SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow

 

Readers get a great sneak peek of the action in this book just by looking at the book cover. If you are looking for a town called Grin and Bear It, a cuddly future guide dog puppy, an angry peacock, a bunch of nervous emus, a funeral home, and a goat farm, this is the book for you. You will find there's even more excitement packed into this must-read middle grade adventure.

Simon and his parents have just moved to a place known as a National Quiet Zone. That means no internet, no TV, no Wi-fi, even no microwaves. The scientists in the area are studying alien communication. Simon and his parents are just looking for a quiet place to escape a tragic event.

Simon's mother is an undertaker and his father works as a deacon for the Catholic church. Simon is just hoping to make some new friends and blend in. Readers will learn soon about the event Simon is hoping to forget, but as with most such events, life doesn't always follow the path we hope for.

Author Erin Bow fills SIMON SORT OF SAYS with one wacky character after another as she takes readers on an adventure they won't soon forget. I highly recommend this one for middle grade and up.