Cariboo Runaway is a young adult novel by Canadian writer Sandy Frances Duncan, published in 1976.

The main character, 13-year-old Elva T. Parkhurst, discovers that her little brother, Tim, also known as Timothy Parkhurst, may have followed her aboard the famous S.S. Beaver, although this is left ambiguous.

Elva is outraged but soon comes to accept Tim's choice because she starts to rely on his presence.

Together, they face many obstacles and dangers, and discover that their father is in jail.

[1][2] The novel is frequently taught in elementary school units on the Gold Rush.