The Silver Path – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Silver Path

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

68%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A 1995 dual-narrative about kids in peaceful vs. war-torn worlds—thoughtful but obscure and hard to find.

The Silver Path

book

2021

68%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A 1995 dual-narrative about kids in peaceful vs. war-torn worlds—thoughtful but obscure and hard to find.

4.6

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those well-intentioned children's books from the '90s that checks all the literary boxes—empathy, perspective-taking, serious themes handled gently—but in practice, good luck finding it.

The dual narrative structure (peaceful kid meets war-torn kid) is a solid framework for discussing privilege and hope, and reviews suggest it does this without being preachy or graphic. The 4.6 Amazon rating and 'thought-provoking' descriptor are promising.

But here's the thing: it's from 1995, appears to be out of print, and Amazon's algorithm is so confused it thinks you're shopping for colloidal silver supplements. Unless you stumble across this at a library book sale, you're probably not tracking this down. There are more accessible books on similar themes that your kid will actually be able to read.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12 who can handle serious themes about war and inequality. The understated approach works for thoughtful middle-grade readers, but the 1995 publication date and limited availability make this more of a library find than a go-to recommendation.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A story contrasting peaceful and war-torn worlds through two children's perspectives. Described as 'understated but powerful' with themes of hope and resilience. The emotional tone appears age-appropriate and thoughtful, though the war context may be heavy for sensitive readers.

Imaginative

The dual-world narrative structure (Penny's peaceful world vs. Niko's war-torn world) offers an imaginative framework for exploring contrast and perspective. The 'silver path' as a metaphorical or literal connection invites thought, though this appears to be a more literary than fantastical work.

Safe

Books are generally safe, and this appears to be a thoughtful children's literature piece about war and peace without graphic content. The war themes are present but handled in an age-appropriate way for middle-grade readers. No indication of shocking or inappropriate content.

Enriching

Explicitly designed to 'generate thought and discussion' about war, peace, and hope. The contrasting perspectives of two children in different circumstances builds empathy and global awareness. Reviews emphasize it as 'moving and thought-provoking' with meaningful themes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Builds empathy through contrasting perspectives of two children in vastly different circumstances
Tackles serious themes (war, hope, resilience) in an age-appropriate, understated way
Designed to spark meaningful conversations about peace and privilege
Strong reviews praise it as 'moving and thought-provoking' for young readers

⚠

What to Watch For

War themes may be emotionally heavy for sensitive or younger readers
Published in 1995 and appears to be out of print or hard to locate
Amazon hilariously miscategorizes this as a colloidal silver supplement—you want the book, not the snake oil

Conversation Starters

"What do you think Niko hopes for most? How is that different from what Penny might hope for?"
"Have you ever thought about what life is like for kids in other countries?"
"What does the 'silver path' mean to you? Do you think it's real or symbolic?"

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