A review by ahue92
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

challenging emotional funny hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
It was a gentle but realistic look at surviving school shootings. Both the kids and the adults had a lot of personality / were fully realized characters. Simon’s perspective was I felt realistic to tweens / teens. I thought that the humor throughout the book really helped to offset the seriousness of the topic, but in a way that enhanced the story, not a distracting way. I really liked Agate, her personality was badass, and I am loving seeing representation of an autistic female in middle grade lit. I also found the perspective of Simon’s dad in regards to religion super interesting and honestly the
Jesus squirrel
bits had me laughing. Also I have to give bonus points for the setting because I personally am fascinated by the National Radio Quiet Zone! Overall I think this is great book about a difficult subject and the author handles it all with the grace and tact that it deserves. Thank you Erin Bow for choosing to write about a subject that effects so many of us, but that we really have trouble discussing in meaningful ways. 

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