See Ya, Simon

See Ya, Simon follows the friendship between two New Zealand teenagers - Nathan and his best friend Simon, who has muscular dystrophy. The story is narrated by Nathan as he and Simon navigate their final year of intermediate school together. Simon faces his condition with humor and determination, maintaining his sharp wit and strong opinions even as his physical abilities decline. His friendship with Nathan remains central to both their lives, built on years of shared interests, inside jokes, and mutual support. The novel portrays daily life in a New Zealand school, complete with typical teenage concerns like crushes, bullies, and classroom dynamics. Through Nathan's eyes, readers experience both ordinary school days and the increasingly frequent hospital visits that punctuate Simon's life. The book offers an honest exploration of friendship, mortality, and how young people process grief and loss. Without sentimentality, it presents a clear-eyed view of how illness affects not just the patient but their entire social circle.

Readers describe this young adult novel as an honest portrayal of friendship, disability, and loss that avoids becoming overly sentimental. Many reviews note the realistic dialogue between teenage characters and the authentic handling of muscular dystrophy. Readers appreciated: - Natural humor balancing serious themes - Strong character development of both Simon and Nathan - Educational value for young readers about disabilities - New Zealand setting and cultural elements Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more depth to secondary characters - Several mentioned the emotional impact was overwhelming for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) "The friendship feels genuine rather than forced or preachy," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader commented, "It taught my children about empathy without being heavy-handed."

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper Chronicles the story of a girl with cerebral palsy navigating school life, offering a perspective on friendship and ability through the lens of disability.

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick Tells the story of a teenage drummer whose life changes when his younger brother is diagnosed with leukemia, exploring family bonds and the impact of illness on relationships.

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen Follows a track athlete who loses her leg in an accident and forms a friendship with a girl who has cerebral palsy, showing the journey through disability and adaptation.

Rules by Cynthia Lord Presents the relationship between a girl and her autistic brother, depicting the complexities of sibling dynamics and understanding differences.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio Depicts the experiences of a boy with facial differences entering mainstream school, examining friendship and acceptance through multiple perspectives.

🔸 Muscular dystrophy, the condition featured in the book, affects approximately 1 in every 3,500 male births worldwide, making it one of the most common genetic conditions. 🔸 David Hill has written over 40 books for young readers and was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal in 2005 for his significant contribution to children's literature in New Zealand. 🔸 The book was first published in 1992 and has become a staple in New Zealand schools, often used to teach students about empathy and disability awareness. 🔸 See Ya, Simon draws from real-life experiences and consultations with families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lending authenticity to the portrayal of living with the condition. 🔸 The novel has been translated into several languages and has won multiple awards, including the Times Educational Supplement Award for Special Needs in the UK.