Last week’s Literacy Links discussed Morris Gleitzman’s Felix series which most certainly validates Stephen King’s description of books as ‘a uniquely portable magic.’ Beginning with the 2005 publication of the novel Once, and ending with the seventh book Always, published in 2021, this engaging and raw series has enormous appeal for young people. In a culture where reading anything beyond a few words at a time is rare, I was heartened to see an enthusiastic response from the English classes I visited last week when I mentioned Gleitzman’s books. From Year 7 through to Year 12, students enthusiastically shared their memories of Felix and his journey of discovery – a discovery characterised by love, loss, and learning.

Once powerfully explores ideas of relationships, resilience and human connection. In a story which traces Felix’s quest to find his parents and search for understanding in a world full of racism, abuse of power and violence, his belief in himself and others rarely diminishes. The story is set in 1942 with Felix living in a Polish orphanage. He thinks his parents have placed him there while they sort out their ‘troubles.’ Felix is aware that things have become ‘difficult for Jewish booksellers’ but is not sure why. One thing he is certain of is that he will return to his happy old life one day, with his books and his parents – once they either come for him or once he finds them. Experience eventually brings about the end of Felix’s innocence in the most brutal of ways.

Throughout the novel, Felix’s talents as a storyteller highlight the humour, courage and determination this young character draws upon to help himself and support those around him. Felix is a constant reminder of the power of the imagination. Books, stories and Felix’s own special notebook are integral to his life and serve as symbolic links in many parts of Gleitzman’s novel. During his journey, Felix forms an intense friendship with Zelda, a young girl he rescues in a devastating scene where her parents are killed. He is also rescued at a later stage by a character called Barney, a mysterious adult Felix comes to know and appreciate very deeply. Despite the impact and implications of events Felix has lived through – death camps, hatred towards Jewish people, Adolf Hitler, enforced labour, the separation of families – these experiences are filtered through Felix’s resilience and optimism, allowing readers to understand his journey of discovery in an engaging and hope-filled way.

The British writer Mark Haddon describes reading as a ‘conversation’. He says that ‘All books talk. But a good book listens as well.’ Morris Gleitzman’s novel Once is one such book. The author’s poignant dedication which opens the novel – ‘For all the children whose stories have never been told’ – continues to resonate today.

Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach