(Paperback)

Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by World War II, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. They travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents.

(Paperback)

Although the silver sword was only a paper knife, it became the symbol of hope and courage which kept the Balicki children and their orphan friend Jan alive through the four years of occupation when they had to fend for themselves.

(Paperback)

Having lost their parents in the chaos of war, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are left alone to fend for themselves and hide from the Nazis amid the rubble and ruins of their city. They meet a ragged orphan boy, Jan, who treasures a paperknife - a silver sword - which was entrusted to him by an escaped prisoner of war.