Update V: The only historical figure mentioned by name in the film

Janusz Korczak (born Henryk Goldszmit) is the only historical figure mentioned by name in Milkweed. He was an author, a medical doctor and the founder of progressive children's orphanages. The children in these orphanages had their own parliament, their own newspaper, and individualized care. Some of these unique elements can be found in a children's book Korczak published called 'King Matt The First' in which a young prince becomes orphaned, and upon inheriting the throne he maneuvers his way through the idiosyncrasies of the adult world to try and become what he thinks a king/(adult) should be. It is a beautiful thought that Korczak brought his own stories to life to the great benefit of many in his orphanages. So too, Jerry Spinelli continued Korczak's legacy in Milkweed, a story that pays tribute to the same great spirit and strength of children. A story within a story within a story...During the German occupation, Korczak had been offered sanctuary on the "Aryan side" by a Polish underground organization, but turned it down repeatedly, saying that he could not abandon his children. On August 5th, 1942, he again refused offers of sanctuary, insisting that he would go with the children, asserting his belief: "You do not leave a sick child in the night, and you do not leave children at a time like this".