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. ( )

Summary:

“Stay away from Simon tells a story about a deficient young boy whom kids fear, because of his hulking presence and false stories that is perceived by a group of kids. Lucy and her brother gets lost in a snow storm one day after school and Simon follows them home. Lucy not predicting that Simon would follow them home, but they are spotted by Simon and helps them out of the snow storm. Now, out of harm’s way Lucy discovers the real truth about Simon. Simon is not the boy she thought he was. He is actually kind, caring, and an enjoyable friend.

Personal Reaction:

In my younger school years I was friends with a few deficiency boys, so I know by what they have told me and by what I have seen that kids are afraid, and make fun of those whom they fear, because they are different and not like them. These kids shouldn’t be treated any different that would discriminate between all the other kids, for it is not a healthy productive lifestyle for those kids of a deficiency.

Classroom Extensions:

1 Have each student in class to introduce their selves to someone that they are not familiar with or friends with.

2. Assign each student with a partner to become more familiar with for 4 weeks.

Lucy and her younger brother examine their feelings about a mentally handicapped boy they both fear when he follows then home one snowy day. ( )