📖 Overview
Morris Gleitzman is an influential British-born Australian children's and young adult fiction author who has been writing since the 1980s. His work is known for tackling serious subjects with sensitivity and humor, reaching millions of young readers worldwide through books translated into many languages.
He gained particular recognition for his 1990 novel "Two Weeks with the Queen," which addressed the topic of AIDS, and his acclaimed "Once" series about a Jewish boy during the Holocaust. His collaborative work with fellow author Paul Jennings produced several successful series, including "Wicked!" which was later adapted into an animated television series.
The author's versatility is demonstrated through his various writing projects, from children's fiction to newspaper columns for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. His achievements in children's literature were formally recognized when he served as the Australian Children's Laureate for 2018/2019.
Through series like "Toad" and standalone novels, Gleitzman has established himself as a cornerstone figure in children's literature. His most recent work includes "Always" (2021), the final installment in the "Once" series, continuing his tradition of engaging young readers with compelling narratives.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Gleitzman's ability to tackle serious topics through a child's perspective while maintaining humor and accessibility. Parents and teachers note his books help children process difficult subjects like war, illness, and family problems.
Liked:
- Clear, engaging writing style for young readers
- Balance of comedy with serious themes
- Realistic child characters and dialogue
- Books serve as conversation starters for tough topics
Disliked:
- Some find the humor inappropriate for dark subjects
- A few readers consider the perspectives oversimplified
- Later books in series can feel repetitive
Ratings:
Goodreads averages:
- Once series: 4.2/5 (30,000+ ratings)
- Two Weeks with the Queen: 3.9/5 (4,000+ ratings)
- Toad Rage: 3.7/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.5/5 across titles with readers frequently commenting on the books' emotional impact and ability to keep children engaged despite challenging themes.
📚 Books by Morris Gleitzman
Two Weeks with the Queen
12-year-old Colin travels to England on a mission to help his brother who has cancer, meeting people affected by AIDS along the way.
Once Felix, a young Jewish boy in 1942 Poland, embarks on a journey to find his parents during the Holocaust, facing harsh realities with unwavering hope.
Bumface Angus grapples with being a responsible oldest child while trying to write a story about a pirate and deal with his mother's questionable dating choices.
Sticky Beak A story about Rowena, who hasn't spoken since a family tragedy, and her journey to find her voice again through unexpected circumstances.
Toad Rage Limpy, a cane toad, sets out on a quest to understand why humans hate his species and attempts to change their perception of toads.
Once Felix, a young Jewish boy in 1942 Poland, embarks on a journey to find his parents during the Holocaust, facing harsh realities with unwavering hope.
Bumface Angus grapples with being a responsible oldest child while trying to write a story about a pirate and deal with his mother's questionable dating choices.
Sticky Beak A story about Rowena, who hasn't spoken since a family tragedy, and her journey to find her voice again through unexpected circumstances.
Toad Rage Limpy, a cane toad, sets out on a quest to understand why humans hate his species and attempts to change their perception of toads.
👥 Similar authors
Paul Jennings writes short stories and novels that blend humor with challenging situations for young readers and collaborated directly with Gleitzman. His work shares a similar approach to balancing serious themes with accessible storytelling.
Jerry Spinelli creates stories about young characters facing difficult circumstances while maintaining their spirit, particularly in works like "Milkweed" about the Holocaust. His narrative style and treatment of complex themes parallel Gleitzman's approach.
Jacqueline Wilson focuses on contemporary issues affecting children and families through character-driven stories that don't shy away from difficult topics. Her books address themes of family dynamics, loss, and growing up in ways that connect with young readers.
Michael Morpurgo writes historical fiction for young readers that explores war, conflict, and human relationships across different time periods. His work shares Gleitzman's ability to handle serious historical subjects in ways accessible to children.
Sonya Hartnett creates stories that examine complex emotional situations through young characters' perspectives. Her work, like Gleitzman's, bridges the gap between children's and young adult literature while tackling challenging themes.
Jerry Spinelli creates stories about young characters facing difficult circumstances while maintaining their spirit, particularly in works like "Milkweed" about the Holocaust. His narrative style and treatment of complex themes parallel Gleitzman's approach.
Jacqueline Wilson focuses on contemporary issues affecting children and families through character-driven stories that don't shy away from difficult topics. Her books address themes of family dynamics, loss, and growing up in ways that connect with young readers.
Michael Morpurgo writes historical fiction for young readers that explores war, conflict, and human relationships across different time periods. His work shares Gleitzman's ability to handle serious historical subjects in ways accessible to children.
Sonya Hartnett creates stories that examine complex emotional situations through young characters' perspectives. Her work, like Gleitzman's, bridges the gap between children's and young adult literature while tackling challenging themes.