Adventures set in places of wilderness and inspired by real events are the nuts and bolts that signalize children’s author Jess Butterworth. The author’s own childhood ventures in the foothills of the Himalayas, alongside listening to her grandma’s personal tales, and getting to meet Tibetans who shared their life experiences were her entire basis for shaping a bestseller out of the book, Running on the Roof of the World.
Twelve-year-olds Tash and Sam know very well that they cannot live like happy-go-lucky kids, for they always have to keep four rules in mind: Don’t run in front of a soldier; Never look at a soldier; Say as little as possible; Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Nonetheless, one fine day life changes unexpectedly for these two children after they witness a “fireball” in the street while returning home from school. Forced to flee the house by her parents despite the curfew, Tash and her ever-faithful friend Sam hit the road on two yaks–Eves and Bones, carrying a yak-hide backpack containing important “resistance leaflets” entrusted upon her by her father, to chalk out an escape route across the breathtaking topography of Tibet.
Tash thinks that seeing the Dalai Lama in India is the only way to save her parents, who have been arrested by the Wujing Police (People’s Armed Police) as key suspects in the resistance movement against the Chinese.
Jess Butterworth’s story goes easy on the eye, unfolding the splendor of Tibet, as the foursome grasp the nettle. Without even a moment to lose, they continuously move through vast fields enclosed by giant mountains, overgrown grassy banks near steadily roaring rivers, and long snow-covered passes over steep ridges, withstanding biting cold and aching feet.
Despite enduring extremities, Tash and Sam are two fervent adolescents who manage some light-hearted moments of laughter, like when Sam asks, “What’s on tonight’s menu?”, for which Tashi-La replies, “Momos with chilli sauce”, “Soft fluffy tingmo bread”, “lots and lots of yak cheese”, when all they could was barely boil a few barley grains to eat.
On a similar note another time, Tash chops a handful of hair from Eve’s furry belly, and wraps around the eyes to prevent snow-blindness, when Sam comments, “We look like superheroes.”
The most memorable part is, after all, when Tash irresistibly steps into a sack and slides down a slippery and glittery ice-sheet in broad daylight, screaming her lungs out, “DALAI LAMA”.
Amidst braving days and days of dodging snipers, tricking nomads who were probably spies, weathering torrential thunderstorms, and seeking shelter in a cave, Tash derives her strength by frequently remembering her dad’s words, “You have the luck of a sky dragon”.
Butterworth’s book is a good lesson on “Hope” which can lead onto unexpected pathways, and one where all’s well that ends well. Though written in simple, child-friendly language, the book can be read and enjoyed by adults as well.
Did Tash finally reach India with Sam? Do they see the Dalai Lama? Do they save her parents?
Waste no time and pick up this book to find the answers.
Jess Butterworth’s Running on the Roof of the World (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2018) can be ordered here.
Sandhyaa is a writer with ardent interests in both travel and science. She delights in exploring new places and uncovering the stories they hold. Along the way, she is drawn to diverse artforms that reveal the character of each culture. When not traveling, she can often be found immersed in books—historical novels, fiction and travel literature that sparks the imagination, or in the kitchen experimenting with baking and cooking. Her writing blends curiosity and creativity, turning each journey into more than a sightseeing trip—an opportunity to connect with people and ideas. She also crafts science stories that break down complex topics into clear, digestible narratives for all readers.
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