6 thrilling adventures set in London

London as a setting has such appeal for children’s writers. It is steeped in vivid history with incidents such as the Great Fire of London, the plague and hangings aplenty. It has been the springboard for so many stories, each writer creating a city of their own. 

What I love most about books such as these, is the way the city becomes a character in its own right. And even though some landmarks remain recognisable, giving the reader an anchor point, the setting bursts with the writer’s individual imagination. 

I have picked a few of my favourite stories set in London. Some of the stories are historical while others are contemporary, but they all do something unique, which is to show how diverse the city is and always has been. Whenever I wander around London, I am amazed by its beauty, its unexpected vistas and that sense that just around the corner you’re not quite sure who you might meet. 

My first choice is Jessie Burton’s first middle-grade book Hidden Treasure, which brings to life the magnificent River Thames, and makes it central to the story. It takes us back in time, landing with Bo and Billy. These two children have yet to meet, but when they each find half a piece of the same treasure, given up by the river, their destiny is sealed. 

Next is Mel Darbon’s Rosie Loves Jack. This is a slightly older contemporary read and what makes this stand out for me is its strong portrayal of its main character Rosie, who has Down Syndrome. It is essentially a story of teenage romance with all its ups and downs. Rosie and her boyfriend Jack are separated by the adults ​“for their own good” and it is in her search for him that she arrives in the underbelly of London.

Joseph Coelho was Children’s Laureate 2022–2024 during which time he won the hearts of young readers with his poetry prompts as well as with his incredible feat of not only cycling around the country joining libraries, but by actually building his own bamboo bike! In the first of his latest series, Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter, the adventure begins in Chinatown where Relic lives with his grandfather. Coelho’s writing is so child-friendly, filled with fun and action. One of my favourite parts is the library of chained books and the fact that there’s a library aboard a jet (named the Aladdin)! 

Deep Dark by Zohra Nabi literally takes the reader into the tunnels below London. It’s a sort of monsters meet Enola Holmes mash-up. A real page-turner with a strong sense of uncovering the hidden secrets of this ancient city. Cassia is a determined heroine, trying to make something of herself, despite the fact that she lives in a debtors’ prison. 

My second historical adventure Naeli and the Secret Song begins in 19th century Hyderabad. When an unexpected ticket to England arrives, Naeli jumps at the chance to uncover the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her English father when she was six. Transported to London with only a pouchful of coins and his precious violin, Naeli embarks on an adventure which begins in an East-end pie shop, leads her through gas-lit Victorian alleys and beyond. And all the while a secret song draws her closer to her missing father. 

My final choice is the wonderful Queen’s Hat by Steve Antony, which I had to include since it takes us on a whirlwind tour of London, chasing the Queen’s hat all over the capital city. It takes in the major landmarks and is fun, vibrant and a joy to share with young readers. 

Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan is available now.