The town of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, in in the National Quiet Zone, an area where scientists listen for radio signals from outer space, and interfering signals like internet, Wi-Fi, cell phones, radios, and microwave ovens are prohibited. To Simon (white), the sole survivor of a horrific school shooting in his fifth-grade classroom in Omaha two years before, Grin and Bear It sounds ideal: He can escape the media attention that has been hounding him ever since. At his new school, Simon befriends Kevin (Filipino/white), the son of a local scientist; and Agate (white, autistic), who plans to use a microwave oven to send fake alien signals and would like Simon’s help. With a wonderfully effective blend of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and deep emotion, the narrative follows Simon through the spring semester of seventh grade; eventually he is outed as “the kid from the school shooting photo,” triggering renewed panic attacks and severe anxiety. This time, though, Simon is supported not only by his steady, loving parents (his mom is an undertaker; his dad a Catholic deacon—careers that add surprising humor and levity to the plot), but by his new friends as well. A moving, sensitive story of trauma and grief, family and love, friendship and support shows great respect for its protagonist, who does not miraculously overcome his PTSD but moves to a more comfortable place by story’s end. (Ages 9-13)

For fans of Kate DiCamillo and Jack Gantos, a hilarious, wrenching, hopeful novel about finding your friends, healing your heart, and speaking your truth.

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 one starring Simon as a famous survivor of gun violence at school.

Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family have just moved 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.