The Play of "The Silver Sword" (Heinemann Spotlights)

beowulf the warrior

Enchanted Island

Clashing Rocks

King Rat (Collins Red Storybooks)

The 7 Professors of the Far North

The Impossible Journey (Russian Saga, 2)

The Jaguar Trials

The Silver Sword, a novel by Ian Serraillier, is set during and after World War II and follows the Balicki family from Warsaw, Poland. The father, Joseph, is taken to a Nazi prison camp, while the mother, Margrit, is also captured by the Nazis. Their three children, Ruth, Edek, and Bronia, are left to fend for themselves. After Joseph escapes from the camp, he finds their home destroyed, leaves a silver sword as a symbol of hope, and heads to Switzerland, believing his wife has been deported there. The children, upon finding the sword, use it as a talisman and embark on a treacherous journey across war-torn Europe to reunite with their parents. Along the way, they are joined by a resourceful orphan named Jan. Despite numerous challenges, the children demonstrate resilience and courage. Eventually, they are reunited with their parents, symbolizing the enduring strength of family and hope amidst the chaos of war.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

The Play of "The Silver Sword" (Heinemann Spotlights)

Ian Serraillier, Stuart Henson, 1982

beowulf the warrior

Ian Serraillier, 1954

Enchanted Island

Ian Serraillier, 1964

Clashing Rocks

Ian Serraillier, 1971

King Rat (Collins Red Storybooks)

Bernard Ashley, 1998

The 7 Professors of the Far North

John Fardell, 2004

The Impossible Journey (Russian Saga, 2)

Gloria Whelan, 2003

The Jaguar Trials

Ruth Eastham, 2015