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  • Published: 1 August 2005
  • ISBN: 9780143301950
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $24.00

Once




The gripping first instalment in Morris Gleitzman's multi-award-winning Felix series, followed by Then, After, Soon, Maybe, Now and Always.

Winner - Australian Book Industry Awards 2011
Winner - YABBA Children's Choice Awards 2007
Winner - KOALA Children's Choice Awards 2007
Honour Award - CBC Book of the Year 2006
Honour Award - Sydney Taylor (Jewish) Award 2011

Haunting... dangerous and desperate, but also full of courage and hope.' The Guardian


Once I escaped from an orphanage to find my Mum and Dad.
Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house.
Once I made a Nazi with toothache laugh.
My name is Felix.
This is my story.

The powerful and moving story of a young boy named Felix who, during the Holocaust, tries to survive and make sense of the world around him. Told with humour and heart, this book offers a unique perspective on one of the darkest chapters in human history and serves as a reminder of the resilience and hope that can be found even in the most dire of circumstances.

'Tension builds swiftly in this wrenching tale . . . poignant.'
Publishers Weekly, starred review

'Extols the power of storytelling in the face of tragedy.'
The Horn Book, starred review

'Brilliant in its realism.'
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Other books in the series:
Once
Then
Now
After

Soon
Maybe
Always

  • Published: 1 August 2005
  • ISBN: 9780143301950
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $24.00

About the author

Morris Gleitzman

Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was sixteen. After university he worked for ten years as a screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 43 books, he’s one of Australia’s most popular authors. He was appointed the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018–2019.

Also by Morris Gleitzman

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Awards & recognition

BILBY Children's Choice Awards

Shortlisted  •  2006  •  Fiction for Older Readers

REAL Children's Choice Awards

Shortlisted  •  2006  •  Fiction for Older Readers

KOALA Children's Choice Awards

Winner  •  2007  •  Fiction for Years 7–9

YABBA Children's Choice Awards

Winner  •  2007  •  Prize for Writing for Young Adults

Andersen Award (Italy)

Shortlisted  •  2010  •  Best Book for Readers 9–12

German Youth Literature Prize

Nominated  •  2010  •  Teenage Readers

Australian Book Industry Awards

Winner  •  2011  •  International Success Award

Sydney Taylor (Jewish) Award

Honour Award  •  2011  •  Teenage Readers

BILBY Children's Choice Awards

Shortlisted  •  2011  •  Older Readers

US Board on Books for Young People

On selection list  •  2011  •  Grades 6–8

Discover more

Article
Which Morris Gleitzman Book Should You Read Next?

Which Morris Gleitzman Book Should You Read Next?