The Justice Hunter is an inspiring picture book based on the life of David Matas, a real-life human rights hero who has dedicated his life to defending justice and protecting those in need.
Through vivid storytelling and engaging illustrations, young readers are introduced to David’s courageous journey and the incredible impact of his work around the world.
The Justice Hunter is written by Canadian author, educator, and filmmaker Yolanda Papini-Pollock. Inspired by her own background as the child of a Holocaust survivor and a refugee, Yolanda has dedicated the past nine years to creating films that highlight the ongoing struggle against oppression.
Author and filmmaker Yolanda Papini-Pollock.
This powerful story of The Justice Hunter encourages children to believe in the strength of one person’s voice and inspires them to consider how they, too, can stand up for what is right.
In this special Q&A, Yolanda shares with us her inspiring journey of writing The Justice Hunter picture book and directing the film by the same name.
1. Tell me about your journey of writing The Justice Hunter.
The journey began years ago, with a powerful moment when I first heard David Matas speak out against antisemitism. As he spoke, I was drawn to his unwavering commitment to human rights. Our connection deepened when I interviewed him for a film I produced, Painful Truth: The Falun Gong Genocide.
I was captivated by his tireless pursuit of justice and his readiness to confront the darkest issues with honesty and courage. David's journey became, for me, a beacon of hope and resilience in a world often reluctant to face uncomfortable truths.
Recently, when I was asked to produce a tribute film to honor his life's work, I gained an even deeper appreciation of his remarkable impact. The more I learned, the more certain I became that David’s story needed to reach young readers as well. I envisioned a picture book that could translate his complex and courageous life into a story that children could connect with—a story that would inspire them to consider the power of standing up for others.
The Justice Hunter picture book is more than a tribute. It’s an invitation to young people to see that one person, with courage and conviction, can fight injustice. I hope David's story will inspire children to ask questions, seek the truth, and believe that they, too, can be forces for good in the world.
2. What inspires you the most about David Matas and his life?
What inspires me most about David Matas is his unbreakable commitment to justice and his fearlessness in confronting the hardest truths. David has spent his life standing up for the vulnerable, regardless of the risks or the obstacles. His pursuit of truth is relentless—he doesn’t turn away from dark, complex issues but instead dives in, determined to expose injustice and protect human rights.
Watching him work and seeing his genuine dedication to making a difference in the world, has shown me what it truly means to live with integrity and purpose. David’s life is an incredible reminder that one person’s courage and commitment can spark change and inspire countless others.
3. What do you wish to tell young readers with this story?
I hope to show young readers the power of standing up for what's right, even when it’s difficult. Through David Matas’s journey, I want them to see that one person’s courage and commitment can truly make a difference in the world.
I hope to inspire them to be curious, to seek truth, and to believe that their voices matter. Ultimately, I want young readers to understand that justice is something we all have a role in shaping, and that they, too, have the potential to be changemakers.
4. What kind of feedback have you received from children and their families?
The feedback from children and their families has been incredibly encouraging. Many parents have shared that the story opened up important conversations at home about justice, courage, and empathy—topics they hadn’t thought their children were ready to discuss yet. Kids seem captivated by David Matas’s story, often asking thoughtful questions about what it means to stand up for others and why some people dedicate their lives to fighting injustice.
Interestingly, even parents have felt inspired to stand up for what’s right. Some have shared that they’re now researching the issues touched upon in the book to better understand them, as the story intentionally doesn’t delve too deeply into certain topics to keep it age-appropriate and approachable for young readers.
Hearing these responses has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire families as a whole. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see both children and parents gain a new awareness about the impact one person can make by standing up for justice.
Buy The Justice Hunter picture book here.
Watch The Justice Hunter film here.
Author and filmmaker Yolanda Papini-Pollock with
human rights lawyer David Matas.
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