Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Scholastic (1999), Paperback, 218 pages
Description
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.
Media reviews
Reader - Johannesburg
A beautiful story suitable for both adults and children. I loved the vivid descriptions of Europe at war and how children fought tooth and nail for their own survival.
User reviews
LibraryThing member fuzzi
Another childhood favorite is "The Silver Sword", which I recently reread. The story is based upon true events from World War II, mainly taking place in Poland, but especially in Warsaw.
Three Polish children find themselves on their own and struggling just to survive after both of their parents are
There is a real 'ring' of authenticity to this book: the characters are believable, even rascally Jan, the pickpocket/thief/guardian who accepts Ruth as a substitute for his own long-lost mother, a woman he cannot even recall.
I have reread this several times, and will keep a copy of the book on my shelves, for a future reread.
Three Polish children find themselves on their own and struggling just to survive after both of their parents are
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forcibly taken away by Nazi soldiers. Ruth, about 13 years old, is thrust into adulthood in order to care for her younger brother Edek and baby sister Bronia, as well as other orphaned children living in the rubble of war-torn Warsaw.There is a real 'ring' of authenticity to this book: the characters are believable, even rascally Jan, the pickpocket/thief/guardian who accepts Ruth as a substitute for his own long-lost mother, a woman he cannot even recall.
I have reread this several times, and will keep a copy of the book on my shelves, for a future reread.
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LibraryThing member ascapola
Serraillier uses this fictionalised account of three children whose parents are taken away by the Nazis to reveal some of the horrors of war, albeit very mildly. It did get me thinking about a topic not often covered - the fate of children in war zones, both in WW2 and today.
The story follows the
Whilst based on a selection of true incidents, there are too many coincidences and the children have litle depth. A good story, but its feel is dated.
The story follows the
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three children's attempts to survive in a destroyed city and their determination to keep together and find their parents. A chance encounter with a young boy, Jan, gives them hope when they realise that Jan had meet their father and was safekeeping the 'silver sword'.Whilst based on a selection of true incidents, there are too many coincidences and the children have litle depth. A good story, but its feel is dated.
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LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
It is more than forty years since I last read this novel, which was one of my favourites as a child. I hadn't even thought about it in decades, but someone mentioned it a few days ago, and prompted me to re-read it. What a delight it proved.
The book tells of the travails of the Balicki family from
After a couple of years Joseph manages to escape from his prison and returns to Warsaw to look for his family. He finds the family home reduced to rubble. Aghast he delves down to see if he can unearth any trace of the family but all he finds is a paper knife, in the shape of an elaborate small silver sword that he had given to his wife several years earlier. While staring in disgust at the remains of the house he becomes aware that he is being watched by a young boy, Jan, clutching a cat while. After a brief conversation (during which the young boy successfully picks Joseph's pockets) Joseph hands over the silver sword to Jan in return for a promise that he will do whatever he can to find a trace of Magrit or the children. Jan stows the sword away in a wooden box in which he keeps all of his dearest treasures (which include, among other things, the shrivelled body of a dead lizard). Joseph explores the remaining streets of the community searching for clues as to what might have happened to his family. Finding no trace he decides to head for Switzerland (where Magrit came from), in the belief that she would have tried to flee there to escape their oppressors.
Meanwhile the three children have been fending for themselves until Edek is arrested by the Nazis for smuggling food to be sold through the black market. Ruth starts running an informal school to try to teach some of the Polish children, and eventually Jan comes to join them - by now his cat has gone, to be replaced by Jimpy, a cockerel. By chance the three children find that Jan has the silver sword which they immediately recognise. Jan explains how he came by it, adding that Joseph had told him about his plans to seek his family in Switzerland. The story then deals with the children's exploits firstly to locate Edek, and then to try to cross Poland and then Germany to try to reach Switzerland.
The book is now recognised as a children's classic, though on its publication in 1956 there was a lot of criticism suggesting that the novel dealt with subjects too serious for younger readers. This seems odd nowadays - after all, Serraillier weaves a very sound plot and his characters are finely drawn. Even though the context may now seem very remote to today's children, surely this is exactly the sort of books that they should be reading. It holds up excellently for an adult audience, too.
The book tells of the travails of the Balicki family from
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Warsaw. The father, Joseph, headmaster of a local school, is imprisoned by the Nazis after someone reports him for turning the photograph of Hitler that he had been required to hang in his classroom to face the wall. Shortly afterwards his wife, Magrit, is also interned, leaving their three children (Ruth, Edek and Bronia) to fend for themselves.After a couple of years Joseph manages to escape from his prison and returns to Warsaw to look for his family. He finds the family home reduced to rubble. Aghast he delves down to see if he can unearth any trace of the family but all he finds is a paper knife, in the shape of an elaborate small silver sword that he had given to his wife several years earlier. While staring in disgust at the remains of the house he becomes aware that he is being watched by a young boy, Jan, clutching a cat while. After a brief conversation (during which the young boy successfully picks Joseph's pockets) Joseph hands over the silver sword to Jan in return for a promise that he will do whatever he can to find a trace of Magrit or the children. Jan stows the sword away in a wooden box in which he keeps all of his dearest treasures (which include, among other things, the shrivelled body of a dead lizard). Joseph explores the remaining streets of the community searching for clues as to what might have happened to his family. Finding no trace he decides to head for Switzerland (where Magrit came from), in the belief that she would have tried to flee there to escape their oppressors.
Meanwhile the three children have been fending for themselves until Edek is arrested by the Nazis for smuggling food to be sold through the black market. Ruth starts running an informal school to try to teach some of the Polish children, and eventually Jan comes to join them - by now his cat has gone, to be replaced by Jimpy, a cockerel. By chance the three children find that Jan has the silver sword which they immediately recognise. Jan explains how he came by it, adding that Joseph had told him about his plans to seek his family in Switzerland. The story then deals with the children's exploits firstly to locate Edek, and then to try to cross Poland and then Germany to try to reach Switzerland.
The book is now recognised as a children's classic, though on its publication in 1956 there was a lot of criticism suggesting that the novel dealt with subjects too serious for younger readers. This seems odd nowadays - after all, Serraillier weaves a very sound plot and his characters are finely drawn. Even though the context may now seem very remote to today's children, surely this is exactly the sort of books that they should be reading. It holds up excellently for an adult audience, too.
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LibraryThing member Hamburgerclan
This one's a bit odd. It's the story of three children who are "orphaned" in World War II Poland. Their father is carted off to a work camp and months later their mother is hauled off, too. The children escape into the bombed out basements and alleyways of Warsaw, surviving as best they can. When
--J.
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the war's over, they receive word that their father had escaped his imprisonment and was last seen headed to Switzerland. They decide to follow him, giving the reader a peek into war torn Europe just after Germany's surrender. It makes for an interesting setting, unfortunately the characters are wooden and the plot is jerky. The book claims to be based upon fact, so I suspect that Mr. Serraillier simply patched together a number of war time anecdotes and called it a story. I think it would have been better if he had simply collected the smaller tales and not try to make it into some grand tale.--J.
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LibraryThing member rata
This book is a good fictional story of the struggle that the Poles and Jews faced during World War 2 without being too descriptive. It is good for 8-10 year olds to give them a glimpse into this historical event without all the nasty bits and i feel that Serallier has done this well. I woudl
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defintely read this to our year 7 -8 students. It is about a Polish family (Belecki) who are separated during the the German invasion of Warsaw. The father is carted off and the mother is also carted off by German soldiers during the night, leaving her 3 children to fend for themselves. Their house is bombed and they became refugees like so many polish people during this war. The story glimpses in and out of events that happened during this time as the children, along with a refugee Jan, make their way to Switzerland to be reunited with their father. Upon meeting Jan they find that he has in his posession a silver sword (letter opener) that was given to Jan by the children's father. Seeing this sword reinforces with the children that their father is alive and it is this that keeps their spirits up as they make their way to Switzerlan. A tale of heroism, self belief, moral values. Show Less
LibraryThing member DebbieMcCauley
It is World War Two and the Nazis occupation of Poland separate the Balicki family. Father, Joseph Balicki, is a school headmaster and is sent to a prison camp, from where he eventually escapes and sets out to find his family. He discovers that his wife has been sent to a labour camp and his house
Meanwhile the children have learnt to survive any way they can in this world of rubble, soup kitchens and danger. They meet Jan, and eventually the story of their father comes out. They decide to make the journey to Switzerland. The journey is fraught with danger. This book is a powerful insight into human nature and the plight of children during this very difficult period in history. It is based on a true story. Often things look very bleak, but as a historical record to help today’s children understand the time it is very important. And throughout the book is the unwavering symbol of hope that is the silver sword.
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has been destroyed, with no sign of survival of his children Ruth, Edek and Bronia. He searches in vain, then decides to continue on to Switzerland. Before he goes he makes the acquaintance of a young orphan boy Jan and entrusts him with a silver paper-knife to give to his children should he ever meet them along with instructions to travel to their grandparents' house in Switzerland. ‘One afternoon, while he was poking among the rubble of his old home, he found a tiny silver sword. About five inches long, it had a brass hilt engraved with a dragon breathing fire. it was a paper knife that he had once given to his wife for a birthday present’ (Serrailler, 1993, p. 21).Meanwhile the children have learnt to survive any way they can in this world of rubble, soup kitchens and danger. They meet Jan, and eventually the story of their father comes out. They decide to make the journey to Switzerland. The journey is fraught with danger. This book is a powerful insight into human nature and the plight of children during this very difficult period in history. It is based on a true story. Often things look very bleak, but as a historical record to help today’s children understand the time it is very important. And throughout the book is the unwavering symbol of hope that is the silver sword.
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LibraryThing member MsNikki
I read this in primary school it was on our reading list. It didn't try to hide the horrors of the Holocaust from children. Painfully well written book.
LibraryThing member markbarnes
I read this book as a young boy, and was tremendously moved, challenged and fascinating by the history and the experiences of this little family. Outside Christianity, its probably one of the books that has most influenced me as it awakened by mind to the horrors and glories of war.
LibraryThing member naokoa
This is the story of the family which had to get separated because of the war. Three children want to meet their parent but they didn't know where they were. However, they met a boy who had met their father and given the silver sword by him. And their journey to find their parent began.
This story
This story
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is very interesting and I was very impressed. The journey of them was really thrilling and courageous. Show Less
LibraryThing member nextaxpro
I read this book, nee The Silver Sword and became enamored with Ruth. A lesson here is to spend as much time as you can with your parents. Ruth was a hero; took care of her brothers and sisters and got them through nazi occupation. When reunited with her parents, she clung to them in the classic of
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attempting to turn the clock back; as in make up for lost time. Her parents wanted her to go the university. she refused to go. But she made the right decision. For the rest of her life, she will be thankful for her parents and be able to teach her children the importance of family. Show Less
LibraryThing member cvandm
A family named the Balakies get separated by the
LibraryThing member chatmarie
The Balicki family is broken up during the Second War.
Three children and a boy travel around Europe to look for their parents.Can they find their parents?
I admired the oldest sister for her courage and kindness.
If I were her,I wouldn't behave like her.
The content was a bit difficult for me because
Three children and a boy travel around Europe to look for their parents.Can they find their parents?
I admired the oldest sister for her courage and kindness.
If I were her,I wouldn't behave like her.
The content was a bit difficult for me because
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some words are unfamiliar to me,but I was really lucky to meet this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member ayumig
At the first time, I read this book , I think this book is nonfiction story . But this book is a fairly tail.
I think this book is alike the story "Lord of the ling ." You know that content is not rsemble.But the point of adventure , these resemble.
If I were a actor or actress in this story , I
I think this book is alike the story "Lord of the ling ." You know that content is not rsemble.But the point of adventure , these resemble.
If I were a actor or actress in this story , I
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could not endure their trouble life , so I feel I lead very happy life .But if my family broke up , I also go to anywhere to find my family . So Irespect these children very much!! Show Less
LibraryThing member Glico
The silver sword is only a paper knife, but it gives Jan and his friends hope. Hungry, cold, and afraid, the four children try to stay alive among the ruins of bombed cities in war-torn Europe. Soon they will begin the long and dangerous journey south, from Poland to Switzerland, where they hope to
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find their parents again. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmkemp
I read this many times as a small boy at primary school, from about the age of 8. It sparked my interest in personal stories of war and history.
LibraryThing member BrynDahlquis
Boring. The writing is boring, the story is boring and not well-written so it makes it seem very unbelievable. The characters are... boring.
It wasn't exactly painful to read, but only because it was easy to read and therefore took very little time. But I certainly didn't enjoy it either. Just...
It wasn't exactly painful to read, but only because it was easy to read and therefore took very little time. But I certainly didn't enjoy it either. Just...
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boring. Show Less
LibraryThing member eglinton
Good children's book, with the children plotting their own course and taking their own decisions as in most of the most memorable children's stories. Dramatic and all-too-realistic backdrop of the displacements caused by World War 2 in Central Europe; the challenges faced by the children, tryirng
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to survive, and find their parents, are so raw that one assumes it's a true story, not just based around real events, but it turns out Serraillier did invent the characters and plot. Worth a read, and fully enjoyed as a bedtime serial by 8-year old Adam. Show Less
LibraryThing member SadieBabie
This book has got a great rhythm to it, the chapters are the perfect size & the action is well paced. I appreciated the balance of discussing the impact of war in a way which was honest & informative, but also not too upsetting for younger readers.
What also struck me is that it hasn't really aged.
I enjoyed it as an adult reader, it was one of those books I wish I'd discovered when I was younger. I'll definitely be keeping it for my son to read in a couple of years.
What also struck me is that it hasn't really aged.
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Yes, there are a couple of twee sayings in it, but on the whole it could have been written yesterday.I enjoyed it as an adult reader, it was one of those books I wish I'd discovered when I was younger. I'll definitely be keeping it for my son to read in a couple of years.
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LibraryThing member TheWasp
The story of 3 children determined to find their parents after they were taken away by nazi soldiers. A touching look at war from children's eyes.
LibraryThing member heggiep
A fast-paced children's adventure that doesn't shirk describing realities of its time - World War II Poland and Germany. A little too young adult for my adult taste but still an enjoyable quick read.
LibraryThing member a-shelf-apart
3.5 stars.
Mum bought this for me from a secondhand bookshop on a road trip when I was in primary school, and I loved it (I think I also got gastro on that trip and it was a good distraction from the puking!).
I found it again when moving house and figured I’d give it a reread as an adult.
A bit
Mum bought this for me from a secondhand bookshop on a road trip when I was in primary school, and I loved it (I think I also got gastro on that trip and it was a good distraction from the puking!).
I found it again when moving house and figured I’d give it a reread as an adult.
A bit
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simplistic and optimistic from an adult’s point of view, but still a wonderful story and engaging plot. Show Less
LibraryThing member mumoftheanimals
I read this when I was 11/12 years old. It had a fab beginning and was gripping all the way through. Read it again recently and it was the same BUT major really good bits had been edited out. Really exciting bits like hiding under a chain to escape by the boy had been replaced by the father doing
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something similar. Bring back the original please Show Less
LibraryThing member electrascaife
When their parents both get taken away to the camps, a family of three children manage to survive for three years of WWII in a bombed-out cellar in Warsaw before learning that their father had escaped and sent word to them via another young war orphan to try to meet him in Switzerland. So they set
This is one of the better middle grade books about children during the war within the subset of not-too-horrific, kiddos-with-gumption stories. It's not too saccharine and still hints at the horrors of the war, which makes for an easy, uncomplicated read. Recommended if you like this sort of thing (and I do).
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out with their new young friend in tow to make the long trek to a new home, facing perils and meeting with helpful folk along the way.This is one of the better middle grade books about children during the war within the subset of not-too-horrific, kiddos-with-gumption stories. It's not too saccharine and still hints at the horrors of the war, which makes for an easy, uncomplicated read. Recommended if you like this sort of thing (and I do).
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LibraryThing member MerryMary
An excellent book that stands up to passing time. The story of a Polish family torn apart by war, and the efforts of the children to get to Switzerland to reunite, they hope, with their parents. An orphan boy, Jan, joins them and aids in their search and their survival.
LibraryThing member thisisstephenbetts
I read this when I was about 10, as I played Joseph in the Windsor Arts Club Junior Drama production. Apart from 2 or 3 bits, I didn't remember most of the events in the story. It's interesting in that so much of the book takes place after the end of the war - it shows the allied occupation, and
The structure of the book is quite interesting - it feels like a bunch of vignettes, rather than having an overarching narrative. You could drop one of the sections, without it significantly affecting the narrative. Still, it is a fascinating story, very evocative of the broken Europe left after World War 2.
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how the different countries managed their sectors (I don't want to overplay this though - it's interesting, but it isn't one of the major parts of the book). The structure of the book is quite interesting - it feels like a bunch of vignettes, rather than having an overarching narrative. You could drop one of the sections, without it significantly affecting the narrative. Still, it is a fascinating story, very evocative of the broken Europe left after World War 2.
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Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1956