November 1940. A circus parade walks through the streets of Warsaw, waving a flag and singing. They are 160 Jewish children, forced by the Nazis to leave their beloved orphanage. It’s a sad occasion, but led by Doctor Korczak, their inspirational director, the children are defiantly joyful. Their new home is in the ghetto, a prison for Jews. Day by day, more people arrive. Some are forced to live on the street and freeze to death. Others die of disease and starvation. Though they lack food, warmth, and freedom, the children’s spirits are sustained by the steadfast respect and kindness of “Mister” Doctor. But these children will never grow up: in August 1942, they board the train that will carry them away to the death camps. Offered his freedom, Doctor Korczak refuses to abandon the children and proudly joins them on their last journey.
- ISBN: 9781554517152
- Author: Cohen-Janca, Irene
- Illustrator: Quarello, Maurizio
- Published: 2015 , Annick Press
- Themes: Holocaust, humanity, Jewish, kindness, Orphans, World War II
- Descriptors: Europe, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Poland
- No. of pages: 68