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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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Richie’s Picks: SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow, Disney/Hyperion, January 2023, 320p., ISBN: 978-1-36808285-3
Did you know that corpses fart? This was one of the many gross/bizarre facts I learned from SIMON SORT OF SAYS. I also learned how to simmer down rioting, runaway emus.
“‘Look, Isobel,’ says Dad, flapping his hands. ‘Agate has brought Simon a very surprising puppy.’
‘Oh really?’ says my mom. She opens the gate.
Over the edge of the hearse garage comes a furious hiss and then the questing head ...more
Did you know that corpses fart? This was one of the many gross/bizarre facts I learned from SIMON SORT OF SAYS. I also learned how to simmer down rioting, runaway emus.
“‘Look, Isobel,’ says Dad, flapping his hands. ‘Agate has brought Simon a very surprising puppy.’
‘Oh really?’ says my mom. She opens the gate.
Over the edge of the hearse garage comes a furious hiss and then the questing head ...more
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.
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This book was both heavy and humorous. The author did a fantastic job of dealing with the aftermath of a heavy topic (mass shooting in a school) and humor.
Simon has moved to a new town without internet to escape his past. He and his family want a fresh start. My complaint is that the ending seemed abrupt. What were the repercussions? Still worth reading and I'd recommend it.
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Simon has moved to a new town without internet to escape his past. He and his family want a fresh start. My complaint is that the ending seemed abrupt. What were the repercussions? Still worth reading and I'd recommend it.
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Wow. I'm not sure who I'd recommend this book to--perhaps kids who aren't spooked by school shootings. But other than that (which, I admit, is a pretty big "other") this novel will make you laugh, cry, wonder and cheer for Simon, Agate and Kevin who are determined to spoof their heavily scientific community. Especially Kevin and his amazing, devoted, loving, worrisome parents. Great writing.
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This is probably a tween book - about 7th and 8th graders. Simon moves with his undertaker mom and deacon dad to a small town in Nebraska, where there is no internet and connection to the real world - which Simon is very happy about. They needed to make a break from their old life. Simon suffers from PTSD, he has traumatic flashbacks about what he lived through and struggles to fit in and be just Simon, which is hard. Luckily in 'Grin and Bear it,' Nebraska, he is able to make some progress and
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A touching look at survival, going through the roller coaster of emotions associated with that. Unfortunately something that is needed more and more
Simon survived a school shooting, making him and his town famous. So he and his parents move to a small town in Nebraska where a radio telescope means there is no tv and no internet allowed. No one can discover his secret if they can’t Google him. Right?
I didn’t love this as much as I wanted to or as much as I thought I would. But it was still really well written with lots of layers and exploration.
I especially loved Simon’s dad’s sermon on miracles, and what it means if you have a supposed mira ...more
I didn’t love this as much as I wanted to or as much as I thought I would. But it was still really well written with lots of layers and exploration.
I especially loved Simon’s dad’s sermon on miracles, and what it means if you have a supposed mira ...more
The characters made this story--even the animals! Kudos to Ms. Bow for balancing humor and tragedy.
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.
12-year-old seventh grader. Wonderful voice. Unusual circumstances. Great characters and great writing. Excellent story.
Mar 27, 2023
MaryLibrarianOH
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Apr 10, 2023
Lisa Nagel
marked it as to-read
Jun 13, 2023
Scot
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Dec 23, 2023
Books_the_Magical_Fruit
marked it as to-read
Jan 01, 2024
Sylena
marked it as to-read
