
The Teacher of Warsaw
A WWII Novel
by Mario Escobar
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Pub Date Jun 07 2022 | Archive Date Jul 07 2022
Harper Muse | Thomas Nelson
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Description
"I want everyone I know to read this book." --Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Things We Cannot Say
For fans of The Warsaw Orphan and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The start of WWII changed everything in Poland irrevocably--except for one man's capacity to love.
September 1, 1939: Sixty-year-old Janusz Korczak and the students and teachers at his Dom Sierot Jewish orphanage are outside enjoying a beautiful day in Warsaw. Hours later, their lives are altered forever when the Nazis invade. Suddenly treated as an outcast in his own city, Janusz--a respected leader known for his heroism and teaching--is determined to do whatever it takes to protect the children from the horrors to come.
When over four hundred thousand Jewish people are rounded up and forced to live in the 1.3-square-mile walled compound of the Warsaw ghetto, Janusz and his friends take drastic measures to shield the children from disease and starvation. With dignity and courage, the teachers and students of Dom Sierot create their own tiny army of love and bravely prepare to march toward the future--whatever it may hold.
Unforgettable, devastating, and inspired by a real-life hero of the Holocaust, The Teacher of Warsaw reminds the world that one single person can incite meaning, hope, and love.
For fans of The Goddess of Warsaw, this gripping WWII novel offers a unique perspective on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. With its powerful storytelling and poignant characters, The Teacher of Warsaw is a perfect book club pick. Delve deeper into the history and themes of the novel with the included timeline, author notes, and discussion questions.
And don't miss Mario's other books: Auschwitz Lullaby, Children of the Stars, Remember Me, The Librarian of Saint-Malo, and The Forgotten Names
"A beautifully written, deeply emotional story of hope, love, and courage in the face of unspeakable horrors. That such self-sacrifice, dedication and goodness existed restores faith in humankind. Escobar's heart-rending yet uplifting tale is made all the more poignant by its authenticity. Bravo!" --Tea Cooper, award-winning and bestselling author of The Cartographer's Secret
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780785252177 |
PRICE | $26.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 368 |
Featured Reviews

A beautiful, touching story that stands out among the many books on the subject of World War II that I have read so far.
Beautifully written, informative, full of interesting historical facts and tragic human stories that are so easy to identify with.
Strong characters and excellent constuction of the plot. Definitely recommended.

Unbelievable book! I am a big fan of Escobar, and I appreciate the way he writes such gripping historical fiction books. I know his books are so important, as he presents aspects of history we must learn from and never forget. This story was unbelievably moving, and in typical Escobar fashion, I was underlining so many of his memorable quotes. Thank you for the opportunity to read and to review this!

Loved this book. This is a Page turner. keeps you on edge. definitely recommend. Will look into other books by this author.

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harpermusebooks for the review copy of The Teacher of Warsaw by Mario Escobar.
If you could undo the death of a fictional character who would that character be?
In 1939, Janusz Korczak is sixty years old and is a well-known author and children’s advocate in Warsaw, Poland. He runs a large Jewish orphanage and is a widely respected man. As the Germans take over, Korczak tries his best to keep his children fed, but will he be able to keep them safe through the war?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This was my second Mario Escobar read in June and it was another heartfelt historical fiction novel set during WWII. I really enjoyed both books and I am ready to read more.
• Korczak was a great man and was so compassionate. He had many times when he could have escaped and saved himself, but he stayed to help the children. Much of the book was him trying to find any way that he could to survive and help the kids to thrive in desperate times.
• The story is primarily told through a journal that is said to have been found that Korczak had kept. This part of the story was put together using a short real diary that Korczak did keep in 1942 along with other facts from that time.
• The description of the Ghetto was horrifying as people starved and turned desperate.
• The ending of this story is seared into my mind.
• The end of the novel has great historical information about the real Janusz Korczak as well as references, and discussion questions. This would make a great book club read.
Favorite Quotes:
“The Teacher of Warsaw is much more than a story about the life of Janusz Korczak and his orphanage. It is the memory of those who, at the some of the world’s darkest moments, when evil’s grip on Europe seemed eternal, fought to turn the hellish Warsaw ghetto into a dignified, inhabitable place.” – from the author’s note
“Everything happens for a reason. Even the greatest misfortunes can become the sweetest blessings.”
“The best lesson we can ever teach is to show love to those around us without expecting anything in return.”
“They were taking away the only noble, beautiful thing each of us has: Our compassion and mercy. When anything goes, nothing is worth it anymore.”
“How is the value of a human life to be measured? Did culture or status make one person more valuable than a beggar child or an illiterate woman?”
Overall, The Teacher of Warsaw by Mario Escobar is a historical fiction WWII story that I will not forget. Janusz Korczak lived during some of the darkest times in history in the Warsaw Ghetto, but he kept his humanity and compassion and was with his orphans until the very end. If you love WWII historical fiction, you must read this novel.
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