The Janusz Korczak Association of Canada is pleased to announce the publication of Looking at the Sky, a new graphic novel by Amanda West Lewis, illustrated by Abigail Rajunov.
Looking at the Sky is a graphic novel inspired by the pre–World War II Warsaw orphanage run by children’s rights advocate Dr. Janusz Korczak.
It’s 1923 in Warsaw. Seven-year-old Izaak’s parents have died, and his older sisters can’t care for him. So, Izaak goes to live in a Jewish orphanage run by Janusz Korczak, a prominent doctor and writer. Izaak is unhappy about leaving home, and he misses his sisters. But now he has enough to eat. He goes to school for the first time. Dr. Korczak’s unconventional ideas about children’s rights slowly open his eyes to his own worth and his life’s future possibilities. The novel brings to life an important piece of pre-war Polish Jewish history. It also pays tribute to the inspiring Janusz Korczak, a renowned writer and thinker whose advocacy for children’s rights was influential around the world.
About Author:
Amanda West Lewis is an acclaimed Canadian author, theatre director, and founder of the Ottawa Children’s Theatre, known for her thoughtful and historically grounded books for young readers. In this moving new work, she brings to life the world of Dr. Janusz Korczak and the Warsaw orphanage through the eyes of a young boy named Izaak. Combining historical depth with powerful visual storytelling, the book introduces young readers to Korczak’s pioneering vision of children’s rights, dignity, participation, and respect.
The book is also available for purchase at following Amazon sites: