Once

by Morris Gleitzman
Once cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Historical Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 847
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781742284897
  • Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
  • Published: 2005-08-01
  • Formats: 47
  • Reviews: 4

Once is the powerful and moving story of Felix, a young boy who escapes from an orphanage during the Holocaust, determined to find his parents. Along the way, he encounters danger, despair, and moments of unexpected hope, all while trying to make sense of the world around him. Told with a unique blend of humor and heart, this book offers a poignant perspective on one of history's darkest chapters, highlighting the resilience and courage of its young protagonist. The book has garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards and receiving starred reviews for its poignant storytelling and brilliant realism. It is the first in a series that continues Felix's journey through the war and its aftermath.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-09-20
inspiring 5.00

The story reveals the redemptive power of stories and the potential for humanity and hope even in the most tragic times. The language is simple yet powerful, making it a deeply moving read.

The reviewer highlighted how the book effectively uses simple yet powerful language to convey the redemptive power of stories. They appreciated the way the narrative reveals the potential for humanity and hope even in the most tragic times, making it a deeply moving and inspiring read. The reviewer also noted that the book's ability to balance simplicity with depth makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, particularly children.

Quick quotes

    Told in simple yet powerful language, his story reveals the redemptive power of stories and the potential for humanity and hope even in the most tragic times.

    The narrative effectively balances simplicity with depth.

    The book is a deeply moving and inspiring read.

Prose Amongst Thorns · 2020-04-12
beautiful 5.00

The Once series is a beautiful collection of short novels that manage to be both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It is children's literature done right, with a perfect balance of emotion and storytelling.

The reviewer praised the Once series as a beautiful collection of short novels that skillfully balance heart-wrenching moments with hope. They noted that the series is a prime example of children's literature done right, with a perfect balance of emotion and storytelling. The reviewer also appreciated how the series manages to convey complex themes in a way that is accessible and impactful for young readers.

Quick quotes

    This is children's literature done right.

    The series manages to be both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

    The perfect balance of emotion and storytelling makes it a standout.

Hannah's Bookshelf · 2018-10-10
profound 4.50

The book's portrayal of innocence in the face of horror is beautifully executed, highlighting the stark contrast between a child's perspective and the brutal reality of war. The emotional impact is profound and leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer was deeply moved by the way the author captures the innocence and naivety of the young protagonist, Felix, as he navigates the horrors of the Holocaust. They appreciated how the book successfully portrays the stark contrast between a child's perspective and the brutal reality of war, making the emotional impact all the more profound. The reviewer also noted how the book's simple yet powerful language enhances the storytelling, making it accessible yet deeply affecting.

Quick quotes

    It was so well written and the author was successfully able to show how naivety and innocence cannot last in such an awful environment.

    The emotional impact is profound and leaves a lasting impression.

    The book's simple yet powerful language enhances the storytelling.

The Guardian · 2009-08-21
moving 4.00

The book opens with a memorable scene that immediately draws the reader in, and the story is told with a simplicity that belies its emotional depth.

The reviewer was struck by the opening scene, which they compared to the iconic gruel scene in Oliver Twist, highlighting its effectiveness in setting the tone for the rest of the book. They praised the author's ability to tell a complex and emotionally charged story through the eyes of a young boy, making it accessible yet profound. The reviewer found the book to be a moving exploration of hope and humanity in the face of adversity, with a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Morris Gleitzman's novella opens with the most memorable gruel scene in literature since Oliver Twist.

    Ten-year-old Felix is a Jewish boy whose story is told with a simplicity that belies its emotional depth.

    A moving exploration of hope and humanity in the face of adversity.

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