Always
It's 15 years since readers were first introduced to Felix in Once and, across six celebrated books, our brave young hero has survived many unforgettable and emotional journeys. 2020 sees the publication of the seventh and final part of Felix's story, bringing to a powerful climax a series that countless young readers around the world will remember - Always.
Late in life, Felix finds himself back where he started, living in an aged-care home that reminds him of his childhood orphanage. He's not happy. His body might be old, but his spirit is still youthful. When he learns that a dear friend from his early years is in terrible danger, Felix doesn't hesitate. He makes his second orphanage escape, goes back to Poland and throws himself into a daring and dangerous journey with a new young friend. Felix knows it might be the end of him, but he hopes it will allow him to do something first. Make a gift to the children of the world that will help them always.
About the Once Series
Books in series order
Reading age: 12+ years
This series should be read in order.
Felix, a Jewish boy in Poland in 1942, is hiding from the Nazis in a Catholic orphanage. The only problem is that he doesn't know anything about the war, and thinks he's only in the orphanage while his parents travel and try to salvage their bookselling business. And when he thinks his parents are in danger, Felix sets off to warn them - straight into the heart of Nazi-occupied Poland.
To Felix, everything is a story: Why did he get a whole carrot in his soup? It must be sign that his parents are coming to get him. Why are the Nazis burning books? They must be foreign librarians sent to clean out the orphanage's outdated library. But as Felix's journey gets increasingly dangerous, he begins to see horrors that not even stories can explain. Despite his grim surroundings, Felix never loses hope. Morris Gleitzman takes a painful subject and expertly turns it into a story filled with love, friendship, and even humour, in a series which will enthrall children and engage them in an aspect of history which has often been considered too sensitive for them to understand.