The classic tale of a journey through war-torn Europe.
Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by World War II, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. They travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents.
The classic tale of a journey through war-torn Europe.
Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by World War II, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. They travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents.
Based on true accounts, this is a powerful and unforgettable story of life during and after the Second World War. A true modern classic.An unforgettable story of life during and after the Second World War, based on true accounts. For readers of The Book Thief, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Diary of Anne Frank.This is a story of many different things.Of a terrible war and an occupied landOf the Balicki children who are determined to surviveOf a dangerous journey from war-torn Poland to SwitzerlandOf a paper knife that gives them the courage to carry on when nearly all hope is lost.'I urge you to read this book as it will stay in your memory forever' Guardian'A true modern classic' Booktrust
“One of the most exciting books I've read for a long while”
Storytelling about courage at its best -- Amanda Craig The Times
Daily Telegraph
This book is touched with greatness Junior Bookshelf
One of the most remarkable children's books since 1945 Oxford Companion to Children's Literature
A mind-blowing and emotional read -- Sally Bailey Essex Chronicle Series
Ian Serraillier (September 24, 1912 - November 28, 1994), was a British novelist and poet. Serraillier was best known for his children's books, especially the Silver Sword (Novel) (1956), a wartime adventure story which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1957 and again in 1971.
The night the Nazis come to take their mother away, three children escape in a terrifying scramble across the rooftops. Alone in the chaos of Warsaw, they have to learn to survive on their own. Then they meet Jan, a ragged boy with a paperknife - the silver sword - that they recognize as belonging to their long-lost father. The sword becomes their symbol of hope as, with Jan, they begin the hazardous journey across war-torn Europe to find their parents. Ian Serraillier's moving account of a family torn apart by war speaks as much to us today as it did when it was first written.
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.