Always

Judges' Comment 

Always is the seventh and final book in the Felix Series by Morris Gleitzman. Felix, the much-loved boy character from the earlier books, is now eighty-seven. While Felix reflects on the past, Wassim, a 10-year-old orphan on the other side of the world discovers who he is and how he fought ‘vicious bullies’ in World War II. When Wassim’s life is threatened by evil criminals in modern-day Europe, he reaches out to Felix, drawing him into a battle that is both new and decades old.  

This dual narrative story is masterfully told, full of action and suspense. There is no holding back, despite it being a book for children. The book honours survivors of the Holocaust and those who still stand against inequality. Filled with hope, courage, love, and loyalty, Always delivers suspense and unfolding mystery page after page. The memorable characters and their stories will stay with readers for a long time.