Simon Sort Of Says

*Despite the weighty premise, Bow's storytelling brims with vitality, featuring many hilarious, outlandish scenes, like the antics of a funeral home's peacock, a dog that retrieves cans of beer, and the life and death of a Jesus Squirrel. The scientific plotline is thematically compelling, and the character-driven narratives thrive in its context, including Simon's narration of his post-traumatic healing and the development of winsome secondary characters. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review *Without detracting from Simon's uplifting emotional arc about making peace with his past and looking toward a brighter future with friends, Bow imbues this sincere story with levity by employing madcap plot points, including several animal-centered shenanigans featuring squirrels, dogs, and emus. --Publishers Weekly, starred review Bow tackles really tough topics in this novel with grace and empathy while also threading in laugh-out-loud humor throughout. --BookRiot Accolades: -Junior Library Guild Gold Standard title [Masterful] . . . funny and heartfelt in equal measure. --School Library Journal With an abundance of humor, vibrant characters, and a gentle approach to hard truths, Simon Sort of Says strikes a perfect balance of fun and meaning. A remarkable achievement. --Ali Benjamin, New York Times best-selling and National Book Award-nominated author of THE THING ABOU *An uproarious small-town comedy with a devastating tragedy at its core. --Kirkus, starred review A near-perfect novel that features quirky friendships, wild astronomy exploits (that almost work!), zany animal capers and plenty of humor amidst the darkness.--Shelf Awareness Blunt as trauma, delicate as healing, and hilarious and tragic as middle school can be--each piece of Simon Sort of Says snaps together like the most satisfying jigsaw puzzle. This book is as close to everything as one book can be.--Kyle Lukoff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Too Bright to See Fast-paced and full of quirky characters, Simon Sort of Says presents a tragedy stitched up with humor, sensitivity, and rare humanity.--Jack Gantos, Newbery Award-winning author of Dead End in Norvelt