I picked up this book solely because of the dog on the cover. I’ve never read anything by this author but I figured I’d give it a try, considering the topic was a boy with PTSD from surviving a school shooting and I’m a school librarian. This book surprised me. It was unexpectedly funny, and I belly-laughed at moments, taking screenshots of pages to send to people so they could laugh with me. The actual school shooting is approached with honesty and compassion. I could feel myself tensing with Simon as he recounted the day his entire life changed, but the account wasn’t told in such a way as to cause trauma to readers. Any kid in a public school in the US has done active shooter drills, and will be able to relate to Simon’s fear and anxiety. His PTSD is very accurately portrayed. His best friend has autism, and she, too, I feel was compassionately and accurately depicted.
I cried, which I expected. I laughed multiple times, which I did not expect. The writing was genuine and beautiful. I ended up buying a copy to send to a friend and loaning my own copy out to a coworker. My only regret is that Simon’s story is over, because I fell in love with Simon, Agate, and Pretty Stabby, and would love to read more about them. Also (because I know this is very important to some folks)- the dog on the cover does NOT die in the story.
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Reviews with images
Timely and great for middle school
There is one thing that middle school students take seriously: school shootings. There are many school shooting survivors in the US. Reading a middle grade book whose main character fits that profile? It’s time.Simon and his family are seeking anonymity. If you don’t read the synopsis of the book, you won’t know why until later in the book. However, it’s obvious that Simon has experienced some form of trauma that he’d like to remain private. He moves with his family to the “Quiet Zone.” Cell phones, the internet, and even microwaves are forbidden. Simon thinks he has a chance to remain anonymous. As Simon starts fresh - a new school, friends, finding his way around - the reader gets to know a fully fleshed out character who is dealing with trauma and anxiety, yet maintains a sense of humor. This book is well-balanced, nuanced, and just right for my middle school library. I made sure to preorder.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2023
Simon and his family are seeking anonymity. If you don’t read the synopsis of the book, you won’t know why until later in the book. However, it’s obvious that Simon has experienced some form of trauma that he’d like to remain private. He moves with his family to the “Quiet Zone.” Cell phones, the internet, and even microwaves are forbidden. Simon thinks he has a chance to remain anonymous. As Simon starts fresh - a new school, friends, finding his way around - the reader gets to know a fully fleshed out character who is dealing with trauma and anxiety, yet maintains a sense of humor. This book is well-balanced, nuanced, and just right for my middle school library. I made sure to preorder.
Timely and great for middle school
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2023
There is one thing that middle school students take seriously: school shootings. There are many school shooting survivors in the US. Reading a middle grade book whose main character fits that profile? It’s time.Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2023
Simon and his family are seeking anonymity. If you don’t read the synopsis of the book, you won’t know why until later in the book. However, it’s obvious that Simon has experienced some form of trauma that he’d like to remain private. He moves with his family to the “Quiet Zone.” Cell phones, the internet, and even microwaves are forbidden. Simon thinks he has a chance to remain anonymous. As Simon starts fresh - a new school, friends, finding his way around - the reader gets to know a fully fleshed out character who is dealing with trauma and anxiety, yet maintains a sense of humor. This book is well-balanced, nuanced, and just right for my middle school library. I made sure to preorder.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
