Families who loved The History of Little Henry and His Bearer by Mary Martha Sherwood often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when looking to explore the historical roots of missionary literature or when navigating deep conversations about the intersection of faith, grief, and colonial history. Originally published in 1814, this story follows Henry, a young British boy in India, and Boosy, his devoted Indian bearer. The narrative centers on Henry's conversion to Christianity and his subsequent efforts to convert Boosy before Henry's early death. Because it is a historical artifact from the early 19th century, it provides a window into the evangelical fervor of the era and the complex social dynamics of British colonial India. Parents might choose this for a teenager studying the history of world missions or as a primary source to discuss how cultural and religious perspectives have evolved. Due to its heavy focus on illness, mortality, and colonial-era views on non-Christian religions, it is best suited for older children or families who can read it through a critical and historical lens.
