After

Morris Gleitzman's novels for teenagers, Once, Then and Now, recounted the story of Felix, a young Jewish boy from Poland, who survived the terrors of the holocaust to eventually arrive in Australia. The fourth novel, After, is set at the end of the Second World War. Felix is now 13 and has been looked after by Gabriek for two years, hidden in a hole beneath the barn. When the farmhouse is destroyed by the Nazis Felix and Gabriek join the partisans who operate from the nearby forest. The story follows their existence in this new environment and also describes events that occur towards the end of the war as the Nazis realise that defeat is near.

These books are works of fiction but are based on events that occurred during World War II. On his website Morris Gleitzman includes information providing a background to the writing of the novels and also references for further reading - Once, Then Now - the real life stories.

Then and Now

Two books forming the sequel to Morris Gleitzman's book written for children about the Second World War, Once.

Then continues the story of Felix and Zelda attempting to find a safe place to stay to keep out of site of the Nazis. When Genia offers them shelter she is pacing her life in danger too.

Now is set in Australia and focuses on Felix's grand-daughter, also named Zelda, as she uncovers the story of her grandfather's life during the war and also comes to terms with her own problems.

These thought provoking books provide teenagers and adult readers with a greater understanding of the horrors faced by displaced people during war and also poses questions as to what is really valuable in this life.

Once

1942 in an orphanage in Poland. Felix believes that he has been left there by his parents, Jewish booksellers, while they sort out some problems - they will return for him. Realising that all is not well and his parents are in danger, Felix escapes from the orphanage to locate and warn his parents.

The book traces the journey of Felix in his search and the people that he meets including Zelda and Barney. Through his observations and encounters of Nazi occupation of his country he gradually realises the truth and the dangers that surround him.

Felix and Zelda's story continues in the books, Then and Now, which I have not yet read.

In these books written for children, Morris Gleitzman, through the eyes of Felix, portrays the horror of life in Nazi occupied Europe during the Second World War