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  • Published: 1 May 2003
  • ISBN: 9780099439493
  • Imprint: Red Fox
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $21.00

The Silver Sword




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 land

Of the Balicki children who are determined to survive

Of a dangerous journey from war-torn Poland to Switzerland

Of 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

  • Published: 1 May 2003
  • ISBN: 9780099439493
  • Imprint: Red Fox
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $21.00

About the author

Ian Serraillier

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.

Born in London, Serraillier was educated at Brighton College, and took his degree at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He became an English teacher, first at World War II. It was during this period that his first published work appeared, in the form of poetry for both adults and children. In 1946 his first children's novel was published. It was followed by several more adventure stories of treasure and spies. His best known work, The Silver Sword, was published in 1956 and has become a classic, bringing to life the story of four refugee children and their search for their parents in the chaos of Europe immediately after World War II.

As well as children's novels and poetry, Serrailler produced his own retellings of classic tales, in prose and verse, including Beowulf, Chaucer and Greek myth. Together with his wife Anne he founded the New Windmill Series in 1948, published by Heinemann Educational Books, which set out to provide inexpensive editions of good stories. He continued as co-editor of the series until the onset of Alzheimer's disease

Praise for The Silver Sword

Storytelling about courage at its best

Amanda Craig, The Times

One of the most exciting books I've read for a long while

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