Friday, 16 August 2019

A New Zealand book every kid should read before the age of 12 – See Ya, Simon by David Hill




The New Zealand Book Council came up with a list of books by New Zealanders that they reckon every kid should have read by the age of 12.  I decided to check out the ones I haven't read and post about the ones I agreed were good (in no particular order).

I enjoyed See Ya, Simon – but I don't agree with the Book Council that this is aimed at under 12's.  I think 13 or 14 would be better. It was first published in 1992 but doesn't feel too dated.

This book is very funny, very moving and honest.  Simon is in the second year of high school – his best mate is Nathan.  Simon has muscular dystrophy.  But he is the funniest kid.

I think this was an excellent book about a tough subject.  It wasn't at all sentimental.  One thing that really stuck with me was Simon's answer to a question about was the worst TV programme was and he said the telethon raising funds for disabled children.  His point was that he just wanted to be with normal people and not put into a special category and pitied.  He felt the telethon just encouraged everyone to assuage their consciences by giving money.  I'm probably not explaining this well but as a cancer survivor I have a similar reaction to fund raising campaigns by cancer charities.  The last thing they seem to be thinking about is the feelings of people going through it.

A warning – there is no happy ending or miracle cure.

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