logo

40 pages 1 hour read

Runaway Ralph

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1970

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Beverly Cleary

Runaway Ralph

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1970
Book Details
Pages

191

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mountain Campsite • 1960s

Topic
Publication Year

1970

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-10 years

Lexile Level

890L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary, Ralph S. Mouse decides to leave his family at the Mountain View Inn to seek adventure at Happy Acres Summer Camp on his mouse-sized motorcycle. There, he encounters a camp guard dog, a dangerous cat, and a grumpy hamster while learning about empathy and independence. He forms a friendship with a boy named Garf, discovering the risks and rewards of adventure.

Adventurous

Playful

Humorous

Exciting

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

24,513 ratings

70%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Beverly Cleary's Runaway Ralph captivates young readers with its adventurous plot and charming protagonist, Ralph the mouse. Positive feedback highlights its engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. Some critics note that the pacing might lag for older readers. Overall, it’s praised as a delightful sequel fostering imagination and empathy in children.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Runaway Ralph?

Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary appeals to young readers aged 8-12 who enjoy adventurous and animal-centric tales. Fans of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White or Stuart Little by E.B. White will likely find this engaging story about a resourceful mouse and his motorcycle delightful. Its charm and accessible language make it a perfect fit for middle-grade readers.

4.3

24,513 ratings

70%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Ralph S. Mouse

Ralph is an adventurous brown mouse who seeks excitement and freedom and becomes friends with a boy named Garf. He navigates the challenges of survival and interaction with humans, all while holding onto his precious motorcycle.

Garf is a boy at summer camp who initially keeps Ralph as a pet and faces challenges with acceptance by his peers. His personal struggles and actions often parallel Ralph's own journey for autonomy and growth.

Chum is a pet hamster with tan and white fur who prefers the comfort of his cage life and acts as a foil to Ralph's adventurous spirit. He provides a philosophical contrast to Ralph with his more cynical outlook.

Aunt Jill is a head counselor at the camp characterized by her empathy and understanding, particularly towards Garf. She supports Garf in his struggles and acts as a positive adult influence by focusing on the natural world around her.

Karen is a camper who owns the watch involved in a camp incident and is distinctive for her fairness and consideration. She represents an alternative to quick judgment among her peers at camp.

Lana is the affectionate owner of the hamster Chum and is known for her kindness toward all animals, including Ralph. Her empathy extends to creatures others might overlook or dislike, showing a compassionate nature.

Book Details
Pages

191

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mountain Campsite • 1960s

Topic
Publication Year

1970

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-10 years

Lexile Level

890L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.