The Silver Sword

Runner up to C.S. Lewis in the Carnegie Awards for 1956, Serrailier's book has become a classic, speaking to its readers as powerfully now as it did 50 years ago.

It is the story of Polish children whose families have been torn apart by World War II, and their journey through Europe towards Switzerland seeking their parents. The 'silver sword' (a paperknife from their ruined house) becomes their symbol of hope, both that they will find their parents and that peace will return to their lives.

Serrailier's moving account of the hardships they endure, and the self-knowledge and maturity they gain through their ordeal is as directly applicable to 21st-century child refugees as it is valuable for its historical accuracy.