Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming story about kids' first taste of activism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When SIMON B. RHYMIN' TAKES A STAND begins, Simon and his friends start noticing their grievances with their school. The air conditioning doesn't work. Their teams, where they get to compete with other schools, are demoted to clubs. They know that kids on the wealthier side of town have better facilities and continue to have their activities. In class, they're learning about activism, so they decide to engage in it themselves, to demand resources for their school.
Is It Any Good?
This charming, uplifting book builds on the story in Book 1, but you don't have to have read that on to enjoy this one. In Simon B. Rhymin' Takes a Stand, Dwayne Reed, a fourth grade teacher, and Ellien Holi revive the lovable title character from the previous book, Simon B. Rhymin'. It covers the kind of social problems its target readers may be just starting to think about, and offers an optimistic view of making change in your own community.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of privilege. What are some things you enjoy that other people don't have? What are some things other people have that you don't?
Has a teacher ever influenced you to do something outside of school? What was it?
Have you ever taken a risk to stand up for a friend?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Robert Paul, Jr.
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Communication , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 5, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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