From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…

Simon Sort of Says

Erin Bow

Start date: June 1, 2023

Finish date: June 30, 2023

Discussion: Newbery 2024

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Newbery 2024

* 2024 ALA Newbery Award
By Kristen · 36 posts · 198 views

last updated Feb 03, 2024 05:00AM

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* Final Round - 2024 Mock Newbery Award
By Kristen · 34 posts · 187 views

last updated Jan 16, 2024 06:26AM

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What Members Thought

Jan 31, 2024 Barbara rated it liked it

Shelves: anxiety, facing-fears, diversity, kindness, education, grief, families, identity, animals, depression

I can understand all the raves and positive attention this Newbery Honor Book has been receiving. Certainly, it's no easy feat to tackle a topic such as school shootings with care while also somehow blending humor into the plot. The humor, of course, isn't part of the shooting in which the book's protagonist, seventh grader Simon O'Keeffe, was the only survivor in his classroom. It's clear that Simon and his parents are still dealing with the aftermath of that horrific event, so much so that the I can understand all the raves and positive attention this Newbery Honor Book has been receiving. Certainly, it's no easy feat to tackle a topic such as school shootings with care while also somehow blending humor into the plot. The humor, of course, isn't part of the shooting in which the book's protagonist, seventh grader Simon O'Keeffe, was the only survivor in his classroom. It's clear that Simon and his parents are still dealing with the aftermath of that horrific event, so much so that they've moved away from Omaha to the National Quiet Zone where there is no Internet access, a place called Grin And Bear It, allowing them to sort of go underground or fly beneath the radar. I found myself wondering about that particular decision and that particular place because they could have relocated plenty of other places--even my birthplace in rural Tennessee, which is a cellphone dead zone with spotty, if any, Internet connections. The humor comes partly from the way Simon's parents make a living. His mother takes over the local mortuary with an inappropriate name, and his father is a deacon in the Catholic church. There are alpacas, a wild peacock named Pretty Stabby, goats, emus, and a guide-dog-in training named Hercules, all of whom impart their share of charm and humor. Simon becomes friends with Agate Van der Zwaan, who clearly marches to her own beat and concocts a wild plan to keep the local scientists invested in their project seeking signs of extraterrestrial life. Much of this is unbelievable, but it's also charming and touching. However, some of that charm is lost in the details as Simon's past is revealed by his friend, Kevin's mother, and the harsh light of media attention is once again shone on Simon and his family. The character development and the gradual unfolding of that traumatic event from two years ago and its aftermath are the book's strengths. Parts of the plot seem unbelievable, and the narrative may go on for a bit too long, but middle-grade readers will be thoroughly entertained by Simon's struggles and his desire to go unnoticed. Some of them will enjoy the broad brush used to paint the humorous portions of the story while others may find that to be distracting. ...more

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Jul 14, 2024 Lori rated it it was amazing

Shelves: newbery-honor

I listened to this with two of my young grandsons on a road trip. The theme is a little mature and I thought they wouldn't like it but they both loved it and insisted I give it five stars. Trauma, school shooting flashbacks, finding a best friend, finding self, coming of age story. ...more

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Feb 13, 2024 Lorna rated it really liked it

Shelves: realistic-fiction, childrens, newbery-medal, national-book-award

I enjoyed the writing, the wit, and the interesting characters. This book was really unique and different. It's sad that school shootings have become so commonplace in the U.S. that it is a subject heading for juvenile fiction. ...more

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Nov 30, 2023 Jenni rated it really liked it

Shelves: friendship, chapter-book, family

A touching look at survival, going through the roller coaster of emotions associated with that. Unfortunately something that is needed more and more

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Jul 02, 2023 Karen Arendt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: middle-grade, family, friendship, school, science-fiction, sel, school-violence

Absolutely love this book. Humorous and heartbreaking at once. Simon, Agate, and Kevin become what each person needs throughout the story. Simon’s mom and dad are strong and supportive and have the perfect jobs for this book. And the stories! The sacristy squirrel, the peacock, the fun bit gross facts. And I love, love the puppy Hercules. Agate knew what Simon needed without Simon (or maybe Agate even) knowing! Hoping this will be a Mock Newbery Choice for my club this year.

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Jun 27, 2024 Kimberly rated it really liked it

A touching and heartfelt book about a 7th grader named Simon who is trying his best to overcome the trauma of his past. Then Simon moves to a quirky town. That change, along with a great cast of new friends and a supportive family, helps Simon confront his PTSD and move forward with optimism.

A standout middle grade book that tackles tough topics without feeling too heavy.

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