Abstract
The article describes selected short stories of Zofia Żurakowska in the aspect of virtues which are present in them. Although the writer’s private life was rather stormy she could maintain optimistic attitude and faith in human being, what is reflected in her literary work dedicated for children and youth. She was undertaking in her short stories important social and moral issues. The most important values present in her literary work are: freedom, independence, tolerance, kindness, love. The writer was putting her characters in the complicated, dramatic situations, minding that they always were able to act in the name of good. Uniqueness of Żurakowska’s literature consists in the fact that she was a groundbreaker introducing detective and criminal plots. Despite the changing world the virtues present in Żurakowska’s literature remain fresh and valid up-to-date. The language of her books has also not lost its relevance – it is clear, understandable and easy.