About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to explore the profound concepts of moral courage and resilience during the most difficult periods of history. Following the events of Once, this story continues the journey of Felix and Zelda as they navigate a world where safety is a luxury and kindness can be a death sentence. It is an essential choice for children starting to ask big questions about human nature, sacrifice, and what it means to be a hero when you are small and vulnerable. While the setting is the Holocaust, the emotional core focuses on the power of chosen family and the difficult choices people make to protect those they love. It provides a deeply empathetic lens through which 10 to 14 year olds can process complex historical truths while feeling anchored by the protagonists' unbreakable bond.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: This book contains visceral depictions of wartime cruelty. Specifically, there is a scene involving the public execution of a family and a moment where a character is forced to witness the death of a beloved protector. The threat of discovery is constant and high-stakes, which may be intense for sensitive readers. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Holocaust, specifically the role of 'Righteous Among the Nations' (like Genia) and the reality of local collaborators. You may need to explain the systemic antisemitism of the Nazi regime that forced Jewish children into hiding for their survival and the life-or-death risks taken by those who helped them.
Ideal Reader
A middle schooler who is interested in history and has the emotional maturity to handle a story where not everyone gets a happy ending. It is perfect for a child who values loyalty and wants to understand the strength found in friendship.
Parent Prep
It is highly recommended to read 'Once' first. Parents should be aware of the ending of this volume, which involves a significant loss, and may want to pre-read the final chapters to support their child through the grief. A parent might reach for this if their child has expressed interest in 'The Diary of Anne Frank' or is asking about the persecution of Jewish people and other marginalized groups during WWII.
Age Experience
A 10-year-old will focus on the survival adventure and the bond between Felix and Zelda. A 14-year-old will better grasp the moral complexity of the adults' choices and the weight of the historical tragedy.
What Makes It Special
Gleitzman uses a deceptively simple, childlike narrative voice to process unimaginably complex events, making the history feel personal and immediate rather than abstract.
Read plot summary
Picking up immediately after their escape from a train headed to a death camp, Felix and Zelda are taken in by Genia, a brave woman who hides them on her farm. They must take on new identities and navigate the constant threat of discovery by Nazi soldiers and local collaborators. The story follows their struggle to maintain hope and identity while witnessing the escalating horrors of the war around them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Genia risks everything to hide Felix and Zelda. Why do you think some people chose to help, while others chose to turn people in for rewards?
2
Felix believes his stories can help Zelda. How does storytelling act as a shield for them during such a scary time?
3
At one point, Felix has to make a choice to leave Zelda to keep her safe. Do you agree with his decision? Why or why not?
4
How do Felix and Zelda change from the beginning of the book to the end as they face these challenges?
