Maybe
#6 in Once Series
on Goodreads (2,330)
What’s inside...
It's 1946. The war is over and Europe lies in ruins. Fourteen year old Felix dreams of finding happiness elsewhere. When he's offered the chance to go to Australia, he seizes the opportunity. So does someone very dear to him, even though she wasn't actually invited. Felix and Anya have high hopes for a new life in Australia, but before they can accept the love and friendship of their new land they must confront the murderous urge for revenge that still hangs over them. Felix knows he hasn't faced anything like this before. He may not survive, but he's hoping he will. Maybe. This powerfully moving addition to Morris Gleitzman's bestselling series takes place in 1945, following directly on from the story told in Soon. This intensely affecting story will move readers of all ages. It will be welcomed by the many Holocaust educators who use Once and the sequels to teach upper primary and lower secondary children and embraced by any reader who loves passionate, moving and brilliant stories.
Character compass
Felix
Gabriek
Discussion points
How do you think Felix feels when he decides to help others, even in dangerous situations?
What would you have done if you were in Felix's situation?
What does friendship mean to you and how do you see it portrayed in 'Maybe'?
How do the choices Felix makes affect those around him?
What did you learn about bravery and kindness from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to discussing, ensure your child has a comfortable understanding of the historical context to better grasp the emotional and moral complexities of the story.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Felix’s shoes and explore moral dilemmas from his perspective.
Use specific events or characters from the book to reference during the discussion to help your child recall and connect with the story.
Promote critical thinking by asking what alternative choices Felix could have made in various situations and explore possible outcomes.
Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they discuss their views on the book’s events and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Maybe', Felix, demonstrates resilience as he navigates extremely challenging circumstances during wartime. He shows determination and resourcefulness, which help him survive and protect those he cares about.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and staying hopeful, even when facing difficulties. They’re encouraged to be resourceful and stay strong, which can help them overcome challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout 'Maybe', Felix exhibits deep empathy and kindness towards others, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. His interactions reflect a compassionate understanding of others' suffering.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of empathy and treating others with kindness. They learn that their actions can have a profound impact on others, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices
Explanation: Felix faces numerous moral dilemmas that require tough choices. His decisions often have significant consequences, not only for himself but also for others around him.
Real-World Application: Children are shown that their choices matter and that ethical decision-making is an important skill. They learn to think about the consequences of their actions, helping them to make thoughtful decisions in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of hope
Explanation: In 'Maybe', Felix maintains hope despite the dire situations he encounters. His hopeful outlook provides him with the strength to persevere and envision a better future.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of hope as a source of personal strength. It encourages them to remain optimistic and envision positive outcomes even in tough times.