Then

The book "Then" by Morris Gleitzman explores several significant themes and topics that can help in drawing connections to other books in a library.

**Key Themes and Topics:**

*   **Family:** The concept of family is central to the novel, particularly in the context of loss and survival during the Holocaust and war. The protagonist, Felix, is driven by the need to protect his chosen family, while Zelda's understanding of family is more complex due to their shared experiences of loss 【1】.
*   **Survival and Resilience:** The book depicts children's responses to traumatic events, highlighting their struggle to survive in the harsh political climate of Poland in 1942 【2】【6】. The narrative begins with Felix and Zelda fleeing for their lives after a traumatic event 【5】.
*   **Loss and Grief:** Both Felix and Zelda have lost their original families to the Holocaust. The death of their friend Chaya further emphasizes the pervasive theme of loss 【1】【4】.
*   **Naivety and Childhood Innocence:** The novel examines how Felix's naivety influences his narration of events and how Gleitzman uses him to portray children's perspectives on traumatic experiences 【2】.
*   **Humanity and Difference:** The author explores questions about what makes people different, a theme that arose from his research and writing process for the book 【3】.

These themes of family, survival, loss, and the impact of war on children can be connected to other historical fiction novels, particularly those set during World War II or dealing with themes of displacement and resilience. Books that focus on the experiences of children during wartime or explore the complexities of found families would also be relevant.