In the book Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery, the writer Jeanette Winterson discusses how reading literature can be exciting and confronting precisely because it is constantly changing us and challenging our hold on things. For Winterson, placing readers in situations out of their normal experience, is important. She encourages us to read ‘widely and boldly’. By reading widely and boldly, Winterson claims we will inhabit an ‘energetic space’ where we will continually and creatively rethink our lives in the light of literature’s grappling with the human condition.

An ‘energetic space’ is most certainly created by Morris Gleitzman in his 7-part Felix series. Gleitzman’s narratives challenge young readers to inhabit worlds which deal with the impact of war, bullying, natural disasters and loss. They also invite readers to powerfully explore experiences of love, courage, resilience, and hope. The series covers over seventy years and alters settings from war-torn Europe to bushfire-ridden Australia. The epigraph to the final book in the series, Always, reads: ‘For all the children who have now grown old but are still young.’ The opening line of this final story is ‘Always stay hopeful.’

My grandson has read the first three books in the series, Once, Then, and Now. When I asked him about his reading experience, his first comment was in reference to the ‘dark’ and ‘light’ moments of each of the stories. He said he enjoyed being drawn into the happy and sad aspects of Felix’s early life and the opportunity this gave him to encounter a range of interesting and complex characters. ‘One thing I like about these books is how diverse the characters actually are. Felix is quiet and shy and a bit of a daydreamer. Zelda is loud and passionate and a bit annoying.’ He particularly liked the third book in the series. ‘This book is a lot lighter than the previous ones. However, when the bushfires threaten, the mood changes quickly to fear, sadness and despair.’ He found it especially intriguing to meet Felix as an eighty-year-old man. ‘He hasn’t changed a bit. He is still the same 10-year-old boy we met at the beginning.’

The following words are two students’ responses to Morris Gleitzman’s works – one Year 9, and the other, Year 12.

Felix’s journey of survival in the Morris Gleitzman series can only be described as a captivating and gripping literary experience. I thoroughly enjoyed Felix’s persevering nature which was strengthened by his courage and storytelling talents. Heartache and concern for the characters grew significantly as Gleitzman's writing had me hooked. I felt attached to the stories of the many personalities who were forced to endure the obstacles of war and loss of loved ones, while still managing to form new relationships and connections. The author's ability to capture the horror and dangers of being a Jewish person during World War II was truly special. Once and the six other novels of the series are insightful pieces that are perfectly suited for teenagers as well as adults as the author openly covers the horrifying consequences of a conflict powered by intense racism. Without giving too much away, I must say that these books are tear-jerkers that had me engaged all the way. These powerful stories provide an emotional, exciting, educational and reflective experience that should be shared with everyone. Jessica McMillan

Once was the book that reignited my passion for reading. Whilst it was an easy read, demonstrating simple qualities of childhood innocence and friendship, there were themes that were much more complex that really resonated with me, such as loss and grief. This book and its accompanying series were really intriguing in narrating the horrific events of the Holocaust through the first-person lens of a child. It was the first time I had really felt emotionally attached to a story, riding along with the fear, suspense, and tragedy of the books. Once is a really great book for teenagers to either discover or rediscover their passion for reading, or another great read for an established reader. Jack Miller

Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach