The Teacher of Warsaw

Written by Mario Escobar

Narrated by Zach Hoffman

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.

Praise for The Teacher of Warsaw:

“Through meticulous research and with wisdom and care, Mario Escobar brings to life a heartbreaking story of love and extraordinary courage. I want everyone I know to read this book.” —Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Orphan

“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

• World War II historical fiction inspired by true events
• Book length: 83,000 words
• Also by author: Auschwitz Lullaby, Children of the Stars, Remember Me, The Librarian of Saint-Malo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harper Muse
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9780785252207

Mario Escobar

Mario Escobar, novelista, historiador y colaborador habitual de National Geographic Historia, ha dedicado su vida a la investigación de los grandes conflictos humanos. Sus libros han sido traducidos a más de doce idiomas, convirtiéndose en bestsellers en países como los Estados Unidos, Brasil, China, Rusia, Italia, México, Argentina y Japón. Es el autor más vendido en formato digital en español en Amazon.

Reviews for The Teacher of Warsaw

[Mandy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story was filled with details of life in the Warsaw Ghetto. So the story line was intense. The character developments were so enjoyable though. The dr/teacher was such a solid character, and he attracted similar others in this book. I think I enjoyed the characters the most, as usual. However, I also appreciated the details of the land and surroundings.

There's nothing too horrifically dragged out for those adults sensitive to violence. I am, and yet this story was doable for me. It is not gloss. It's a Jewish Ghetto in WWII. There will be challenging and reflective times.

For anyone that loves a child and has been through a very challenging time, I'd imagine this book could resonate.

I loved the Audiobook, though it might've taken a chapter to get used to the narration. I can't remember now honestly. So basically, that part should be manageable if it feels different at first.

[Amy Webster · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While this was a fictionalized account, it introduced me to Janusz Korczak and the orphans he loved and protected throughout the time of the Nazi occupation of Poland. While Korczak was offered several times to escape, he refused because the children in his care were precious to him. I learned about this hero through this book and admire him for his bravery and love for the children in his care. While this is a dark time in history, people like Dr Korczak are bright lights in the face of evil.

[Becki Basley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A bittersweet based on a man that actually lived in the Warsaw ghetto during WWII. Who loved his orphans so much. He died with them than see them die alone.

[Marie Sontag · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was familiar with the Warsaw uprising of 1944, but not well acquainted with life in the Jewish ghetto The story, although historical fiction, is based on facts. It is very well written. I listened to the audio. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, and he did a great job with the various accents. I highly recommend the book

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mario Escobar has once again written a moving story of children's lives upended by war. The story, though a work of fiction, is largely based on real life pediatrician and teacher Janusz Korczak during his time running an orphanage for Jewish children in occupied Warsaw, Poland. The author's note at the end of the book is extremely helpful in sorting fact from fiction, and this book has a healthy dose of fact. The book also has a healthy dose of insight into humanity, insight that remains true for our current national and world experiences. Escobar's writing style is at once simple and complex, enlightening and depressing, entertaining and educational, but mostly it is empowering. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Teacher of Warsaw from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[janarose1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Janusz Korczak spent his entire life looking after children and giving them the best opportunities possible. As an orphanage director in Warsaw, when the Nazi's invaded, he selflessly continued to look after his children.. Despite lack of resources and the continuous threat of death he stayed by the children until the end.I admire Janusz and consider him a hero. However, I did not enjoy this book. It rambled all over the place and spent more time on philosophy rather than what was going on in the ghetto. Despite its subject matter, this is not a book I would reread or recommend.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Nazis have moved all the Polish Jews to the ghetto, including all the children in Janusz Korczak’s orphanage. Everyone’s life has changed. There is little or no food. Every day is a struggle to survive.Janusz Korczak battles day in and day out to find enough food, medicine and clothing for all the children in his care. The atrocities of the Nazis and the deaths he witnesses every day are almost too much to handle. But, he never gives up!This is a story which will break your heart. But, it is also a story which will show you about the love, hope and strength one person can have on others. Dr. Korczak saved so many but he could not save everyone. But, he is determined. This is a novel I will not soon forget. It is so beautifully written and well researched. I love that it is based on a real life hero.Need a fantastic historical fiction you will be thinking about for days after…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.