Published: 2023
Author: Erin Bow
Genres: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction, Contemporary
Audience: Grades 6–8
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: Simon Sort of Says
Content Warnings: School shooting and mass violence (referenced), PTSD, mental health struggles, grief, and death.
Publisher’s Summary
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.
Review
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and then immediately give you all the feels, you have to pick up Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow. It is an absolute masterpiece! I’d recommend it to literally any middle-schooler, but honestly, adults will love it just as much. It’s the perfect story for anyone who likes quirky humor, science, or stories about kids who are brave in real-life ways.
The story follows Simon O’Keeffe, a kid trying to outrun his past by moving to a town where the internet is basically illegal so scientists can listen for aliens. The themes of resilience, finding your people, and healing from trauma are handled so beautifully. The cover is a total vibe—it’s bright, neon, and chaotic in the best way. Kids will definitely grab this off the shelf just based on the cool, astronomical artwork.
Curriculum-wise, this is a total win for STEM and SEL, as it tackles PTSD with so much empathy. It’s a super diverse read, featuring a neurodivergent best friend and Simon’s hilarious family—his dad’s a deacon and his mom’s an undertaker! For a fun activity, you could host a “No-Tech Challenge” or have a contest to write the funniest fake news headlines. If you end up loving Erin Bow’s style, check out her other book, The Scorpion Rules—she is seriously a genius. Simon Sort of Says is a total 10/10 that proves you can find light even in the darkest times.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- SEL (Trauma and Healing): Simon Sort of Says is a powerful tool for discussing PTSD with middle schoolers.
- Activity Idea: Discuss how Simon’s need for “silence” mirrors his internal struggle. How do different characters in the book “heal”?
- STEM (Radio Astronomy): Grinny is a place where scientists listen for aliens.
- Activity Idea: Research the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). How do radio telescopes actually “hear” the universe?
- ELA (Humor as a Defense Mechanism): Simon uses humor to handle grief.
- Activity Idea: Analyze the “funny” moments in the book. Are they used to avoid the pain, or to survive it? Write a short reflection on why humor is such an effective tool for processing difficult news or events.
- Community Building:
- Activity Idea: Host a “No-Tech Challenge” in the classroom. For one hour, have students complete a project without using any screens or internet. Afterward, discuss: Did you feel more “connected” or more “bored”?
