Run Girl Run

Unhappy at home teen Haley-Jo Bodine decides the time has come to hit the road for California leaving Texas behind. She fully expects to find a way to make it big in Hollywood. Her dream is to begin with modeling and then work her way into acting. Soon enough painful reality sets in.<br /><br />Haley-Jo's runaway life takes her into the world of drugs drinking sexual abuse cutting suicide rape and prostitution. These difficult subjects are treated with the sensitivity necessary to remain appropriate for a teen audience.<br /><br />Even in its worst moments Haley-Jo's story remains hopeful as she encounters a series of people who come into her life when she needs them most to help her find her way out of deep trouble. Pauletta the owner of a pet sanctuary takes Haley-Jo under her wing as though she were a foundling pup. Spencer is not a boyfriend but is a true friend who is a boy. Ray is the first person to offer her the Pacific Ocean and a temporary place to crash. Above all it is Tom who aided by his dog Sally is her gentle savior in the end.<br /><br />This is a cautionary tale for kids at risk. For the adults who love them it is an enlightening glimpse into how some teens think. Beyond all that it is just a good story.