48 pages 1 hour read

Erin Bow

Simon Sort of Says

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2023

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Chapters 20-24

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 20 Summary: “In Which My Dad Goes Black Sabbath”

Simon attends Sunday Mass by himself, as his mom is busy with work and his dad is giving the sermon. Kevin is an altar boy, and Simon finds it difficult to be in the same room with him since they still haven’t talked. People in the pews take pity on Simon and give him exactly the sort of attention he hates. When Simon’s dad starts talking about God’s plan and how he believes that there is no such thing, Simon is horrified. Simon’s dad names the children who were shot in Eagle Crest and proclaims that he does not believe that God would plan such a thing. Simon takes Hercules and leaves just moments after his mother arrives.

Simon’s mom chases him outside to check on him, and Kevin is right behind them. He and Simon talk alone for a minute, and Kevin apologizes for disappearing at the height of the gossip. Simon forgives Kevin but reminds him that he needs to speak up rather than stay silent. After a hug, Simon tells Kevin about Agate’s plan and asks Kevin if he can steal his family’s microwave. Kevin is a little confused at first but decides to count himself in.