Once Series by Morris Gleitzman 4 Books Collection Set - Ages 9 to 12 - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Once
Now
Then
After

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780141324821

Overview:
Dive into the Once Series four-book collection by Morris Gleitzman, a powerful quartet that follows Felix, a Jewish boy navigating the perilous years of World War II in Nazi-occupied Poland. This brand-new paperback set brings together Once, Now, Then and After in a single, immersive reading journey, ideal for home libraries, classroom packs, and thoughtful gift-giving. Gleitzman’s voice—frank, compassionate, and often laced with wry, boyish humor—makes heavy historical themes accessible to confident middle-grade readers while inviting older readers to revisit the past with fresh empathy. The series chronicles courage, loyalty, and the fragile thread between right and wrong, seen through the eyes of a boy who refuses to surrender hope. Whether you’re a parent seeking meaningful shared reading, a teacher building a compelling historical unit, or a reader who loves character-driven, morally complex stories, this complete collection offers a cohesive, emotionally charged experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This four-book arc is crafted to be read as a continuous, emotionally resonant journey. Felix’s evolving worldview—from innocence tested by unimaginable danger to a hard-won sense of responsibility—allows readers to witness history through the intimate lens of childhood. The collection’s strength lies in its consistent voice, its shift from curiosity and humor to grave concern and courage, and its ability to spark vital conversations about empathy, choice, and the cost of survival. With recurring characters and expanding moral dilemmas, the set rewards readers who crave depth, nuance, and a narrative that stays with you long after the last page is turned. It’s also a thoughtful gift for families and classrooms looking to engage with historical fiction that balances accessibility with serious themes, all while delivering a standout, binge-worthy reading experience.

Books Included in This Collection:
Once
Felix, a Jewish orphan living in Nazi-occupied Poland, narrates a gripping tale of survival seen through a child’s unflinching and hopeful perspective. The book blends stark historical reality with a frank, age-appropriate voice, inviting readers to explore questions of loyalty, friendship, and what it means to stay human in dehumanizing times. It sets the stage for the quartet’s emotional arc, establishing a tone that is at once intimate and brave, perfect for readers stepping into historical fiction for the first time or returning to it with a more nuanced eye as they grow older.

Now
Now continues Felix’s journey, deepening the moral complexity of his choices amid war’s upheaval. The narrative maintains the series’ distinctive blend of accessibility and gravity, challenging readers to weigh acts of kindness against the harsh realities surrounding them. This installment keeps the momentum, offering new dangers, new friendships, and the persistent question of how to preserve hope when the world seems determined to crush it. A compelling bridge between the lighter moments of survival and the weight of consequence, Now is ideal for readers ready to engage more deeply with historical fiction themes.

Then
In Then—a pivotal entry in the series—Morris Gleitzman delivers a heart-wrenching wartime odyssey. The tale follows Felix and his best friend Zelda as they have been captured and are on the way to a concentration camp, unless they manage to escape. Set against the Nazi occupation of Poland during the Second World War, this book heightens the stakes and exposes the brutal reality of the era while still centering the resilience and resourcefulness of its young protagonists. The narrative confronts fear with courage, making Then a crucial turning point in the quartet’s emotional landscape.

After
After closes the quartet with a reflective, conscience-driven arc that revisits the consequences of war and the enduring power of hope. This installment weaves together the threads of faith, friendship, and responsibility, inviting readers to consider what comes after survival—how memory shapes present choices and how compassion can guide a better tomorrow. It provides a fitting culmination to Felix’s journey, delivering a sense of closure while leaving space for readers to ponder the lasting impact of history on a young life.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for middle-grade readers ages 9–12 who crave thoughtful, character-driven historical fiction, and for families and classrooms seeking meaningful, discussion-rich literature. Fans of moral quandaries, resilient friendships, and stories that balance gravity with hope will appreciate the quartet’s unified voice and progressive storytelling. It’s also an excellent entry point for reluctant readers drawn to real-world settings and fast-moving plots, as well as teachers building units on World War II from a humane, child-centered perspective. Gift buyers will find this complete set a compelling, high-impact addition to any growing library, with a gripping, emotionally enduring journey across four books.

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive historical fiction in one collectible four-book set
• Consistent, accessible narration that grows with readers across the arc
• Rich discussions about ethics, courage, and humanity in crisis
• Perfect for reading aloud at home or in a classroom setting
• Great value compared with purchasing each title separately
• Beautiful, cohesive reading experience that encourages binge-reading
• Ideal gift for budding historians and book lovers alike
• Author-driven appeal from a renowned writer of children’s literature

About the Author:
Morris Gleitzman was born in Lincolnshire and moved to Australia in his teens. He has worn many hats—paperboy, shelf-stacker, fashion assistant, and more—before pursuing writing full-time. A prolific voice in children’s fiction, Gleitzman is best known for books that tackle difficult topics with clarity, warmth, and a distinctive sense of humor. His notable works include Two Weeks with the Queen, Bumface, and the Once series, which has captivated young readers with its fearless storytelling, emotional honesty, and accessible prose. Gleitzman’s background in writing across media—TV, stage, and journalism—shapes a versatile, empathetic style that resonates with both reluctant readers and seasoned fans of modern historical fiction.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning the complete Once Series collection offers a cohesive, immersive journey through Felix’s world that is rare in single-volume reads. The quartet’s steady throughline—courage in the face of unimaginable danger, the value of friendship, and the pursuit of hope—creates a powerful reading experience that can spark meaningful conversations at home or in class. It’s a shelfworthy collectors’ set, a thoughtful gift, and a durable educational resource all in one. By inviting readers to spend time with the characters across four books, this collection turns a reading moment into a memorable, transformative literary experience.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.