Books Like Simon Says
Families who loved Simon Says by John Peel often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Simon Says by John Peel often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to navigate a new school environment or feels like they are being pressured to follow a crowd they do not trust. It is an ideal choice for kids who have a keen sense of justice but feel isolated by social hierarchies or peer pressure. The story follows Kayla, a newcomer to the town of Drayton, who realizes that the local golden boy, Simon, exerts a sinister, almost supernatural control over her peers. Through the lens of a classic 90s spooky mystery, the book explores themes of standing up for oneself and the courage required to be an outsider. While it contains elements of horror and suspense suitable for the middle-grade audience, its true value lies in the metaphor for social manipulation and bullying. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's intuition that something is wrong even when everyone else is playing along.
