee Pace
Adler - Elijah Wood
Author: Gordon Korman
Series: On The Run, #1
Format: ebook
Length: 221 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Aidan and Meg Falconer are their parents' only hope. The Falconers are facing life in prison -- unless Aidan and Meg can follow a trail of clues to prove their innocence. The problem? Right now they're trapped in a juvenile detention center. Until they escape one night -- and find themselves on the run, both from the authorities and from a sinister attacker t who has his own reason to stop them. The Falconers must use their wits to make it across the country ... with plenty of tests along the way.
Favourite character: Meg
Least favourite character: N/A
Mini-review: Two Gordon Korman books and we’re only two weeks into the new year. I thought this was a pretty good book, I actually much preferred this to The Discovery, to be honest. I love this idea of two kids going across the country as fugitives to rescue their parents who have been framed. I understand that more than I do the ocean, which actually kind of terrifies me. There is the right amount of intrigue and action to keep you on your toes while not being to overwhelming (but then I’m a huge Marvel, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan so action is my favourite thing). Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Fan-cast:
Aiden Falconer - Cameron Boyce
Meg Falconer - Storm Reid
Miguel Reyes - Aramis Knight
Emmanuel Harris - Lee Pace
Adler - Elijah Wood
May 25, 2017
Personal Response:
I liked the book Chasing The Falconers a lot. It was a little confusing at first, but then I understood it later into the book. The author Gordon Korman did a great job on the cliffhanger chapters to keep the reader interested. He also kept the book going by making it a series.
Plot:
The book takes place in the United States where the falconers are running away from the cops after breaking out of jail. Aiden and Meg are brother and sister who escape, and are running to find some type of safety. Later after many close encounters almost getting caught, Aiden and Meg found Miguel, and Miguel decided to invite Aiden and Meg to join him in running away. They went all across the United States with stolen vehicles and stolen gas. They stayed in abandoned houses and houses that the people were not home. They did many other crimes like stealing from the houses. Towards the end of the book the kids know where they want to go for safety, an old vacation home they stayed in with their families. That is where the book ends and leads you into the second book.
Characterization:
The main characters in Chasing The Falconers are Aiden, Meg, and Miguel. All three think in many different ways while they escape the prison, and travel across the country. Aiden is in jail for a few years before he planned to escape. He is a kid who always played everything safe and did not want a lot of attention. He does not want to be a felon anymore and wants to change his life. He also has a sister in jail, Meg. Meg is Aiden's little sister who is a few years younger than him. She also escaped and she thinks more like during the moment. She decides what is best at the moment, and not in the future like Aiden. She is also more gullible when Miguel tells them what to do. Miguel is not related to Aiden and Meg, but is also in jail with them. He is very smart to escape, and kind of bosses Aiden and Meg around. He does not care what it takes to escape, and is ok with still being a felon. He also knows where to go to be safe in the end of the book to lead the reader into the second book.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to any aged kid in middle school and up so they understand the book. Any guy or girl would like to read this book if they are into things like prison escapes. Also as a kid that likes to read about history and interesting things like being on the run from the cops this was all in all a great book.
I liked the book Chasing The Falconers a lot. It was a little confusing at first, but then I understood it later into the book. The author Gordon Korman did a great job on the cliffhanger chapters to keep the reader interested. He also kept the book going by making it a series.
Plot:
The book takes place in the United States where the falconers are running away from the cops after breaking out of jail. Aiden and Meg are brother and sister who escape, and are running to find some type of safety. Later after many close encounters almost getting caught, Aiden and Meg found Miguel, and Miguel decided to invite Aiden and Meg to join him in running away. They went all across the United States with stolen vehicles and stolen gas. They stayed in abandoned houses and houses that the people were not home. They did many other crimes like stealing from the houses. Towards the end of the book the kids know where they want to go for safety, an old vacation home they stayed in with their families. That is where the book ends and leads you into the second book.
Characterization:
The main characters in Chasing The Falconers are Aiden, Meg, and Miguel. All three think in many different ways while they escape the prison, and travel across the country. Aiden is in jail for a few years before he planned to escape. He is a kid who always played everything safe and did not want a lot of attention. He does not want to be a felon anymore and wants to change his life. He also has a sister in jail, Meg. Meg is Aiden's little sister who is a few years younger than him. She also escaped and she thinks more like during the moment. She decides what is best at the moment, and not in the future like Aiden. She is also more gullible when Miguel tells them what to do. Miguel is not related to Aiden and Meg, but is also in jail with them. He is very smart to escape, and kind of bosses Aiden and Meg around. He does not care what it takes to escape, and is ok with still being a felon. He also knows where to go to be safe in the end of the book to lead the reader into the second book.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to any aged kid in middle school and up so they understand the book. Any guy or girl would like to read this book if they are into things like prison escapes. Also as a kid that likes to read about history and interesting things like being on the run from the cops this was all in all a great book.
April 20, 2020
Gordon Korman is a New York Times Best Selling Author, well known for writing children's and young adult fiction. He has written 80+ books, 15 series, and sold millions over the last 40 years of his career.
Chasing the Falconers is the first of six books in the adventure series On the Run by author Gordon Korman.
The book gets off to a quick start. On the first page, the reader finds out that the protagonist in the story, fifteen-year-old Aiden, and his little sister, 11-year-old Meg, are in a juvenile detention center in Nebraska. They must figure out a way to get out and help their parents both of whom are facing life in prison. The only ones who can prove their innocence are Aiden and Meg, so they take the first chance they get to make a run for it. Now fugitives, Aiden and Meg must make it across the country while being chased by the authorities and the person responsible for putting their parents in jail. And this is only the beginning of the adventure!
The obstacles Aiden and Meg experience on this adventure are sure to make this a page-turner for kids. It will leave kids wanting more. This is the first book in a series, so readers are left with a cliffhanger and must read the next book in the series, The Fugitive Factor, to find out what happens next.
This is an enjoyable book, and series, for children ages 9-12. They will enjoy the excitement and quick pace of this story and read the 154 pages in no time. Although there is no central theme or lesson in the story, kids are sure to pick up a few things.
Chasing the Falconers is the first of six books in the adventure series On the Run by author Gordon Korman.
The book gets off to a quick start. On the first page, the reader finds out that the protagonist in the story, fifteen-year-old Aiden, and his little sister, 11-year-old Meg, are in a juvenile detention center in Nebraska. They must figure out a way to get out and help their parents both of whom are facing life in prison. The only ones who can prove their innocence are Aiden and Meg, so they take the first chance they get to make a run for it. Now fugitives, Aiden and Meg must make it across the country while being chased by the authorities and the person responsible for putting their parents in jail. And this is only the beginning of the adventure!
The obstacles Aiden and Meg experience on this adventure are sure to make this a page-turner for kids. It will leave kids wanting more. This is the first book in a series, so readers are left with a cliffhanger and must read the next book in the series, The Fugitive Factor, to find out what happens next.
This is an enjoyable book, and series, for children ages 9-12. They will enjoy the excitement and quick pace of this story and read the 154 pages in no time. Although there is no central theme or lesson in the story, kids are sure to pick up a few things.
October 17, 2017
Rereading this to my kids. Sympathetic characters, even Miguel,and a high-action non-stop plot. I really like how sibling Aiden and Meg have different strengths.
November 23, 2017
Fast paced action and adventure. Nothing groundbreaking, but very good for the target audience. Should keep most keen to finish the series of six books.
February 1, 2018
Jesus Christ, how long has it been since I read this book and the rest of the series? 5th grade? Yeah that's about it. This book was amazing at the time, and still holds up today, as well as the rest of the series. Meg and Aiden, sent to a juvenile detention facility. Their fathers? Criminals, wrongly convicted. Oops, first few pages the entire detention facility is burnt down by Aiden. Now they're on the run, as the book says. They mean it. They're on the run from a person trying to hunt them down, as well as the police. I reread the series multiple times, up to 7th grade I believe, at which point I lost all of Gordon's books. (I'm stupid.)
Meg and Aiden are not smart. Not individually. But together, they do the craziest stuff. Don't miss this book, nor the series. It's a good read.
Meg and Aiden are not smart. Not individually. But together, they do the craziest stuff. Don't miss this book, nor the series. It's a good read.
May 4, 2024
Very short book. I finished this in a hour, maybe a little more.
January 6, 2025
Some middle grade suspense thrillers to end 2024! Gordon Korman was one of my favourite authors as a kid but I never read this series - probably because it came out when I was no longer a kid. The man is prolific! It is going to be a lot of fun making my way through this six-book miniseries.
January 6, 2015
Aiden and Meg Falconer are now fugitives that broke out of Juvenile Detention. They had been put in their due to their parents getting sentenced to life in prison, for supposedly helping terrorists out. They were at the Sunnydale detention center in Nebraska, with a bunch of other kids that were in their for worse crimes like, burglary and murder. The kids did not fit in to well because they didn't cause any crime, they were just put in their because no other family member wanted to take care of them when their parents went to prison. That's when they decided they had to somehow break out of there. They were their parents only hope of getting out of prison, if Aiden and Meg could follow clues and prove to the authorities that their parents never help terrorists they could back to living a normal life. That's when one night it happened, Aiden went out to take care of the animals with a lantern, and accidentally dropped it. He dropped it on all the straw in the building and it started to burn like crazy. He knew he had to save his sister before her building caught on fire so he ran into her room grabbed her and they were off. They headed through corn fields for the night not really knowing what to do at this point. They eventually found a house that had a barn so they stayed up in the hay loft for the night. Aiden knew they had to get out of Nebraska soon, so they went to Vermont where their family had a vacation home. He also remembered that there was a guy named Frank that would be the kids only hope of getting any clues, to get on the trail of their parents. And then the story continues into the second book...
Aiden Falconer was a great kid but now he's starting to get into trouble. He is doing all of this for the sake of his parents in prison. Aiden is also very smart and has a great idea of what needs to be done and how to do to free his parents. Aiden shows everyone its going to take a lot of brain power and people to catch him and stop him from getting his parents out of prison.
This is a great book for all ages I think. Especially for kids in middle school, it shows the struggles that can happen in life. There is a great moral to the story. I think males would like the book the most but I am sure females would enjoy it to.
Aiden Falconer was a great kid but now he's starting to get into trouble. He is doing all of this for the sake of his parents in prison. Aiden is also very smart and has a great idea of what needs to be done and how to do to free his parents. Aiden shows everyone its going to take a lot of brain power and people to catch him and stop him from getting his parents out of prison.
This is a great book for all ages I think. Especially for kids in middle school, it shows the struggles that can happen in life. There is a great moral to the story. I think males would like the book the most but I am sure females would enjoy it to.
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April 2, 2019Student Name:Colton Puls Date Submitted: March 28
Book Title: Chasing the Falconers Lexile:680
Personal Response
This book had a lot of ups and downs of boring and fun parts but tells a phenomenal story very well. It has a great combination of both because when you’re on that page, you just want to stop, and you can't because you always feel like something is about to happen. You are always on your toes not knowing what will happen next but for the most part, knowing the ending.(like all movies) I liked it because it was about two kids who were always living life on the edge not following any rules just to save their parents.
Plot Summary
The older brother, Aiden, and sister Marg, were sent to a juvenile delinquent facility due to their parents getting arrested for selling classified information from the government. But they don't think their parents did it and are trying to prove their innocence. When they are taken to the facility, they instantly try to find ways to get out to save their parents. Finally, after a while, they manage to sneak out and are now on their way to help their parents. Unfortunately, that is in the opposite state and they have to make money or steal money to get on a train. They find their way to a train making little amounts of money doing street stuff then they find another fugitive that decides to stick with them because it is better to work in packs. They make it to a house where they stay for a bit until cops start to get suspicious, so they take a bunch of food and clothing and leave. When they finally reach their parents they help them and if they are successful or not is for you to find out.
Personal response
Anyone that has a day or two to do nothing but read I suggest this book because when you're reading it time flies by with all the existing plot. It is a fairly simple read and can be done quickly. It is a great way to get grades in as well.
Book Title: Chasing the Falconers Lexile:680
Personal Response
This book had a lot of ups and downs of boring and fun parts but tells a phenomenal story very well. It has a great combination of both because when you’re on that page, you just want to stop, and you can't because you always feel like something is about to happen. You are always on your toes not knowing what will happen next but for the most part, knowing the ending.(like all movies) I liked it because it was about two kids who were always living life on the edge not following any rules just to save their parents.
Plot Summary
The older brother, Aiden, and sister Marg, were sent to a juvenile delinquent facility due to their parents getting arrested for selling classified information from the government. But they don't think their parents did it and are trying to prove their innocence. When they are taken to the facility, they instantly try to find ways to get out to save their parents. Finally, after a while, they manage to sneak out and are now on their way to help their parents. Unfortunately, that is in the opposite state and they have to make money or steal money to get on a train. They find their way to a train making little amounts of money doing street stuff then they find another fugitive that decides to stick with them because it is better to work in packs. They make it to a house where they stay for a bit until cops start to get suspicious, so they take a bunch of food and clothing and leave. When they finally reach their parents they help them and if they are successful or not is for you to find out.
Personal response
Anyone that has a day or two to do nothing but read I suggest this book because when you're reading it time flies by with all the existing plot. It is a fairly simple read and can be done quickly. It is a great way to get grades in as well.
January 16, 2015
Meg and Aiden Falconer were sent to Sunnydale Juvenile detention because their parents were thought to have worked with terrorists. Their parents have been sentenced to life in prison. Sunnydale was the only forced option Meg and Aiden had because no relatives could take them in. At Sunnydale there is Meg and Aiden and then there is everyone else. Meg and Aiden haven't committed any crime, and are good children but everyone else there has committed some sort of serious crime. They don't fit in at Sunnydale, and couldn't take it anymore so they had to break loose. Meg and Aiden are their families only chance of getting everyone in the family back together again. At Sunnydale Meg was going out to take care of the animals, and she dropped her lantern on the hay. Sunnydale went up in flames. Aiden and his roommates got out, but Meg was trapped. He jumped through flames to save his sister. Then the juveniles escaped running through a cornfield, and wound up sneaking into a loft in a barn on a family farm. Aiden and Meg knew they had to get out of the area quick before they were found. They hitched a train ride to Vermont to their family's vacation house, and stayed there because they knew they were safe. Frank was an old family friend, and he lived in the area. They knew Frank had to know where their parents might be, or have been last. The "run" continues onto the next book.
Aiden Falcnor is very smart and sneaky. He always has a plan that involves risks, but he knows if it will work in the end. He and Meg are his parents only chance of getting out of prison. He will risk whatever it takes to free them and become a normal family again.
I would recommend this book to eighth grade and up because it is an intense book with a lot of action. It shows that you can do anything if you really set your mind to it. The point is take risks to succeed, or do nothing and fail.
Aiden Falcnor is very smart and sneaky. He always has a plan that involves risks, but he knows if it will work in the end. He and Meg are his parents only chance of getting out of prison. He will risk whatever it takes to free them and become a normal family again.
I would recommend this book to eighth grade and up because it is an intense book with a lot of action. It shows that you can do anything if you really set your mind to it. The point is take risks to succeed, or do nothing and fail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2010
On the Run is a series about young juvenile delinquents on the streets trying to survive. They escape a prison farm that they were put in. It was burned down. Now the two juveniles (The Falconers) are out to find evidence of their parents being innocent. Their parents were believed to be helping terrorists when really they were secret agents.
A text to world connection in this book is between Osama Benladin and the Falconers. The Falconers were blamed of being terrorists. Also Osama Bin laden was believed to have destroyed the twin towers on 9/11. It was believed to be his men. They were both innocent of these crimes. This was text to world because it connects between the book and the real world.
I gave this book four stars because I would have really given it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option to. It was very entertaining. There was a lot of chasing and running and law breaking. That made it very exciting. I think that someone who likes books with people on the run or people who enjoy reading about crime and adventure.
A text to world connection in this book is between Osama Benladin and the Falconers. The Falconers were blamed of being terrorists. Also Osama Bin laden was believed to have destroyed the twin towers on 9/11. It was believed to be his men. They were both innocent of these crimes. This was text to world because it connects between the book and the real world.
I gave this book four stars because I would have really given it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option to. It was very entertaining. There was a lot of chasing and running and law breaking. That made it very exciting. I think that someone who likes books with people on the run or people who enjoy reading about crime and adventure.
February 2, 2013
I think that this book had a lot of suspense in it. It was definitely a book for someone who liked to read about like mystery and clues. I would suggest this book to maybe 10 to 14 year olds because it had some confusing parts in it. I thought this was a great book and cannot wait to read more of his work.
This book has two main characters. Aidan and his little sister Meg. Well his parents were doctors and then they were convicted of giving our enemy’s like the terrorist our defense plans. Well they are convicted and not even the best lawyers can get them out of this. So this put Aidan and Meg’s last name a name that is not well known for. So then they have to go to place called Sunnydale. Well it’s not at all what it sounds like. It’s basically a place where you have to farm all day. Well accidently Aidan sets the whole place on fire but then he escapes with his sister. Throughout the rest of the big him and his sister go looking for a guy who they think can prove their parents innocent. What happens next is up to you to find out.
This book has two main characters. Aidan and his little sister Meg. Well his parents were doctors and then they were convicted of giving our enemy’s like the terrorist our defense plans. Well they are convicted and not even the best lawyers can get them out of this. So this put Aidan and Meg’s last name a name that is not well known for. So then they have to go to place called Sunnydale. Well it’s not at all what it sounds like. It’s basically a place where you have to farm all day. Well accidently Aidan sets the whole place on fire but then he escapes with his sister. Throughout the rest of the big him and his sister go looking for a guy who they think can prove their parents innocent. What happens next is up to you to find out.
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April 15, 2009 After reading ,Chasing the Falconers by Gordon Korman, I was left with the need to read the second book to the series. It's a decently written story about two children, a brother and sister, who find themselves wrongly placed in a juvenile correctional facility due to accusations placed upon their parents. In a nutshell, they escape, but face many more dangers than they bargained for. I enjoyed the storyline in this book, however I was a little disappointed by the level of difficulty. The entertainment was there, which was relaxing, yet it lacked depth in the writing style. Although the reading challenge wasn't there, I can honestly say that most people would enjoy reading this novel, because the challenges the characters encounter are quite interesting. Altogether, it was a nice, fairly simple story in which author did a great job of leaving the reader with the urge to read the next book.
October 26, 2009
My favorite character was Miguel because he goes with the flow. He does what he wants to do. He does not care what other people think about him.
This book is a very good book. It describes each scene like you are one of the characters. This book is action-packed with some sad feelings. Gordon keeps you on the edge of your seat every time you read a chapter. I would recommend this book to kids ages 10-16. The reason why is because the story takes place during the life of 10 and a 15 year old children. I also recommend this book to kids who like adventure books. My favorite scene was when the three kids were in the vacation house. Then the assassin jumps out and tries to kill the kids. This scene keeps your heart pumping. It also keeps you wondering what will happen next.
This book is a very good book. It describes each scene like you are one of the characters. This book is action-packed with some sad feelings. Gordon keeps you on the edge of your seat every time you read a chapter. I would recommend this book to kids ages 10-16. The reason why is because the story takes place during the life of 10 and a 15 year old children. I also recommend this book to kids who like adventure books. My favorite scene was when the three kids were in the vacation house. Then the assassin jumps out and tries to kill the kids. This scene keeps your heart pumping. It also keeps you wondering what will happen next.
December 8, 2015
In my opinion I did not thoroughly enjoy this book, although the book did have precise details with good characters, the book had a predictable plot and the story did not get me really attached to it. The story begins with Aiden and Meg Falconer. They’re stuck in Sunnydale Detention center in Nebraska because there parents were taken in for life in prison for a false crime, for supposedly helping out terrorists. Aiden and Meg were only put at Sunnydale detention center because no other family member would take care of them. Until one night they decided they had to get out of there and somehow prove their parents innocence, and that their parents did not help the terrorists. Aiden and Meg are there parents only hope to get out of prison. I would recommend this book to others and I would recommend this book to people who enjoy quick, action packed, and straightforward books . I would recommend this book to my friend Alex. I think she would enjoy it because she likes action stories.
October 20, 2021
I struggled with the rating on this one. On the one hand, this audio book series kept us entertained on a long road trip. It is suspenseful and fun for a variety of ages to listen to. But there seemed to be two themes. First, that family relationships mean everything. Great! I'm in. Second, that it's okay to break the law, destroy other people's property, hurt people and pull off ridiculously dangerous stunts repeatedly as long as your end goal is a good one. And on top of that, you will never see any consequences for any of those behaviors. That's where the series loses me. I was cringing throughout. This isn't new for Korman books, but it seemed to be even more exaggerated in this one.
November 10, 2021
My son and I read this book together. Full of suspense and action, my son was not falling asleep while I read this one! Meg and Aiden are placed in a juvenile facility because their parents are convicted of a crime that carried a life sentence. When the facility burns down, the kids decide to make a run for it and live as fugitives while trying to reach a family summer house that might hold a clue to their parents' innocence. It was terrifying and nail biting in places, and probably not completely realistic, but we enjoyed the read just the same! We're left hanging at the end - the parents are not proved innocent yet, the story continues in a sequel.
June 15, 2012
I was shocked to see that this book was written by the same author as the 39 clues books. I couldn't stand that series. (Fine, I never even finished the first one, I couldn't.) I really enjoyed this book. I liked the brother-sister bond. I liked the action. I liked that even though they comitted crimes (stealing, breaking into homes)at east they agonized over it, and didn't just assume it was okay. A quick, fun read. No sex, no real violence, no swearing. Bashing a bad guy on the head- yes. Lots of theft- yes. And yes, I plan to read the rest of the series.
March 29, 2013
I never was a fan of Gordon Korman's books. This book just satisfied my inquiry. It was a rather humdrum book, nothing really special about it really. Basically, a few kids escape from a juvenile delinquent center and go breaking laws with one thing in mind: to save their parents. Although their parents are behind bars for life, these kids decide that they need to go save them. All I say is, keep dreaming.
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