Zia Ahmad

The One Hundred Zia Ahmad

When Yosef, a motherless sixteen-year-old, escapes a carpet looming factory with ten-year-old Daud? leaving his troubled childhood behind?he has no idea he would be thrown into the dangerous streets of Lahore, Pakistan, to fight a merciless enemy. With growing concerns over street urchins disappearing at an alarming rate, Jugni?a transgender teenager who acts as a guardian to many runaways?rescues Yosef from a rival gang and an unparalleled bond between them develops. When one hundred children, including Daud, vanish and a confession letter arrives at a police station detailing the tragic fate of the victims, Yosef knows there won't be swift justice for street urchins. Filled with rage for losing Daud and the law not on their side, Yosef and Jugni embark on a terrifying journey to find the man responsible for the disappearances of the one hundred boys.


This Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award quarterfinalist, based on a true story, takes readers deep into the historic streets of Lahore, Pakistan. It is a remarkable tale of rage and betrayal, where friendship and loyalty overcome incredible odds. Its dark and complicated characters depict a modern-day story in a most realistic setting. As intense as it is affectionate, The One Hundred is truly a compelling debut."[This] is a promising novel with compelling characters stories. The author excels at depicting the daily hardship of life in Pakistan."-ABNA Publishers Weekly