Once

by Morris Gleitzman
Once cover
Good Books rating 4.83
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 847
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781742284897
  • Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
  • Published: 2005-08-01
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £7.99
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Format • £5.69

Once is the powerful and moving story of Felix, a young boy who escapes an orphanage during the Holocaust to find his parents. Told with a unique blend of humor and heart, this novel offers a poignant perspective on one of history's darkest chapters. Felix's resilience and hope shine through as he navigates the dangers and desperation of his circumstances, making this a story that is both haunting and uplifting. The book has been widely acclaimed, winning numerous awards and receiving starred reviews for its brilliant realism and poignant storytelling.

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.

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