The Champion of Children
The Story of Janusz Korczak
by Tomasz Bogacki
Macmillan 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and persecution
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Genre
Themes
- compassion
- courage
- children’s rights
- leadership
- resilience
- war and persecution
- community
- social justice
About this book
This picture-book biography introduces Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish doctor, writer, and educator who devoted his life to championing children’s rights. Gentle, expressive art and clear text follow his work founding a progressive orphanage and guiding his students with dignity and love. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book highlights compassion, moral courage, and the power of standing up for children. Ideal for upper elementary readers studying biographies, history, or character education.
Setting: Warsaw, Poland; early 1900s through World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Champion of Children right for my child?
Yes — The Champion of Children is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include compassion, courage, children’s rights.
How long does it take to read The Champion of Children?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Champion of Children takes around 15m to finish. The book has 2,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Champion of Children have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Champion of Children has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Champion of Children?
The Champion of Children has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.