Michael Morpurgo

Stories for everyone


Born to Run

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Age: 8+

Published: June 2008

ISBN: 9780007230594

Format: Paperback

The bag wasn’t just drifting gently along, it was turning of its own accord. There was something inside it, squeaking and squealing in terror. Patrick didn’t think about it. He shrugged off his school bag and leapt into the canal.

For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a young puppy is only the start of his adventures. From unwanted burden to favourite companion, and from pet to champion race dog, this remarkable greyhound proves that it’s not just cats who have more than one life. Cast aside, kidnapped, adopted or living rough on the streets, Best Mate can always find a way to survive. But will he ever find a real home?

The Collector's Club

Awards:

  • Nominated Lancashire School Library Award
  • Shortlisted Essex Book Award
  • Runner-up Doncaster Book Award
  • Winner Lancashire SLS Fantastic Book Award
  • Second prize Leicestershire Library Services

Listen to an extract from the audiobook

Buying options

Buy Born to Run on Amazon.co.uk

Other editions

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Related Videos

Michael reads from Born To Run

Watch this fantastic video of Michael Morpurgo as he reads an extract and talks about the inspiration behind the book.

Related Activities

Born to Run Word Search

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Can you find the words relating to Born to Run in this word search?

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Born to Run Book Quiz

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How well do you remember the story of Born to Run? Take this quiz to test your knowledge!

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Related Resources

Born to Run Poster

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Decorate your walls with this poster of Born to Run

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Related News

Announcing the Michael Morpugo Collector’s Club

Wednesday, 7th December 2011

Announcing the Michael Morpugo Collector’s Club

Get exclusive access to the new Michael Morpurgo Collector’s Club when you buy beautiful Collector’s Editions of Michael Morpurgo favorites.

Read more ›

Reviews

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saffron brown says:

This book is honestly the best book i’ve ever read! Absalutly amazing!As a matter of fact, this is the first book i’ve ever read thats made me cry! I cried for 15 minutes straight! Its a great book and i recomend it to ANYONE! 10/10!

evo says:

This book is my favirate book i have ever read in the world! I love the auther micheal because his books just make me want to read more and more.After the book i have read i am straight on to another micheal morpurgo book because I love them sooooooooo much.

Beth Kerrigan says:

This book was brilliant! i have to be honest and say that i did cry..a lot. i recomended it to all my friends and they loved it smile

MaisyLion59 says:

My joint-favourite Michael Morpurgo book of all time, this book inspires courage in the most timid of people….or dogs.

kian says:

i like the book because its about dogs

Incy says:

This book is one of my fav michael morpurgo books,I couldnt put it down it was that good!Although it made me very close to tears,Born to Run,deserves five stars *****!
I would recommend this book to everyone who is up to a brilliant read!:D:)

renea says:

me and my friend say that this is a brillaian book to read we read this book with our class mates we enjoyed reading it and we want to read it again smile

Olivia says:

I don’t think I have ever read a book so wonderfully written and published, I love how micheal morpurgo made Best Mate have so many adventures and so many owners that each have their own unique lives. Micheal Morpurgo is the best author EVER!!!!!

Carol Smart says:

I love this book! Poor dog! But the story is partly based on real life. Poor greyhounds! I love this book (as I’ve already said before) 100000000000% good.

chris says:

michel morpurgo sort of hippnotises you with the desription. this was the first and the best michel morpurgo book i ever read and its awsome as well its so good :D

Soph says:

I love this book because it has incredible illustrations

Thanks Michael for making such great books!

Hay says:

Born to Run is a great well known book i have recommended it to all my friends and they loved it loads. people should never judge a book by its cover and join in with the fun!!!

courts says:

Hi to all,
I have not read Born to Run but would like to know whether it would nice? It looks like a heartbreaking book. I’m 10 years old.

Meghna says:

What caught my attention to this book was definitely the cover. Being an avid dog lover, I started reading couldn’t put it down till I finished. The book was brilliant. A lovely read. I couldn’t stop crying. A simple well written story that just touches your heart irrespective of your age. I am looking forward to reading more of your books, since I literally stumbled onto this book thanks to a local bookstore in Mumbai. Thank you for writing such a heart warming story.

Rachi x says:

This is my favourite story ever. I chose to do it for a book report and have loved it since the age of 8 when I first read it. I would recommend it to every older child.  Fabulous 5* story.

Janani says:

So enchanting. I lOVE IT.

Sarah says:

I love books about animals and this one has so many lives!

lollol I love dogs says:

This book is just great! smile

Jacko says:

It’s the best book you can possibly read, absolutely the best book in the world, and it is honestly the most fantastic book I’ve EVER read in the world ! And I would recommend it to any one, even adults if I had to.

Gemma.Watson24 says:

This book is probably the best book that I have read. I am a teenager who enjoys reading stories that are full of adventure and Michael Morpurgo's are just that. Anyone that gets the chance to read Born to Run should and they will not be able to put it down. I recommended this book to all my friends and family and they enjoyed it just as much as I did. It is compelling and brilliant and it inspires me to read more of this great writer's books. 100% 5 stars!!!

Izzy says:

Shadow is an amazing book and when you finish reading it you are guaranteed you will need a box of tissues. AMAZING! A must buy book. Worth every second you read of it. It will touch the your heart and make you want to read it again and again and that’s GUARANTEED! Like all Micheal Morpugo books.

Saffron Lake. says:

I love this book. My friend's and I love his book's. This would be my personal favourite. I love how there is 3 different storys, it make's it really interesting. I also like it because it's about dog's.

Fallen_ says:

This book was so sad I has to stop reading it. But from the parts I read, it was really good. Everybody should read this book.

BOOKWORM3456 says:

GREAT BOOK.I LOVED IT. THIS MAN IS THE BEST AUTHOR THAT EVER WALKED THE PLANET. BEST MATE, BRIGHTEYES AND PADDYWACK BEST DOG EVER.

A. B. says:

I've loved Michael Morpurgo books since i was quite young. Maybe I'm too old for them now, but i really love them! He really knows how to tell a good engaging story. I picked this book up by chance, simply because of the author and loved it. I nearly cried at the end, but it was still a beautiful book. Any Michael Morpurgo fans, or animal fans will be enchanted.