The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier (1956)
Based on a true story, The Silver Sword follows the three Balicki children, Ruth, Edek and Bronia, during the Second World War. Following the Nazi occupation of Poland, their father and mother are taken away, leaving the children to fend for themselves. As they wander their ruined city of Warsaw, they meet a young orphan called Jan. In his possession is a paperknife in the shape of a silver sword that was given to him by a prisoner of war – Ruth, Edek and Bronia’s father. Spurred on by the hope that he is looking for them, the children and Jan begin a dangerous journey across Europe to find their parents.
Recommended reading age: 8-11 years old