43 pages • 1 hour read
The Silver Sword
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Warsaw, Poland • 1940s
1956
Middle grade
10-14 years
800L
Super Short Summary
The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier is a historical fiction novel set in Europe during and after World War II, following the Balicki children—Ruth, Edek, and Bronia—as they navigate the challenges of separation, imprisonment, and forced labor to reunite with their parents in Switzerland. They are joined by their friend Jan and their loyalty, resilience, and resourcefulness help them through numerous dangers and obstacles. Topics of trauma and war violence are depicted.
Adventurous
Hopeful
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier is praised for its gripping narrative and historical relevance, depicting the resilience of children during World War II. Reviewers appreciate its emotional depth and strong moral themes but note its simplistic writing style. Some feel it lacks the complexity expected in modern historical fiction. Overall, it remains a touching, powerful story suitable for young readers.
Who Should Read The Silver Sword?
Readers who would enjoy The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier are typically young adults and middle-grade readers interested in historical fiction. Comparable to readers of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, they appreciate stories of resilience and hope set against the backdrop of World War II.
Edek Balicki
Edek Balicki
Ruth's younger brother, known for his resourcefulness and engineering skills, Edek's journey is complicated by health challenges stemming from his time spent in a labor camp.
Bronia Balicki
Bronia Balicki
The youngest Balicki sibling, creative and observant, whose love for drawing captures the shifting circumstances facing the family.
Jan
Jan
A streetwise and resourceful orphan who becomes an adopted member of the Balicki family, known for his skills as a thief and his deep bond with animals.
Joseph Balicki
Joseph Balicki
The children's father, a former headmaster, whose arrest and subsequent escape from a labor camp inspire his children to search for him.
256
Novel • Fiction
Warsaw, Poland • 1940s
1956
Middle grade
10-14 years
800L
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