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The Silver Sword

By Ian Serraillier
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Check link for latest rating. ( 9,230 ratings, 747 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Set during World War II, The Silver Sword follows the journey of three Polish siblings as they navigate the war-torn landscape of Europe to reunite with their parents. Along the way, they encounter a boy named Jan who becomes integral to their quest. Their journey is filled with both challenges and acts of kindness, portraying resilience and hope amidst adversity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1900
Elsewhere:
$2100
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate heartwarming stories of courage and resilience. Set during World War II, it follows the journey of three siblings who are determined to reunite with their parents, showcasing the bonds of family and the strength of the human spirit amidst adversity. Perfect for readers interested in historical adventures that are both moving and inspiring.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Having lost their parents in the chaos of war, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are left alone to fend for themselves and hide from the Nazis amid the rubble and ruins of their city. They meet a ragged orphan boy, Jan, who treasures a paperknife - a silver sword - which was entrusted to him by an escaped prisoner of war.

A moving tale of survival, heroism and the courage of children, as Ruth, Edek and Bronia hunt for their parents across the battlefields of Europe

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A moving tale of survival, heroism, and the courage of children, as Ruth, Edek, and Bronia hunt for their parents across the battlefields of Europe.

Discover this amazing adventure story set in the Second World War.

'If you meet Ruth or Edek or Bronia, you must tell them I'm going to Switzerland to find their mother. Tell them to follow as soon as they can.'

Having lost their parents in the chaos of war, Ruth, Edek, and Bronia are left alone to fend for themselves and hide from the Nazis amid the rubble and ruins of their city. They meet a ragged orphan boy, Jan, who treasures a paperknife — a silver sword — which was entrusted to him by an escaped prisoner of war. The three children realise that the escapee was their father, the silver sword a message that he is alive and searching for them. Together with Jan, they begin a dangerous journey across the battlefields of Europe to find their parents.

BACKSTORY- Read a letter from the author's daughter and find out about the amazing true stories that inspired The Silver Sword.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier is celebrated for its gripping tale of survival, courage, and hope during wartime. Michael Morpurgo appreciates its simple and direct storytelling, while John Boyne highlights the impactful themes of heroism and friendship. The book is praised for its exciting narrative and traditional approach to courage by The Times and Daily Telegraph. According to the Oxford Companion to Children's Literature, it is considered one of the most remarkable children's books since 1945.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099572855

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 August 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Children's Classics

Illustration: B/W

Audience: Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 189.0mm

Weight: 174g

Pages: 256

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Classic Fiction Ian Serraillier Penguin Books Young Adult

About the Author

Ian Serraillier was born in London in 1912, the eldest of four children. When he was only six years old, Ian's father died, and as his mother was often not very well, he looked after his younger siblings, especially during their long summer holidays in Switzerland. After university, he became a teacher and a writer. When the Second World War broke out, Ian refused to fight, because he believed it is wrong to kill another person. Many people who believed this were sent to prison, but fortunately Ian was allowed to continue to teach. After the war, the newspapers were full of picture of the ruined cities of Europe, and the children who had been orphaned or made homeless by the war. Ian was determined to tell their story. Ruth, Edek, Jan and Bronia are all based on real children, and even the silver sword paper knife was real. Ian Serraillier wrote many children's books but The Silver Sword is his most famous and most beloved, and it has never been out of print.

Also by Ian Serraillier

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  • The Silver Sword
    An unforgettable war-time adventure story. Although the silver sword was only a paper knife, it became the symbol of hope and courage which kept the Balicki children and their orphan friend Jan alive through the four years of occupation when they had to fend for themselves. And afterwards, it inspired them to keep going on the exhausting and dangerous journey...
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  • The Silver Sword
    Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by World War Two, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. As they travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents, they encounter many hardships and dangers. This extraordinarily moving account of an epic journey...
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