Escape from the Child Snatchers

Represented by:
Sophie Gorell Barnes

Category:
children's historical fiction

Publisher:
Andersen Press

Publication date:
January 29, 2026

Foreign rights controlled by:
Andersen Press

A fast-paced historical fiction adventure following two Indian boys on a rescue mission in Victorian London.

1865, India. Humza and his friend Ranjj set off on a daring quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, in London.

After a terrifying journey, they are welcomed by a seemingly kind Englishman who leads them to an inn. There, Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter, warns them – they’ve been captured by the notorious child snatcher!

Can Humza and Ranj escape his clutches and find Dani?

From Sufiya Ahmed, winner of the Best Children’s Crime Novel for Children. 

Cover illustration by Elisa Paganelli

Reviews

"A fast-paced work of historical fiction inspired by ethnological expositions – or “human zoos” – that took place in Victorian London, in which “exotic” children would be made to perform to a gawping public. This book takes us back further, and like Ahmed’s previous novels will provide plenty of scope for classroom discussions on the iniquities of colonial Britain. That doesn’t mean that any “messages” slow the plot. There are no footnotes or dates, and history lessons are kept to a minimum. Instead, young readers will find a galloping adventure story – which, at barely 200 pages, is likely to be devoured in a single sitting." Extracts from review by Emily Bearn, The Telegraph

'Moving, action-packed and unforgettable' Hiba Noor Khan

An exciting adventure story full of facts about living in the UK in the 1860s ― School Reading List

A fast-paced, empathetic adventure combining history, family, power and the strength of using our voices -- Blogger ― Check 'Em Out Books

The perfect book for the Victorians topic and fans of inclusive historical fiction. This thrilling, fast-paced, richly woven story should be on every primary curriculum and in all school libraries across the country -- Jenny Griffiths ― YLG Librarian