Member Review
Review by
Donna M, Educator
I recieved an eARC from this book so I could read and review it. Thank you to NetGalley and Disney/Hyperiom for the opportunity.
Some books are excellent. Some are necessary. This one is both.
Simon is a survivor. The only survivor from his 5th grade class of a school shooting, he welcomes the opportunity to move to the National quiet zone, an area where anything that might affect radio astronomy is forbidden, which means no TV, Cell phones. Microwaves, or internet. Which, to Simon, means a chance to hopefully leave his past behind. This is a realistic and ultimately hopeful look at a trauma which is all too real to kids today, who may not have had Simon's experience, but have grown up with the idea that such things can happen, and who, like Simon, need to move into the present.
This is a book which truly should be shared with children, to give them the opportunity to discuss their own fears and experiences. Sadly, it is also a book that it is likely schools will not be allowed to teach. I strongly recommend that parents do so.
Some books are excellent. Some are necessary. This one is both.
Simon is a survivor. The only survivor from his 5th grade class of a school shooting, he welcomes the opportunity to move to the National quiet zone, an area where anything that might affect radio astronomy is forbidden, which means no TV, Cell phones. Microwaves, or internet. Which, to Simon, means a chance to hopefully leave his past behind. This is a realistic and ultimately hopeful look at a trauma which is all too real to kids today, who may not have had Simon's experience, but have grown up with the idea that such things can happen, and who, like Simon, need to move into the present.
This is a book which truly should be shared with children, to give them the opportunity to discuss their own fears and experiences. Sadly, it is also a book that it is likely schools will not be allowed to teach. I strongly recommend that parents do so.
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