Simon Sort of Says Summary, Characters and Themes
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow, published in 2023, is a poignant and heartwarming middle-grade novel that explores the aftermath of a school shooting through the eyes of seventh-grader Simon O’Keeffe.
After surviving the traumatic event, Simon and his family move to a quiet, isolated town in Nebraska to escape the constant media attention. The town, a National Quiet Zone, is the perfect refuge for Simon, who is trying to heal and start over. As Simon navigates new friendships and his inner turmoil, he finds solace in an unusual project with his new friends, leading him on a journey of healing, hope, and self-acceptance.
Summary
Simon O’Keeffe is a seventh-grader who, after surviving a school shooting, relocates with his parents to a small, remote town called Grin and Bear It, Nebraska.
This town is unique—technology like the Internet, television, and even radio is banned because the area is home to astronomers searching for signals from intelligent life in space.
Simon’s family is hoping that this isolated environment will give Simon the peace and anonymity he needs to recover. His mother takes over a funeral home in town, while his father becomes a deacon at the local church.
From the start, Simon is determined to hide his tragic past from his new classmates and neighbors. His goal is to simply blend in, hoping that no one will ask too many questions about why his family moved to such a strange town. As the new kid who joins school in the middle of February, he initially feels like an outsider, but soon he befriends Kevin Matapang, a funny and kind classmate.
Simon is slowly settling into his new life when he meets another classmate, Agate van der Zwaan, a quirky and intelligent girl on the autism spectrum. Agate has a unique project in mind, and she wants Simon’s help with it.
Agate lives near the massive radio telescopes that define the town’s quiet nature. She is determined to send a fake message to space, hoping to inspire the astronomers by making them believe they’ve found extraterrestrial life. She chooses Simon as her co-conspirator, believing that his quiet, secretive nature makes him the perfect partner.
Although Simon doesn’t outright agree to help her, he doesn’t refuse either. Before he knows it, Agate shows up at his house, having confidently navigated past the family’s yard peacock, and begins teaching Simon about prime numbers, which she explains are crucial for sending a believable signal.
As Simon spends more time with his new friends, he begins to learn about their lives.
He visits Kevin’s house and notices that his family owns a microwave, but it’s kept inside a special cage to avoid interfering with the radio telescopes. Simon soon realizes how deeply invested the town is in the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, and he feels conflicted about participating in Agate’s plan.
On one hand, he’s intrigued by her determination; on the other, he’s worried about what kind of attention it might bring. For someone like Simon, who is actively avoiding the spotlight, the last thing he needs is more media scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Simon’s life takes another unexpected turn when Agate gives him a small puppy from her family’s litter of service dogs.
Although Simon has never cared for a dog before, he names the pup Hercules and begins learning how to take care of him. Hercules quickly becomes a comfort to Simon as he continues to navigate his trauma.
His friendship with Agate and Kevin grows, but Simon remains haunted by the anniversary of the shooting, which looms just around the corner.
On the day of the anniversary, Simon’s school hands out orange ribbons, a symbol of support for survivors. However, most students treat it as a joke, sticking ribbons in random places and turning them into an unwanted reminder for Simon.
Overwhelmed, Simon skips school and spends the day at home with Hercules, hiding under his bed in an effort to escape the painful memories.
Kevin, unaware of Simon’s history, discovers the truth after researching Simon online. Hurt by Simon’s secrecy, Kevin confronts him.
This forces Simon to realize that he must be more open with his friends, especially Agate, before they hear about his past from someone else.
Not long after, Simon is drawn into an unexpected adventure when Agate’s farm is overrun by a group of escaped emus from a neighboring property. As Simon and Agate work together to corral the chaotic birds, Simon opens up to her about surviving the shooting.
In return, Agate offers her friendship and understanding, a moment that deepens their bond.
As Simon grapples with his past, a powerful tornado strikes the town. The storm’s sirens trigger Simon’s anxiety, and he falls into a panic, collapsing on the ground. Agate stays by his side, reminding him to breathe and keeping him grounded until help arrives.
In the aftermath of the storm, Simon is reunited with his parents, who were also affected when lightning struck the church where his father works. Despite the destruction, Simon finds solace in the support of his family and friends.
However, Simon’s newfound peace is shattered when he returns to school and discovers a memorial shrine in his honor, set up by well-meaning but misguided classmates.
The public display triggers a raw, emotional outburst, and Simon lashes out at Agate, who was only trying to help. This leads Simon to question his ability to move forward, as well as his relationship with both his faith and the people around him.
In the end, Simon decides to join Agate and Kevin in completing her project. The trio sneaks Kevin’s microwave out of his house and sets it up at Agate’s farm. They stay up late, eagerly awaiting the perfect alignment of the stars to send their fake message.
When the moment finally arrives, Simon presses the microwave buttons and sends the signal. The astronomers react with excitement, and for the first time in a long while, Simon feels a sense of control over his life. Yet, the peace is short-lived as their actions draw a swarm of scientists and reporters to the town.
In the midst of this chaos, Simon realizes that he’s tired of running from his past. He reconnects with his friends and family, finding comfort in their support.
Even when things go wrong, like when Agate gets hurt during their final adventure, Simon feels a sense of hope for the future.
With Hercules by his side and his friendships stronger than ever, Simon is ready to face whatever comes next, confident that he can finally begin to heal.
Characters
Simon O’Keeffe
Simon O’Keeffe, the protagonist and narrator, is a seventh-grader grappling with intense trauma after surviving a school shooting. His decision to move with his family to Grin and Bear It, a town isolated from modern technology, reflects his desire to escape the media and constant reminders of the tragedy.
Simon’s character is defined by his quiet resilience, though he struggles with a pervasive sense of guilt and survivor’s remorse. Throughout the novel, Simon’s emotional arc revolves around his attempts to keep his past a secret, fearing that people will view him differently if they know.
His relationships with Kevin and Agate gradually help him confront his trauma. It is clear that Simon often copes through avoidance and a deep reluctance to relive painful memories.
His bond with his new dog, Hercules, is a significant turning point. The dog symbolizes his effort to heal and care for something despite the emotional weight he carries.
Simon’s development is marked by his evolving understanding of friendship, trust, and courage. As he learns to open up about his past, he begins to reclaim a sense of agency over his life.
Agate van der Zwaan
Agate is a pivotal character in Simon’s journey, and her role in the story goes beyond being a friend. As someone on the autism spectrum, Agate approaches the world with a unique perspective, unafraid of standing out and keen on embracing her differences.
Her candidness, intellectual curiosity, and eccentric ideas create an unexpected but vital connection with Simon. Agate draws Simon into her ambitious project of sending a fake signal to the radio telescopes, symbolizing her belief in possibility and renewal.
Despite her scientific mind and directness, Agate is perceptive of Simon’s emotional state. She offers him support without pressuring him to open up prematurely.
Her loyalty and persistence in befriending Simon make her a stabilizing and comforting presence in his life. Agate’s influence helps Simon move toward healing and finding a new sense of hope.
Kevin Matapang
Kevin, Simon’s first friend in Grin and Bear It, is introduced as an easygoing and friendly boy. He becomes Simon’s link to the town’s social life, providing him with a sense of normalcy.
Kevin’s role in the story centers on his growing relationship with Simon and his gradual realization of Simon’s past trauma. At first, Kevin is largely oblivious to Simon’s emotional burden, viewing him as just another new kid.
However, when Kevin discovers Simon’s secret through an Internet search, he feels hurt and betrayed by Simon’s secrecy. This shift in Kevin’s behavior underscores the difficulties of navigating friendship in the face of trauma.
Kevin’s temporary withdrawal from Simon shows the complexity of adolescent friendships. Trust can be easily shaken, but his eventual forgiveness and support signify his maturity and empathy for Simon’s pain.
Kevin also brings lightness and humor to the story. His character serves as a reminder that even seemingly carefree individuals can be deeply affected by the burdens of those they care about.
Simon’s Parents
Simon’s parents are depicted as well-meaning but struggling in their own ways to support their son while dealing with their own grief. His mother, a funeral director, represents someone constantly surrounded by death, reflecting the family’s ongoing attempts to cope with Simon’s trauma.
Her pragmatic nature contrasts with Simon’s father’s more spiritual approach. Simon’s father, a deacon, has his own internal struggles with faith, especially when faced with the profound questions of why tragedies happen.
His sermon about doubting God’s plan adds depth to his character, revealing that even those who provide spiritual guidance wrestle with uncertainties. Both parents contribute to Simon’s emotional growth but are also shown to be imperfect in their ability to fully reach him.
Their struggles symbolize the difficulty of healing in the aftermath of collective trauma. Despite their challenges, Simon’s parents remain a key source of support and love in his life.
Hercules
Though not a human character, Hercules the dog plays a significant role in Simon’s emotional healing. Initially given to Simon by Agate, Hercules represents both a responsibility and a source of comfort.
The puppy’s early struggles mirror Simon’s own difficulties in adjusting to a new life and grappling with trauma. Caring for Hercules forces Simon to focus on the present, helping him manage his anxiety.
As the novel progresses, Hercules becomes a symbol of hope and connection. The dog’s presence during key moments, such as Simon’s moments of panic, provides both a physical and emotional anchor for Simon.
Hercules’ companionship underscores the therapeutic power of pets in trauma recovery. His role in Simon’s life is crucial to the boy’s journey of healing and emotional growth.
Themes
The Complexity of Trauma, Healing, and Emotional Resilience in the Face of Public Scrutiny
At the core of Simon Sort of Says lies the intricate exploration of trauma and its long-lasting effects on an individual. Simon, the only survivor of a school shooting, grapples with profound psychological and emotional scars that are constantly exacerbated by external forces like media attention and societal expectations.
The novel dives deep into the complex reality of how trauma manifests not only in Simon’s internal monologue but also in his interactions with others and his environment. His move to a National Quiet Zone, an ostensibly peaceful refuge, symbolizes the tension between seeking isolation for healing and being forced to confront the world again.
The struggle between public and private grief plays a significant role, as Simon’s trauma is not just personal but also a subject of public fascination. Erin Bow carefully illustrates how surviving trauma becomes a balancing act between self-preservation and the external pressure to “move on,” as well as the difficulty of navigating a world that often trivializes or sensationalizes personal tragedies.
The Paradox of Secrecy and the Yearning for Connection in a Hyperconnected World
The theme of secrecy versus openness is another profound thread woven throughout the novel. It illustrates the paradox that Simon faces: while he yearns for connection and understanding, he also fears that his traumatic past will define him in the eyes of others.
His decision to keep the school shooting a secret from his new friends, Kevin and Agate, reveals the tension between wanting to forge authentic relationships and the instinct to protect oneself from judgment and pity. This secrecy is symbolic of the emotional armor Simon wears, but it also isolates him further, creating a barrier to the connections he desperately craves.
The small town of Grin and Bear It, where technology is restricted, serves as a metaphor for this tension. It emphasizes the ways in which we are both connected and disconnected in our modern world. Even without the constant noise of the internet, Simon cannot escape the lingering shadow of his past, which ultimately resurfaces and tests his relationships.
Bow uses this dynamic to comment on the illusion of control we believe we have over our personal narratives, especially in an era where information can be easily accessed and shared.
The Search for Meaning in Chaos: Faith, Science, and Existential Doubt
One of the more nuanced themes in the novel is the philosophical exploration of faith and science. Both offer competing yet complementary frameworks for understanding the chaos of the world.
Simon’s father, a deacon, represents religious faith. He grapples with his own doubts about God’s plan, especially in the aftermath of his son’s survival of such an unthinkable tragedy. His sermons, particularly the one Simon overhears, are filled with existential questioning, providing a backdrop to the larger thematic question of how one finds meaning in the face of random violence and chaos.
On the other hand, Agate’s fascination with extraterrestrial life and her mission to send a fake message from space reflect the scientific search for answers beyond our immediate understanding. The two perspectives—faith and science—are not in opposition but are presented as different ways of coping with life’s unpredictability.
Simon is caught between these worlds, not fully subscribing to either but seeking solace in both. Bow’s portrayal of this tension highlights a broader commentary on how, as humans, we oscillate between different frameworks in our attempt to make sense of the senseless and find hope in the void.
The Intricacies of Neurodiversity and the Challenges of Defying Societal Norms
Agate’s character, who is proudly neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum, introduces a critical conversation about neurodiversity, social expectations, and what it means to live authentically in a world that often demands conformity. Agate does not seek to “fit in” but instead embraces her unique perspective on life, using her understanding of prime numbers and sidereal time as a way to connect with the world on her own terms.
Her friendship with Simon, who is emotionally guarded, underscores the ways in which both characters defy societal expectations. Simon through his silence about the trauma and Agate through her unapologetic embrace of her differences.
Their relationship challenges the norms of friendship and communication, showing that connection can exist beyond the typical social scripts. Through Agate, the novel questions the very idea of “normalcy” and suggests that what society views as unconventional or even undesirable traits may hold the key to deeper forms of empathy, innovation, and connection.
By centering neurodiversity in the narrative, Erin Bow critiques the pressure to conform and celebrates the resilience that comes from owning one’s identity fully.
The Burden of Responsibility in Childhood and the Quest for Autonomy
Throughout the novel, Simon, despite being a child, is confronted with burdens that are far beyond his years. His survival of the school shooting thrusts him into a role where he is expected to navigate adult emotions like grief, guilt, and shame, yet he remains developmentally a child.
This theme is also reflected in his relationship with Hercules, the puppy he struggles to care for at first. Later, the burden emerges in the project Agate ropes him into—a project that could potentially attract dangerous media attention.
Simon is caught in the liminal space between childhood and adulthood, forced to bear the weight of his trauma, his family’s expectations, and the complex moral implications of Agate’s plan. The novel poignantly explores the tension between the desire for autonomy, as Simon often wishes to handle things on his own, and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that he should not have to bear at such a young age.
Erin Bow addresses this tension by framing Simon’s journey as one of reluctant maturity, where he learns to accept help from those around him—Agate, Kevin, and even his parents—while still retaining a sense of agency over his life.
Nature, Technology, and the Role of Environment in Shaping Identity
The setting of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, with its National Quiet Zone and its role as a hub for radio telescope research, serves as a symbol for the novel’s exploration of environment and identity. The absence of internet, radio, and television in this town creates a physical and metaphorical quiet that contrasts with Simon’s inner turmoil.
The novel suggests that while environment plays a significant role in shaping identity, it cannot completely silence or erase personal trauma. The radio telescopes, reaching out into space for signs of intelligent life, mirror Simon’s own search for meaning and connection. The town’s enforced isolation parallels Simon’s emotional withdrawal.
The relationship between nature and technology is also explored through Agate’s farm, the telescope project, and the tornados that strike near the end of the novel. These symbolize the uncontrollable forces that can upend both the natural and personal worlds.
In this way, Erin Bow uses the setting to enhance the thematic exploration of how external environments influence, but do not define, the internal struggles of identity, belonging, and purpose.