Escape from Warsaw [Paperback]

Ian Serraillier (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Scholastic Book Services; Fifth Printing edition (1966)
• ASIN: B000QOS3J0
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,343,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, heartwarming, moving, August 24, 2004

By 

Dr. Emil "Tom" Shuffhausen (Central Gulf Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Escape from Warsaw (Original title: The Silver Sword) (Paperback)

This little book is based on a true story, and it's one of the most exciting and amazing stories to emerge out of the heartbreak of World War II. It's an incredible narrative about one family's tragedy and redemption, and the lives that they touch along the way. The will to live and survive, among even the youngest children in the family, is incredibly moving and inspiring. I read this story nearly 30 years ago when I was not yet a teen, and it stayed with me. I've read it often since and shared it with many friends, including a few Poles who found it very touching and encouraging...a great source of national pride. At times, the story will take your breath away. I would give it more stars if I could...it's that good.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I first read this book when it was called The Silver Sword., October 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Escape from Warsaw (Original title: The Silver Sword) (Paperback)

In 1958 I was in the fourth grade and my teacher, Mrs. Jacoby, read it aloud. The book's characters and story stayed with me throughout my growing up until I became a teacher in 1971. For many years I was able to check The Silver Sword out of the public library in my home town and read it every year to my fourth graders. Then I moved. I was never able to find another copy. But in 1989 I attended a teacher conference and spoke with a sales rep for Scholastic Books. I mentioned the title to him and the author. He found it under a new title, Escape from Warsaw. I immediately ordered several copies and when they arrived I felt I had won the lotto. I have taught school for 25+ years. And every year I read this wonderful book, and every year I laugh and cry in the same places with my students. For most of my students this poignant book is their first introduction to WWII and the Holocaust. I know the book may be dated, the plot simple and the ending happy. But, the four children who are the main characters seem real to me and I always thrill reading about their hopeful journey to find their parents. You could say The Silver Sword, or Escape from Warsaw, changed my idea of the world and the minute part we each play in it.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, February 17, 2000

By 

Justin (Phillipsburg, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Escape from Warsaw (Original title: The Silver Sword) (Paperback)

This book is about three children in war-time Warsaw, Poland who everyday hope for the Red Army to invade Poland so they get a chance to escape and find their father who was taken to a German camp for turning a portrate of Hitler in his school room, and escaped to Switzerland. This a powerful story that shows how strong and determined you had to be during World War II. It also shows how important family was. It's brilliantly written and I give it 5 stars. Read to find out what happens on their journey to neutral Switzerland, and IF they make it alive.