See Ya, Simon

by David Hill

Over the years fourteen-year-old Nathan has learned a lot about muscular dystrophy from his best friend but is unprepared for Simon's rapid decline and approaching death

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Disability

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

David Hill (born 1942) is a New Zealand author, especially well known for his young adult fiction. His young fiction books See Ya, Simon (1992) and Right Where It Hurts (2001) have been shortlisted for numerous awards. He is also a prolific journalist, writing many articles for The New Zealand Herald.

He cites Maurice Gee as his favourite author, and Joy Cowley and Margaret Mahy as his favourite children's authors.

Hill attended Victoria University in Wellington, graduating MA Hons in 1964. Hill currently lives in New Plymouth.

Reviews

[Rebecca]

See Ya Simon is the kind of book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.

While reading See Ya Simon I fell in love with both Simon and Nathan, they are both really great guys and the best friends that could ever exist. All of the characters are that great.

This book is relatively short and I spent my entire night just reading through this book because it is really that good. Highly entertaining See Ya Simon made me laugh and cry. It also made me want to read the entire thing so I could find out everything that happened.

I'm not one for spoiling the endings of books and so I won't spoil this one for you but I can tell you now that it is definitely a really good and really heart-wrenching ending.

While most people would think this book is about a boy who is dying and it just has his downward spiral. It's not really. It is a novel that celebrates life, friendship and love. Also a quick warning,this book is highly emotive so have a box of tissues on hand.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. But I tell you now, make sure you have a couple of hours on hand because you will not want to put this book down.

[MissStan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters - funny and sad. Need your hankie at the end.

[Lizelle Kruusenvald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kui keegi tahab lihtsat, naljakat, armsat ja kurba raamatut, siis see on see🥹

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers below...


Nathan’s best friend Simon has Muscular Dystrophy. They’ve been best friends since forever and enjoy Dungeons and Dragons gaming and mucking about at school and joking about girls.

See Ya Simon is about their friendship and the eventual loss of Simon as he goes into hospital again and again as he gets weaker and then again for the last time.

This book is funny, upbeat and totally believable and very sad at the end. I enjoyed the characters, especially Simon who made jokes about himself and laughed about everything - making those around him happy, and sometimes giving them important things to think about.
Great Kiwi classic.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tegemist on ühe äärmiselt nukra ja hingekriipiva noortekaga. Raamat kulgeb läbi Nathani silmade, kes jutustab oma heast sõbrast Simonist. Simon on 15.a Uus-Meremaa noormees, kes põeb geenihaigust, mille tagajärjel tema lihased muutuvad aina nõrgemaks. Ta saab liikuda ainult ratastoolis ja enamus selle haigusega lapsi surevad juba 12 eluaastaks. Sa hakkad lugema ja tead, et Simon sureb, mingit imet ei tasu loota, aga kui see kord juhtub tabab see sind sama ootamatult nagu 150 km tunnis auto tabab majaseina. Lastel on oskus maailma veidi teistmoodi näha, nad ei mõtle asju üle nagu täiskasvanud. Nii ka Nathan teab, et ta sõber on suremas, aga see ei takista neid igast päevast võimaluse piires maksimumi võtta, lollitada, mängida jne. Simon on mõistagi eriline poiss, ta ei haletse ennast, ta pole end koju lukustanud, ta tahab elada sest teab, et ta ei saa kaua seda teha. Kõik inimesed peaksid rohkem Simoni moodi olema, sa võtad elult seda mida see sulle annab ning keerad selle millekski eriliseks. Raamat õpetab kindlasti väärtustama ka sõprust, hea sõber ei hooli sinu välimusest, teadmistest ning tervisest, ta on sinu jaoks lihtsalt olemas kuni viimase hingetõmbeni välja. Mul isegi täna tagantjärgi meenutades hakkavad jälle pisarad voolama. Maailm on ebaõiglane, miks lapsed üldse peavad surema (eriti kui mõtled, et igasugu mõrvarid, pätid, terroristid naudivad elu täiel rinnal) :(

[Sophie Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think about courage, bravery and friendship when Nathan is friends with Simon, who has MD ( muscular dystrophy ) and tells his perspective of what Simon is going through and how it effects him ( Nathan ). The book is about Simon and Nathan's friendship, and what they go through together in the last year before Simon dies. The writer is teaching us about what it is like to be a friend of someone's that has MD (muscular dystrophy) and how hard it is to be the one suffering like Simon, who can't run around, play soccer with his friends, and be a normal 14 year old boy. Nathan and Simon's other friends sit with him in the computer room or just sit down talking to him at lunch, trying to include Simon as best they can - this would be hard for Nathan because he wants to play soccer and other games with his friends but then he doesn't want to leave Simon. My opinion of the book is that it is very good, I would definitely recommend it, and it talks about how hard it really is suffering or being a close friend to someone who doesn't have it as easy as you do.

[Lillian]

This book made me think about / the book is about Nathan and Simon are best friends, Simon has a disease called muscular dystrophy so he is in a wheelchair because his muscles are really weak. As the book goes on Simon gets weaker and weaker but he doesn't like to show it or when people feel sorry for him.
The writer is teaching us about what it is like to be a friend that has MD (muscular dystrophy) and how hard it is because Simon cant run around and play soccer with his friends so Nathan and Simon's other friends sit with him in the computer room or just sit down talking. This would be hard for Nathan because he wants to play soccer and other games with his friends but then he doesn't want to leave Simon.
My opinion of the book I think the book is very good and I recommend it to others.

[Sophie Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me think about the struggles and lives that people go through when Nathan lost his close friend. The writer is teaching us to treasure our lives and respect people around us. In my opinion this book was very moving and was amazing to read. I would could defiantly recommend this book to anyone.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I re-read this for my course and boy howdy do I feel rage at another disability novel where the disabled person dies. Arrrggggggg.

[Kenneth Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I thought this book is interesting and funny after I read the blurb at the back of book. It hooks me up and I wanted to find out what is the difference between Simon and Nathan as they are best friends. Also I want to compared Simon to his classmate.

This book will fit the category of "A book with themes related to those we’ve studied in class in the 1st half of the year". The theme at the start of the year is about Differences to other people or someone. This book fits very well with it because Simon is in the wheelchair while other people is a normal.

My favourite character of this book is Nathan because he always wants to help Simon who has muscular dystrophy since he was born. Simon is in the wheelchair. Nathan is very friendly and helpful to Simon. He was always goes with him at lunchtime and afterschool everyday, even Simon goes to the hospital, Nathan will still make an appointment to see him. Nathan is always like to keep in touch with Simon than his other friends which it was regularly in touch.

My favourite quote is “Inside those skins, those circles, is the real you”. I like this quote because this quote really tell us that everybody is different, even our friends. There are no matter if they are good or bad. This quote also tell us to step up and be proud of myself. No body will laugh at you even if you are performing, you still have to be confident, not nervous. This quote tends to happen when people are doing the performance or something.

I learned from this book is to be supportive each other and communicate each other very well even if you need some help on something. Also, I learned from this book is to respect each other even if the person dies.

The difference between Nathan and Simon are similar to each other. They are both bored when they are lonely at lunchtime. Normally, Simon would go to play computer games at lunchtime while Nathan sat there looking at the kids playing around. Simon is very different to us because he is in the wheelchair. He gets his special needs in the classroom while other classmate in the class doesn't need special needs. He goes to the hospital monthly. Simon is very kind and cool to the classmate. Sadly, at the end of the story, Simon have died in the hospital due to the breathing problem as his muscles is getting smaller and skinner than what is like last year. Mostly of Simon's class came to the funeral to pay their respects to Simon. He will be remember as the coolest guy and the funniest guy ever in the school.

This book is written in NZ.
Compared to Millions book that we went this year is quite different. But the similarity of this book to Millions is that everybody is different, even people loves them like Damian's Dad loves Dorthy since Mum goes of to the better place. The difference of this book is the setting and taking something else, other than money. This is about help each other in the community.

[Amanda Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know going into this book that it won't be a miracle happy ending. You also know it's aimed at high school aged kids. So I think somehow I didn't expect it to hit me quite so hard in the emotions.

I've rated this five stars, because within its genre, it is one of the best I've read. Even considering beyond genre, it's very good.

I wonder what my experience would have been if I'd read this when I was the age it is targeted at? I lost someone when I was 8 years old, and I often wonder nowadays if I could have processed that better... books like this certainly would have helped I think!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read. Funny, quirky, realistic and sad. Definitely had me blubbing. A must read.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

See ya Simon was a book I read on a whim, I thought short, sweet. It was these things yet so much more. The plot seems pretty much non existent apart from following Nathan and Simon and the last part of their journey together.

I found it odd originally about how although the book is from Nathan’s perspective it revolves around Simon. I realise it’s because for those few years Simon was such an integral part of Nathan’s life as was Nathan in Simons.

The story has an overarching sadness throughout the whole novel yet Simons and Nathan’s positivity brings a lightness to a book with such a heavy topic.

I didn’t know much about muscle dystrophy before reading this book and I feel educated, not in full, about this and the stigma surrounding disability. Books like this stick with me not because of the amazing characters or complex plot but the messages it conveys and how it’ll change the way I see things and what changes I can make in my lifestyle.

[Karolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tegu oli kurva, kuid samaa humoorika ning tõetruu looga viieteistaastasest poisist, kes põdes lihasdüstroofiat. Juba raamatu alguses oli teada, et Simon sureb, kuid kui see hetk kätte jõudis, oli see siiski kurb ja vähesel määral ka ootamatu.

Mis mulle selle raamatu ning just eriti Simoni puhul väga meeldis oli see, et ta polnud nö klassikaline haige, kes oma elu ja kõike muud haletseb. Vastupidi, Simon oli poiss, kes elas võimalikult tavalist elu ja tahtis, et inimesed temasse ka tavaliselt suhtuksid.

Ka Nathan, kelle vaatenurgast lugu räägitud oli, jättis endast sümpaatse mulje. Ta teadis täpselt, kuidas Simoniga suhelda ja ei haletsenud teda kuidagi moodi. Samas jällegi väärtustas ta iga hetke, mis talle Simoniga antud olid.

Soovitan seda raamatut kõigile noortele ja ka täiskasvanutele. Minu jaoks oli tegu üpriski kergelt kirjutatud teosega, mille lugemine läks väga kiirelt ning ei saanudki aru, kui raamat läbi saama hakkas. Soovitan soojalt!

[Miss Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers know how this one will end because we are informed about Simon's muscular dystrophy (MD) by the author, as well as the massive hint in the novel's title, but still we read on. The banter between the two besties is believable not to mention classic and there is some original imagery created. What could easily have been a very depressing novel, is quite uplifting. What's nice is the insight into how Simon is feeling about how others perceive and interact with him (especially after a development). It deals with the themes: dealing with differences, making the most of it, seeing "chances" and friendship.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think about what people situations are when they have a child that is needing a lot of care throughout the book Simon's family must always be there to help him with what ever he needs.

The writer is teaching us about what the life of Nathan is having Simon has his best friend and everything they go through together right until the end the reason I think that he wrote about this is maybe because that he went through the same thing with one of his friends and want to tell everyone to know what it is like.

In my opinion this book is a great read and I really enjoyed going through the story fining about everything that happens with everyone.

[Matthew]

This book made me think about how someone who has a disability should be treated equally to us. It is not fair to treat them as outsiders it is their right and our responsibility to include and treat them the way they should be treated.


The writer is teaching us about how you should not judge a person before you have truly meet them, "don't judge a book by its cover", and how they have the right to be respected from their peers.


My opinion on the message from the book
The message from the book is very important, it shows that some people in this world still care and have respect for people with disabilities as should everyone in this world!

[Britt Suits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tegemist on noortele mõeldud raamatuga, mille peategelaseks on ratastoolis olev poiss Simon. Tal on haigus, mis progresseerub ja kõik tema ümber teavad, et varsti poiss sureb.

Ühest küljest oli loomulikult kurb raamat, aga teisest küljest oli kirjeldatud Simoni rõõme. Ta oli oma lootusetust olukorrast nii üle kui vähegi olla sai. Ta oli väga pop poiss ja mitte keegi ei narrinud ega kiusanud teda. Raamatu lõpp oli muidugi kurb ja isegi kui kogu raamatu vältel sa tead, et lõpp selliseks kujuneb, siis ikkagi tuleb natuke silmi pühkida.

Raamat kuulub „Teraviku“ sarja. Huvitav, kas teised raamatud ka sama head on? Minul igatahes tekkis sarja vastu huvi.

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

See ya Simon is the beautiful, heartfelt story of a young boy with muscular dystrophy told through the eyes of his goofy best friend, Nathen. This is a story of their last year together. See ya Simon is filled to the brim with courage, bravery and friendship. I couldn’t put it down for even a second. It was short and sweet with an emotional ending that had me in tears. This book teaches us that a disability doesn’t define us and also teaches us lessons about always being their for your friends. I really enjoyed See ya Simon, although I recommend it for 10 + because it covers topics like devorce and death.

[Amity Eagleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Ya, Simon is about a boy with Muscular Dystrophy, it is written in the perspective of his best friend Nathan, and it deals with the feelings that each of them go through as Simon's diesease progresses. It is only a short book, and while there isnt much character or story development, I think it did a great job at portraying how a teenager would be feeling and acting in this situation.
I gave this book a 4/5 stars, it made me cry, and any book that c an hit me on such a high emotional level deserves a good rating.

[Teina Tuhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think about how disabled kids most feel about their disabilities when someone judges them. when nathan and simon went to the disco, (at the start of the book) simon went all salty because some people would think his disability is contagious, that really made me angry, but i thought if i was simon i would get ticked off too.
The writer is teaching us about what people with disabilities go through, because its important to notice wrong doings.
In my opinion, simon sounds like a normal humand being, hearing that hes full of joy but then full of disgrace. yep the end

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me learn that a disability doesn't define a person and it teaches valuable lessons about friendship acceptance and understanding. The writer is teaching us to make the best of life and not to miss the best and bad moments. Just because simon is in a wheel chair, it dosnt stop him from doing the things he loves. Simon has a bestfriend called nathan and this book made me think about friendship, nathan was always there for simon even through the hard times. In my opinion, you need to stay strong because it will get better, so I think it is important for people to know this.

[Coral Smith]

A great but heart breaking story of friendship. Meet Simon and Nathan, two best mates. The only problem is Simon has Muscular Dystrophy, a disease which causes his muscles to break down. Follow these 2 mates through a year in school and how they maintain their friendship and have all the "normal" teen life dramas.

[Amber Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading See Ya Simon. The book was moving but it also had humor in it. I had some really good morals and life lessons behind it. I really like the way that the story was told from Simons best friends point of view. It was cool how Nathan (Simone best friend) told stories about their past and shared some of his memories of Simon before he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. It has a moving ending which almost brought me to tears. I'd showed me that just because someone is different from the rest of us and doesn't have the same abilities as us it doesn't mean that their personalities are any different from anyone else around you.

[Rocky Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought this was an okay book i'm not really into the depressing kind of books. but apart from that i thought this was a well thought out descriptive novel. there was a lot of character development in the story and some plot twists. i recommend it

[Trinity F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have vague memories of this book being read to my class by a teacher in primary school and I had always wanted to revisit it but could never remember any details. However, while housesitting I recognised the book and decided to read it.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written teen book, about a group of school friends, which tackles the subjects of death, dying, friendship and being a teenager all in one breath of exuberant, fast paced storytelling.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first novel I read as a kid. My dad gifted it to me and I treasure it dearly. It’s a fabulous read and should be a core text for Grade 6-7. A true tale of courage and friendship.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and very moving. Well worth a read.

[Fen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was emotional. I liked how Simon wasn't scared.