Once

Published on 10 April 2025 at 12:10

Once

🪦📚🕊️🙏🏼

by Morris Gleitzman

★★★★★

Review

I first discovered Once while looking for books to help teach about World War II. It’s a short read, so I decided to give it a try—and I’m so glad I did! I ended up reading all six books in the series without picking up anything else in between. This story has a special place in my heart, and I believe it’s an important read for anyone learning about World War II, Hitler, or the experiences of Jewish people during the war.

What makes Once so powerful is its simple yet emotional storytelling. Written from Felix’s perspective, the language is accessible to many readers, but the content is deeply moving. The story includes difficult themes like death, abuse, and war, which may be upsetting for younger readers.

I adored the characters, but what stood out most was Felix’s honesty and resilience. His journey had me hooked, keeping me on edge as I desperately hoped he would find safety. The book is heartbreaking, but it’s also filled with moments of hope and bravery.

I couldn’t put this book down, and I know I’ll be reading the entire series again. I highly recommend Once for readers in Year 5 and above. However, some of the later books become even more intense, so they should be considered carefully before sharing with younger readers.

This is a must-read, and now that I’ve finished, I have a Felix-sized hole in my heart that won’t be filled anytime soon!

Dive Deeper

At a glance

Author: Morris Gleitzman

Cover artist: various

Release Date: 23rd February 2006

Book type: Short chapter, 160 pages

Reader level: Confident reader (9+, sensitive content), Shared read 10+

Blurb

The book follows Felix, a young Jewish orphan living in Poland. When he leaves his orphanage to search for his parents, who own a bookshop, he begins to discover the terrifying truth about the Nazi regime. As he travels, he meets kind strangers who risk everything to protect him, but even kindness isn’t always enough to keep him safe. Felix soon finds himself on the run, facing dangers no child should ever have to endure.