Stay Away from Simon!

by Carol Carrick, Donald Carrick (Illustrator)

Lucy and her younger brother are frightened when they discover that Simon, the hulking miller's boy, is following them home from school.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Disability, Childrens, Juvenile

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Lucy Bliss had heard all sorts of terrible stories about Simon, the "simple" (developmentally disabled) son of the local miller, who didn't attend school, but sometimes hung around the younger children. Like all of the young folk of West Tisbury, located on Martha's Vineyard, she tried to avoid the older boy, distrustful and afraid. Then one winter day, in the middle of a snowstorm, Simon followed Lucy and her little brother Josiah home from school. Terrified, Lucy took a shortcut through the woods, and soon she and Josiah were hopelessly lost. Then Simon appeared again...

For a brief, sixty-three-page chapter-book, Stay Away from Simon! packs quite a punch, with moments of excitement, fear and pathos. An examination of prejudice and fear, it explores how the developmentally disabled were perceived in previous eras - the setting seems to be 19th century - and makes an argument for tolerance, compassion and inclusion. Although Lucy's feelings are treated with sympathy by the narrative - she doesn't know any better, and is simply following the cues of her peers - it is Simon's likely feelings, at being excluded and misunderstood, that brought a lump to my throat, as I read the story. The ending is heartwarming, without being overdone - Lucy and Simon haven't become best friend, but a new understanding has been reached. The accompanying pencil artwork from Donald Carrick, who illustrated many of his wife Carol Carrick's books, is just beautiful - expressive and full of detail. Recommended to beginning chapter-book readers, and to anyone seeking children's books promoting a better understanding of the developmentally disabled in our communities.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids doesn't feel comfortable when Simon is around. The reason is not really clear. Simon is poor, and he doesn't go to school, he is not very smart, he can't even learn how to read or count. But this can't be a reason for them to dislike him. The real problem is all this gossip around Simon. Those stories people makes up when is scared of something or someone different. The outcome is the kids judging Simon unfairly. Lucy among them.
Trying to runaway from Simon, Lucy gets her and her little brother Josiah into trouble. They are lost in the middle of a snow storm. The situation will turn even more frightening when she realized Simon is still behind them. But Simon is there to help them, and will safely lead them to their home. Lucy realized then how unfair she has been, and how dangerous gossip is.

I loved the last image of Lucy holding Simon hands. So touching!

*This review is part of my project Characters with characters

Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon is a simple-minded boy of whom people are afraid. Rumors circulate about things he has done: did he drown that young boy? So when he follows Lucy and Josiah, they are afraid but he saves them from getting lost in a snowstorm. Lucy realizes that she has misjudged Simon.

[Tam Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical fiction book about acceptance of all.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a nice little story that I've always wanted to read. A good lesson about not judging people.

[Wwind · Rating 1 out of 5]

it's not that fun

[Jeanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice small chapter book that has adventure and teaches empathy.

[Shawnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

T’was a joke for friend named Simon and then we read it and it’s just kinda mean 😭

[Michael Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tells of simpler time when kids go to school in a one room schoolhouses and walk to school in all kinds of weather. but the heart of this story revolves around the danger of rumor and the treatment of people who are different.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book extols the virtues of keeping an open mind and cautions against prejudice. I loved it so much growing up, and not only because the main character's name is Lucy. It's a lovely story.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine book for chidren helping them understand that people who outwardly appear different, strange, or ma yhave learning difficulties, but may be kind and helpful when needed.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good message about treating handicapped people kindly and the dangers of gossip.