The Dog Runner

'That ugly red fungus killed all the wheat for flour, killed all the oat, and sugar cane for sugar and golden syrup, along with all the grass for cows and butter. Killed just about every ingredient that me and Dad used to use when we made Anzac bickies. I don't think I'll ever see another Anzac bickie in my whole life.' Ella and her brother Emery are alone in a city that's starving to death. If they are going to survive, they must get away, upcountry, to find Emery's mum. But how can two kids travel such big distances across a dry, barren and dangerous landscape? Well, when you've got a few big doggos, the answer is you go mushing. When Emery is injured, Elle finds herself suddenly responsible for safely navigating the wheeled dog-sled through rough terrain, and even rougher encounters with desperate people. As with 'How to Bee', Bren MacDibble has set 'The Dog Runner' in an all-too-possible dystopian future Australia where climate change has taken hold. Her compelling adventure underlines the depth of ancient knowledge and the human ingenuity which will give tomorrow's generations hope of averting ultimate global disaster.

About the Author :
One of the most exciting authors writing for young people in Australia today, Bren MacDibble displays extraordinary originality and empathy as she explores how loyalty, resilience and courage will tackle and ultimately face down the challenges posed by climate change. A multiple award-winner in Australia and New Zealand, Bren sold her house after it burned down and now travels around Australia in a camper van, teaching and writing.

Review :
The writing is wonderfully evocative and made more so by an author who wants to give a flavour of the harsh beauty of the Australian landscape, as well as being clearly passionate about her subject. As such, it is strongly recommended for young readers who enjoy adventure, plenty of jeopardy as well as having an interest in the environment. -- Karen Argent * The Letterpress Project blog *; In 'The Dog Runner', not only does the reader encounter a stark possibility for the future as we unbalance the world and its resources, but themes of loyalty, what constitutes family, the almost primeval bond between humans and dogs, love and identity (including ethnic and social) are all there to be contemplated. There is such depth to The Dog Runner that it would make a sensational class reader for children aged 9-13, but I'd like to see as many adults as possible read it too because there is a warning here for us all as well as a superbly compelling narrative. * Linda's Book Bag blog *; The Dog Runner is a tense, thrilling adventure story full of close calls and peril, but it's also glowing with heart, whether it's the relationship between Ella and Emery or their love for the "doggos" helping them get to where they need to be. The all-too timely reminders about the importance of the environment and food security, Bren MacDibble's distinctive writing style, and the delicious sense of threat make The Dog Runner hard to resist. ... an enthralling drama about a future without grasses... The judges found the unique voice and characterisation ensured the reader was emotionally invested while debating alternatives to the sometimes-violent measures taken to ensure survival The Dog Runner is a powerful imagining of things to come, and a reminder of the importance of kindness in the midst of uncertainty -- Bec Kavanagh; @MacDibble has done it again! The Dog Runner is another fantastic read. It's action packed and unputdownable. Ella is a complex and incredible protagonist and the dogs are just the best sidekicks! The environmental themes are done beautifully and it's the perfect MG dystopia! -- Mariana Mouzinho * Seven Stories Centre for Children's Books *; ... a fast-paced adventure novel, about adaptability, the importance of kindness, and a showcase for children's hope in the future of the planet. -- Claire Zinkin * MinervaReads blog *; Bren MacDibble is a writer to watch. Her novels look at the effect we are having on our environment and just how it might just all come back to bite us... her writing style is fresh and although her stories are set in a dystopian future they are very much seeded in the here and now. These books are important for our children to read but also us too, they encourage us to look at the consequences through the eyes of a child. But despite the seriousness of their subject matter they are also exciting stories filled with hope. -- Shelley Fallows * Tales Before Bedtime blog * ;... an excellent choice for sophisticated middle grade readers who want something meaty. It's also a hopeful story for children thinking about climate crisis and what they might be able to do about it. The Dog Runner is a non-stop adventure which will entertain as much as it will provoke thought about the importance of looking after our planet and how we should be doing this now - not waiting until it's too late. -- Victoria Dilly * thebookactivist blog *; Bren McDibble's dystopia feels one step away from reality. She writes with knowledge about the land and food production and knows their value to society. -- Louise Nettleton, BookMurmuration blog;