The Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies

We meet 21st Century trio Suhana, Ayaan and Mia in Edinburgh, but are soon swept away with them to India in the 18th Century, when the forces of Tipu Sultan were ranged against the might of the British Empire. These three history buffs know at the outset that he will ultimately be defeated and that various indigenous artefacts will be looted and removed to Scotland. This makes their mission – to rescue a princess from imperialist clutches – all the more emotionally charged. Initially, they do not understand the implications of their success or failure, knowing only that it is fraught danger, but, when the mission is complete, they do. They realise that in saving one little girl, Casimebi, they have paved the way for Noor Inayat Khan to become a heroine of Britain’s Second World War effort against Nazism.

This reads like a thrilling adventure story – which of course it is. But it is based on fact. For example, Mia’s questions to her friends allow for explanation of Muslim religious practice. In addition, author Sufiya Ahmed in the concluding pages, gives background information on the British Empire, helpful timelines, and potted biographies (of Tipu Sultan and Noor). There are also suggestions about follow-up books and activities, including questions to consider when thinking about cultural spaces: e.g. ‘Who is being celebrated and who has been left out?’

This book (part of a series) challenges how we perceive our shared history and therefore how we view our present. Diverse cultures have clashed violently, with long-lasting repercussions, but it needn’t be so in the future. Recommended as a class read, or to individual children aged 9+, either because they already enjoy History or to get them hooked.