Escape from the Child Snatchers
by Sufiya Ahmed
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Andersen Press, 2026
About this book
It is 1865 and Humza’s big brother Dani has been missing for two years, having travelled by ship from India to England working as a seaman, known as a lascar.
Determined to discover what has happened, Humza and his best friend Ranj stow away on a London-bound trade ship, in the hope that they can find Dani and bring him home.
The four-month journey from India is uncomfortable and terrifying, but luckily the boys meet a group of friendly lascars, who look out for them on the ship.
Despite Ranj’s belief that the streets of Victorian London are paved with gold, the boys are warned by their lascar friends that the city is a treacherous place, especially for young children of colour. The two friends must keep their wits about them and be careful who they trust if they are to avoid the clutches of the dreaded child snatchers.
This gripping historical tale highlights some of the cruelties faced by Indians under British colonial rule.
With likeable protagonists, sinister villains and an action-packed plot, the novel brings this dark period of history to life for a young audience in an accessible and age-appropriate manner.
-
Books set in Victorian times
These fiction books are all set in the nineteenth century, and are suitable for ages 7-11. They provide an insight into Victorian lives, shining a light on different aspects of society, with settings as varied as Cardiff, London and a travelling circus. They are all realistic stories.
More books like this
-
City of Stolen Magic
by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
9 to 14 years
-
Two Sisters: A Story of Freedom
by Kereen Getten
9 to 14 years
-
Naeli and the Secret Song
by Jasbinder Bilan
9 to 14 years
-
The Best Eid Ever
by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Hazem Asif
5 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books we loved in January 2026
A selection of the books we loved in January 2026
-
Suggested reading for Years 5 & 6: Spring term
Here are some of our favourite books that are perfect for pupils in Year 5 and 6 to read during the Spring term.
-
Books set in Victorian times
These fiction books are all set in the nineteenth century, and are suitable for ages 7-11. They provide an insight into Victorian lives, shining a light on different aspects of society, with settings as varied as Cardiff, London and a travelling circus. They are all realistic stories.