Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Simon is a seventh grader whose family has moved to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska. They came from Omaha where Simon was the only survivor of a school shooting. His new hometown not only has a quirky name but it’s a “National Quiet Zone”, with not internet or cell phones. As Simon settles into his new life nobody in town knows about his past. He is making friends, has less anxiety and he is back in the classroom. When one of his friends finds out about his past, how will the town and Simon react?

School gun violence is a scary and disturbing topic for today’s school children. The book addresses the subject with seriousness but it’s not heavy handed. The delightful humor in the novel keeps the reader laughing despite Simon’s struggles with PTSD. A great book for any middle schooler.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2023	Profanity: No
Publisher: Disney Hyperion	Violence: Yes
Age Level: 10-14 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 5.2	Mature Themes: School Shooting
Pages: 320
Stars: 5 Awards: 2024 Newbery Honor