After Book Review -WW2 Story for Young Readers

What is After by Morris Gleitzman About?

After by Morris Gleitzman is the fourth book in the Once Series, following Felix as he faces life after World War 2 and struggles to rebuild his future while carrying the emotional impact of survival. Recommended for readers aged 10+, it explores themes of identity, memory and hope.

Discover our Review and Summary of After by Morris Gleitzman

After the Nazis killed my best friend, I was alone.  After I found out about the  organisation Gabriek was involved in, I felt betrayed. After I found other lone kids, I took them in. I thought my life was going to end, but it turns out it hasn’t yet. My name is Felix, and this is my story.

Felix lives with Gabriek, and it is now 1945, in the final weeks of WW2.  Together they have a happy life, and Felix is safely hidden in his den. However, one night Felix can’t sleep and comes out of his den, where he sees something that leaves him shocked and curious. It is something that involves Gabriek. So Felix decides to investigate. He sees horrible things and then finds himself wanting to return home, but he can’t. Felix starts a new life and makes friends with a savage yet loving person. He studies  a new skill that he takes with him and is content. Life couldn’t be more complete – could it? Felix’s parents have been gone for a long time, but when Felix finds out there’s a chance, they could still be alive, he does anything to see them. Will felix find his parents, or will his hopes be crushed?

My favourite part in this book is when Felix gets to have an experience in his new home that stays with him forever and helps him save many lives.

My favourite character is Yuli because of her kindness and love towards Felix. She makes him feel like he has a full family again. Thinking about this makes me feel very happy, and it is heartwarming.

Is After Worth Reading?

Overall, I loved reading After, and I went through Felix’s story as if I was in his place, experiencing ups and downs, heart breaking moments, as well as uplifting times. When I turned the final page of After, I didn’t end there – I kept thinking about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany.

I give this book a 5/5 stars because the storyline was amazing and carries on from the second book really well. I recommend After to anyone that likes reading historical fiction and deep stories that make you think and reflect.

If you love After, 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