The classic tale of a journey through war-torn Europe.
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 gives a remarkable insight into the reality of a Europe laid waste by war.
From 11 February to 30 October 2011, The Silver Sword will feature as one of five books in the Imperial War Museum exhibition Once Upon A Wartime: Classic War Stories for Children.
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"The Balicki family of Warsaw was forcibly separated as World War II raged. In 1942, the children, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are left vulnerable and alone to fend for themselves in a suddenly unfamiliar and threatening world. The force that drives them is the dream of reunion with their parents. Jan, a wild urchin, provides an improbable link between the divided Balicki family members. A fictional account based upon true events inspires readers through the enduring hope, valor and strength of will of its young protagonists."
— Nina (4 out of 5 stars)
" Excellent book and excellent narration. "
— AB, 11/26/2018" This is an excellent book which portrays the everyday struggles and challenges that many people faced in WW2. I like the perspective it gives because it is primarily about children. "
— Josh, 2/19/2014" When my mummy read the first chapter to me I said "the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up I'm so exited".The story is all a bit sad especialy when the animals die but you quickly forget it over all the exitement.But still it's a happy ending. "
— Bubble, 2/13/2014" a great adventure story "
— Booksdingle, 2/4/2014" I read this in school and I think it was one of the only books that we all came to the agreement that we all enjoyed it, which I can assure you is a very rare occassion. "
— Sarah, 2/2/2014" This is a great WWII era book that is based upon true accounts. Unfortunately, the story just fell flat for me. I know that the things that happen in the book really happened, but I wish the characters were better developed. I wasn't emotionally attached to them and I couldn't picture them as living, breathing human beings with feelings and emotions. I think that in order to truly understand their plight, you have to care about them and it was hard for me to do that because it seemed like they didn't feel or have emotions. Overall, the book did give a decent introduction to what happened during WWII, primarily in Poland. "
— Marris, 1/19/2014" This book brought back a lot of memories. I first read this when I would be about 10 years old. It is one of those books that sticks in your memory and when I saw it in a charity shop, I thought i'd pick it up again. Recording the journey of children from Warsaw seperated from their parents and following their journey to Switzerland to be reunited. We follow the adventures and characters on the way. A real classic!!!! "
— Richard, 1/19/2014" I loved this book!! Very Thought provoking! "
— Joanna, 1/18/2014" Surely the greatest childrens book set in the 2nd world war. Superb including a rare honest account of the Red Army on most civilians. "
— Alan, 1/12/2014" A beautiful story of 4 children's journey through WWII and its aftermath, trying to find their parents, The ending is unrealistic but it's still wonderful. "
— Ariel, 1/9/2014" this is another book I could not put down; I read it in high school and I think I got detention for hiding it under my desk while reading during some boring lecture "
— Paebo, 12/19/2013" One of my favorite childhood books. Haven't read it in years but recently found my old copy (really, my dad's old copy). Looking forward to re-reading. "
— Thomasin, 11/8/2013" excite reunion of family. half of it would be war novel if not all "
— Matthew, 11/4/2013" It was a good book. The book had a great deal of action and intense chase and escape scenes. You could feel what the characters are feeling. I cried like a woman at the end (and I am a 14 year old boy). "
— Ela, 4/10/2013" Yet another one that I read when I was a kid (actually, my dad read it out loud to me and my little brother, but whatever) that I don't remember any details. I do remember liking it... Gosh, I should read some of these books again! "
— Megan, 3/25/2013" I'm Kurdish I translated this book (the silver Sword) into Kurdish. it's simplified and bilingual book. I need this book to download. "
— Zevar Qasim Sherwany, 3/15/2013" This is an incredible story that I use as a novel study for twelve year old boys. They get so much from. Have read the book several times and love the story "
— Sam, 2/6/2013" Quick easy read. Good story. Loved Ruth. "
— Gina, 1/22/2013" Good. Well written and not too long. Attachment to each character happens near the end, which is a little late for me. "
— Celina, 10/15/2012" Compelling reading, now and back when I was a youngster, many years ago. The writing style is dated but succinct and events happen quickly. "
— Dee-Ann, 6/26/2012" 4 children make their way through war torn Europe from Warsaw to Switzerland at the end of WWII. Spare prose, memorable character in Ruth, the eldest child, who exemplifies courage, self-sacrifice and greatness of heart. "
— Steve, 3/17/2012" good book but a bit sad "
— Aayushi, 12/22/2011" I read this as a child under the title The Silver Sword. Throoughly enjoyed it and can't wait to re-read it now I've downloaded it to my Kindle. "
— Anne, 12/15/2011" The Silver Sword was probably my first non-film taste of WWII in Europe. This rating is based almost entirely on fond memories of reading it in my extremely early adolescence over and over again, so take it with a grain of salt. "
— Nurul, 12/1/2011" This is a favorite book from my childhood. "
— Francie, 8/9/2011" When the Germans march into Poland in 1939, the Balicki family are suddenly torn apart by war. <br/> <br/> "
— Laura, 5/4/2011" Loved this as a kid and loved it now too. "
— Wen, 4/12/2011" Fast paced short children's book about 4 children and their journey across Europe from Warsaw to Switzerland. "
— Deanne, 4/6/2011" This seemed like a book I would not like,but it turned out to be really good! <br/>There were sad bits,happy bits,and great bits! <br/>This is a really good book but it was only one or two hundred pages. "
— Cici, 3/15/2011" One of my all-time favourite books that I read as a child, & one that made such a deep & lasting impression on me that I (much later!) introduced my daughter to the book, & have since bought copies for each of my grandchildren when they reached the appropriate reading age. "
— Fi, 3/7/2011" Although a little bit unrealistic, this was a good read about 4 children making their way from Poland to Switzerland after the war. "
— Veronica, 3/2/2011" Another book I enjoyed as a child and an adult. "
— Ice, 2/16/2011" I read this when I was in junior high; as I recall, I learned a lot about the holocaust through reading it, and it sparked in my a desire to learn more. (Which set off my reading all of the books I could find about the holocaust.) "
— KyneWynn, 2/3/2011" It was good :) I really seem to enjoy books about WW2. There are so many stories that should be sared and I love it when they are! "
— Alexxa, 1/27/2011" i keep getting books with war and social studiess blahh ! "
— Julissa, 1/25/2011" Loved this book read it years ago when I was a child, and recently read it aload to my children! great story about the horrors of the holocaust! "
— Cindy, 12/10/2010