Maybe Book Review -WW2 Story for Young Readers

What is Maybe by Morris Gleitzman About?

Maybe by Morris Gleitzman is the sixth book in the Once series, continuing Felix’s story as he navigates life shaped by World War 2 and the Holocaust. Maybe focuses more on reflection, identity and the long-term emotional effects of survival rather than immediate wartime danger.

Discover our Review and Summary of Maybe by Morris Gleitzman

Maybe I’ve got this all wrong and we’re trapped in a bad place. Maybe Anya and I will never see each other again. Maybe this is where my story ends. Maybe this is where it starts.

Felix, Anya and Gabriek are now in search of a home. They have travelled long distances and are away from the city. Safe, they thought. But once they reach their long- awaited destination, they are met by adamant farmers who believe they have complete ownership of the land. Things quickly escalate and, before they know it, they’re being surrounded by a mob – an angry one. Luckily, they are rescued by a kind man and the four flee in a derelict carriage. A sudden crash happens and everything goes black for Felix.

Felix wakes up to find himself in a comfortable bed and he’s relieved to find he is alive. In an interesting turn of events, a strange offer comes up for Felix, but it doesn’t include Anya or Gabriek. It’s up to him to decide whether to take this life-changing opportunity. Will he take it, or decline and stick with his loved ones?

My favourite character in this book is Gabriek, because he is kind and has goodness in his heart for taking in a Jewish young boy.

My favourite part in this book is when Felix and Anya find themselves in a foreign country where people have a funny accent and strict rules. They get separated and have to find their way back to each other. They are accompanied by a new friend.

Is Maybe Worth Reading?

This book is an excellent read and I give this book a 4.5/5, because of the brilliant storyline and the impressive descriptions of the new characters bringing the story together. The reason I did not give it a full five-star rating is because I didn’t like some of the middle parts in this story, as I felt it moved quite quickly at times, not letting the changes completely sink in.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about action, as well as the life after the Holocaust. 

If you love Maybe, the story continues across the full series: Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always. Each book follows Felix at different stages of his life.

If you enjoy emotional World War stories, you may also like:

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson, which explores the Blitz from a child’s perspective.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which tells the story of a young girl during World War II.

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, which follows a young soldier reflecting on love, family & harsh realities of World War I.

Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll, a historical mystery book during London Blitz.

The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan, a powerful and emotional story set during the Partition of India.

The Breadwinner Series by Deborah Ellis- following Parvana and Shauzia’s lives in Afghanistan.: The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journey, Mud City, My Name is Parvana and One More Mountain.

Ada’s story of strength, courage and belonging by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The War That Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won