Simon Sort of Says
“Simon Sort of Says” by Erin Bow, published by Disney-Hyperion in 2023, is a nuanced exploration of a young boy’s journey through trauma and recovery. At twelve years old, Simon O’Keeffe grapples with the aftermath of a school shooting that has defined his life. In search of solace, his family relocates to the National Quiet Zone, a unique area in America where the internet is banned. This setting allows Simon to escape the weight of his past while encountering a new world filled with astronomers focused on the mysteries of the universe.
Readers will find a blend of humor and poignant moments as Simon navigates friendship and the complexities of grief. The narrative highlights themes of resilience and the importance of storytelling, as Simon seeks to redefine his identity beyond the tragedy he endured. With 305 pages of engaging prose, this edition presents a thoughtful look at social themes, including death and bereavement, while emphasizing the redemptive power of connection and hope.
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NEWBERY HONOR AWARD – LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD – SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD HONOR – FINALIST FOR THE AUDIE AWARD FOR BEST MIDDLE GRADE AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR
“Funny, poignant and–most important–hopeful.” —New York Times
Simon O’Keeffe’s biggest claim to fame should be the time his dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. Or maybe the alpaca disaster that went viral on YouTube. But the story the whole world wants to tell about Simon is the one he’d do anything to forget: the one starring Simon as a famous survivor of gun violence at school.
Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family move to the National Quiet Zone–the only place in America where the internet is banned. Instead of talking about Simon, the astronomers who flock to the area are busy listening for signs of life in space. And when Simon makes a friend who’s determined to give the scientists what they’re looking for, he’ll finally have the chance to spin a new story for the world to tell.
Simon Sort of Says, the Newbery Honor-winning novel by Erin Bow, is a breathtaking testament to the lasting echoes of trauma, the redemptive power of humor, and the courage it takes to move forward without forgetting the past.
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