The Runaway Children of Chennai: Action adventure based on the true stories of street children in India

by Caroline Boxall

This gripping story of survival and courage follows Rish, a young boy living in one of the poorest slums of India. With his best friend, he manages to survive despite the rampant poverty, but tragedy strikes when a con man promises to give them a job and they find themselves thrust into a world of betrayal and mystery. Forced to rely on their wits and courage, Rish and his sister Mariam find that their journey will test them in ways they never imagined. If you enjoyed the adventure and suspense of "The Boy at the Back of the Class", then you'll love this intense story of survival and courage in the face of great odds."Rish and Mariam's heart-breaking tale is woven from the real lives of thousands of Indian street children. Shocking and inspiring, theirs is a story that needs to be read." David Maidment, Founder of Railway Children Charity."I'm not usually the type of person even to pick up a book let alone fully commit to one. However, this book was truly special, and honestly a huge and sudden milestone during my goal to finally get into reading!" Charlie (13)"You have to read this book!" Shreya (11)"I loved it. I can't wait for the sequel!" Kelsie (9)"Book Club was amazing and helped us learn while increasing our creativity and imagination. The plot of the book is incredible, and I'm proud to have been part of it." Mariam (11)"Book Club with Mrs Boxall changed my whole life (in a good way). I used to hate writing and English, but now I love it, and I can't wait to see the book in print." Rish (12)

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2023

About the author

NOMINATED FOR THE 2021 SELFIES BOOK AWARD!

MYSTERY ADVENTURE BOOK FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS AGED 10-14

“A spectacular new adventure has exploded into the middle-grade literary scene!” Box of Books

Caught up in a shadowy web of lies, how can Billy ever find his parents who disappeared in a nine years ago.

Twelve-year-old Billy has a few problems: Jude’s gang is on to him, his parents are missing and he’s living with Gran. But his problems are about to become far more complicated.

Meanwhile in Russia, Manya would rather not have parents at all. Her mum doesn’t speak to her and her dad is so ambitious for his only daughter that she is driven to the very brink of a dark world she doesn’t understand.

In a remarkable tale of destruction, deceit and sheer determination, two seemingly unconnected stories are told in parallel, slowly revealing an astonishing link.

 

REVIEWS:

What a fantastic book! I cannot recommend it highly enough. I have three sons aged between 11 and 15 and they have all read this and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has also created great family discussion about a difficult topic. Well worth a read and one of the most well written books my children have read in a long time.

A copy of this will make its way into the school library I work in!

A wonderful and sensitively written story. I just couldn't put it down!

I'm not an avid reader and when I do I very rarely finish the book... With the exception of this belter! I felt like I was reading two completely different stories, both just as engrossing as the other, culminating in a fantastic finale that ties it all together. I can't recommend this read enough, regardless of age.

If you're considering getting this book then don't hesitate BUY IT. I hope there will be a sequel one day. One of my best reads this year.

What a book...Caroline writes in such a way that you get lost in amongst the pages and before you know it you've finished the book! An incredible authoress, fantastic book and a must to add to your basket.

Reviews

[Me Christine Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Runaway Children of Chennai by Caroline Boxall, Age 9+. Based on true experiences of street children in India, this novel does not sugarcoat life. An important story that helps children understand about inequality and injustice. I believe Book 2 will follow in 2024, it’s on my list.

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a moving story about the importance of family, friendship and resilience. It's a story about the plight of street children in India, and it will touch your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Rish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a one in a lifetime book.So well written and interesting.

[Tom Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book in the worlddddd!

[Sal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great read and issue to explore. Felt for the characters and look forward to the story continuing in The Secret Children of Mumbai.