By Morris Gleitzman
Published in 2018
Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always
10+ years
Suggested age group
Historical Fiction|World War 2
Genre
What is Now by Morris Gleitzman About?
Now by Morris Gleitzman is the third book in the Once series, following Felix years after World War 2 as he reflects on survival, identity and the lasting impact of the Holocaust. Now focuses more on reflection and long-term emotional impact rather than immediate survival during war. Recommended for readers aged 10+.
Discover our Review and Summary of Now by Morris Gleitzman
Family, friendship, and a raging inferno…
Zelda and her grandad, Felix, live together in Victoria, Australia. Zelda loves her grandad but feels like she doesn’t deserve the name she has – the real Zelda was brave and strong. So, Zelda decides to make a change for once. She wants to make Felix proud, but her plans are unexpectedly interrupted by a mysterious gang and a devastating disaster that brings Zelda and her grandad closer together.
She finds herself getting more involved in Felix’s stories of the World War. She realises that no matter what, she will always be there for him. Now, Zelda must find her courage. It’s Felix’s time to face the past, and, it’s everyone’s turn to rise against the danger unfolding ahead.
My favourite part of this book is when Felix and Zelda are hiding in a hole to protect themselves, and Felix talks to Zelda about stories from his life. This is when Felix and Zelda begin to bond even more.
My favourite character in this book is Felix because he is very kind to his granddaughter and always encourages her to carry on and do what she wants.
Is Now Worth Reading?
Overall, I loved reading this book. It taught me about the Holocaust and how people can suffer because of memories, but it also showed me that you don’t have to face difficult times alone. Don’t miss reading Once and Then before this book, as they help you understand the characters and their journey even more deeply. With that being said, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about friendship and family bonds.
If you love Now, 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, which explores the Blitz from a child’s perspective.
The Book Thief, which tells the story of a young girl during World War II.
Private Peaceful, 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