Book description
My name is Felix. This is my story.
Felix has been living in an orphanage for three years and eight months when the men in armbands arrive to burn the books.
Going on the run in search of his parents, Felix soon learns that Poland in 1942 is not a…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Once as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Felix and Zelda have the purest, most joyful, and endearing childhood friendship… set against a horrific time in human history, the Holocaust.
I read this series out aloud to my boys (ages 9 to 12). I wanted to let them learn the history in a way that was age appropriate. Gleitzman delivers spectacularly!
This book doesn’t gloss over anything. It’s all there on the page to interpret. The children in the story are sometimes naively unaware of what some of their observations and experiences mean, making it so powerful to read as an adult—and a great conversation starter for kids.…
From Emma's list on unforgettable characters who stay with you.
A riveting read. Ten-year-old Felix Salinger is Jewish and living in a Catholic orphanage in Poland as war rages in Europe. His parents tell him they’ve put him there to keep him safe while they attend to their book-selling business. But when the Nazis come to the orphanage, remove books from the library, and burn them, Felix becomes worried about his parents and sets out to find them. Although he makes friends along the way, including Barney (the man who will help to save his life), his journey is fraught with real danger as he learns the terrible truth about…
From Nancy's list on historical middle grade exceptional child heroes.
If you love Once...
Cinderelliot
A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.
Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings…
Want books like Once?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Once.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,340
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Once, you might also like...
Brigitta of the White Forest
For those who enjoy fantasy adventure, the Faerie Tales from the White Forest series offers a new twist on the traditional faerie tales so loved by young readers.
From devastating curses to death-defying quests, Brigitta and her growing collective of misfit friends face greater and greater challenges when destiny calls…
Zara the Zebu
Zeni lives in the Flint Hills of Southeast Kansas. This tale begins with her dream of befriending a miniature zebu calf coming true and follows Zeni as she works to befriend Zara. Enjoy full-color illustrations and a story filled with whimsy and plenty of opportunity for discussions around the perspectives…
