Once
by Morris Gleitzman
Felix has lived in a Catholic orphanage for over three years but always expects his Jewish bookseller parents to come for him soon. Alarmed by the sight of what he assumes are official 'librarians' burning Jewish books in the orphanage, he sets off in search of his parents to warn them of this danger.
On his travels Felix uses his natural optimism and storytelling gift to explain away the horrific events he witnesses in Nazi occupied Poland. His stories bring hope to the children of a ghetto and ultimately comfort to them on their final train journey.
Gleitzman is gifted in bringing heart and humour to characters in difficult situations. His excellent depiction of the redemptive power of stories, creates some uplifting moments of humanity and hope, in this sad, deeply moving, portrayal of the holocaust.
Publisher: Puffin
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Morris Gleitzman
Morris was born in 1953 in Sleaford in Lincolnshire. His family moved south to the London suburbs when he was two. Then, in 1969, when he was a teenager, they emigrated to Australia. It was a big change and the shock was so great Morris stopped reading books for nearly a year. Though when he started again he found he wanted to write as well.
Beginning his literary career as a promotions writer, Morris was soon writing comedy scripts for the top rated Norman Gunston Show. His first novel for children – The Other Facts of Life – was published in 1985, followed by the hugely successful Two Weeks with the Queen for which he won the Children’s Book Award. He is a bestselling author of more than 27 books for children. From the humour of Bumface and the Toad series to the poignancy of Boy Overboard and Girl Underground, Morris’ stories have a struck a chord with young readers in over twenty countries.
Morris says ‘I’m interested in exploring a heroism that’s about perseverance, not escaping or denial or bitterness or bigotry. It’s the heroism of staying optimistic and continuing to struggle. Heroism for me is striving to overcome problems in the knowledge they will never be overcome.’
Morris Gleitzman, photo: Tim Keefe
