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Simon Sort of Says

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Simon Sort of Says

By: Erin Bow
Narrated by: Will Collyer
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About this listen

For fans of Kate DiCamillo and Jack Gantos, a hilarious, wrenching, hopeful novel about finding your friends, healing your heart, and speaking your truth.

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 story in which he's the only kid in his class who survived a school shooting.

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.

From award-winning author Erin Bow, Simon Sort of Says 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.

©2023 Erin Bow (P)2023 Disney Hyperion Disney Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Humourous Fiction Literature & Fiction Friendship Heartfelt Witty Funny
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This story is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and for some middle grade readers, it might not be suitable. After all, Simon, is dealing with the trauma of surviving a school shooting.

But I believe there will be many middle grade readers (and other adults like me) who will really enjoy this novel. Yes, what Simon went through is horrific. Yes, this story made me teary (which is a bit concerning when you're driving to work!) But it also made me smile. The pet peacock, the emu farm and the custom t-shirts all had me laughing! And Simon's friends Agate and Kevin are just brilliant.

To step into the shoes of someone who has faced one of the most traumatic situations imaginable is powerful. Somehow Erin Bow has managed to do it in a way that is confronting in its honesty, yet sensitive and healing too. And Will Collyer's narration handles it so well. You truly feel like Simon is speaking.

I can't help but wonder if there might be people out there who truly need this book.

Confronting, sensitive and humourous

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