Tidbit on teachers – Max Turner

"I didn't always want to be a writer," said Turner, who has been teaching for seven years. "I wanted to be Batman. Or a video game tester. But about 13 years back I started writing, and it's a hoot. I think I'm hooked for life."

Night Runner follows the life of Zach Thomson, a boy left orphaned after his parents died in an accident. After developing health issues, he moves to a mental institution where he could be properly looked after. His new life seemed as perfect as he could make it; he did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. The thought of escape never crossed his mind until a motorcyclist crashed through the front doors and told him to run. Now he's in a race to learn about his past and his strange illness – even if the truth could destroy everything he believed.

"I wanted to write something that boys would like," said Turner. "Get them hooked on books so they get smarter, and have fun with all the good stories waiting out there for them to discover."

Turner confirmed there would be a sequel. In fact, he had previously written and finished the sequel before he brought Night Runner to Harper Collins; however, due to a change in the ending of his debut novel, Turner rewrote the sequel three times before being satisfied.

"I like this one the best," he said.

--By Stephanie Hurtubise