Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought for Children's Rights by Abigail Rajunov, Amanda West Lewis
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525310240
Genres: Historical Fiction, History, Informational
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

Based on a first-person account of a student’s experience with  Dr. Janusz Korczak, but using fictional characters, Looking at the Sky is the story of the Polish doctor’s influence on the children in his care during the first half of the 20th century. His approach to education and child development used storytelling as a way to build morality, and he respectfully allowed children to fully occupy the realm of adults in order to make sense of their surroundings. They were encouraged to work hard, respect each other, and even serve as judges that would determine both verdict and punishment when problems arose. The book uses muted and subtlely expressive illustrations to follow one small boy, whose sisters raise the money for him to attend Korczak’s school, resulting in his chance to leave Poland before it was invaded by Germany. The rest of the characters are not so fortunate, which leads to an unflinching and emotional end. Don’t be deterred by the sadness; the book passes along Dr. Korczak’s messages of hope, respect, and joy clearly and lovingly, making this an essential addition to a library collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath