Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

 Introduction

Becky Albertalli is an American writer known for her young adult books. Before she became an author, she worked as a psychologist, helping young people. Her first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, won awards and was made into the movie Love, Simon. Becky writes about LGBTQ+ themes, friendship, and the challenges of being a teenager, and she creates characters that feel real and relatable.

Before reading the book: 

Discussion: 

1. What is our right to privacy on the internet? Is everything we say or do (e.g., comments, posts, and searches) discoverable by others? Should it be?

2. Which social media platforms do you mostly use? 

3. Have you heard of or used Tumblr?

4. What do you need to consider before commenting or posting anything on the internet? 

5. Take a look at the cover of the book! What do you think the book will be about?

Vocab - take a look at the words before we start reading. Do you know the meanings?

https://quizlet.com/se/942657001/simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda-flash-cards/?i=81stf&x=1jqt

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Wyg9SRzM_ZI08SiLsEPCWe9t-yF-KwuwgBABGoxJPc/edit?usp=sharing

During reading

Listen to chapters 1-2 together in class: 

https://esl-bits.eu/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/SimonVS/Ch1-2/design.html

Write down words you don't know. We will put the words into the list above. 

After reading

1. How does Simon feel about the possibility of people discovering his secret identity? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

2. Who is Blue? 

3. Why does Simon feel the need to keep his emails private, especially those sent to Blue?

4.  “I need the violence of video games and the smell of this basement,” what does this mean in this context? 

Quote

“‘You’re actually going to make me do this,’ I say. ‘Make you? Come on. It’s not like that.’ ‘Well, what’s it like?’ ‘It’s not like anything. I mean, I like this girl. I was just thinking you would want to help me here. Invite me to stuff when she’ll be there. I don’t know.’ ‘And what if I don’t? You’ll put the emails on Facebook? On the fucking Tumblr?’ Jesus. The creeksecrets Tumblr: ground zero for Creekwood High School gossip. The entire school would know within a day. We’re both quiet. ‘I just think we’re in a position to help each other out,’ Martin finally says.” 

(Chapter 1, Pages 4 - 5)

In this passage, Simon is being pressured by Martin to help him, or else Martin threatens to expose Simon’s secret online. 

• How do you think social media and gossip sites, like the "creeksecrets Tumblr," impact Simon’s decisions and behaviour?

•  Do you think social media can add more pressure to situations like this in real life? Why or why not?

Chapter 3 

Listen and read here

Who is Blue? 

Is it a boy or girl - motivate your opinion. 

Quote

“If Blue were a real junior at Creekwood with a locker and a GPA and a Facebook profile, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be telling him anything. I mean, he is a real junior at Creekwood. I know that. But in a way, he lives in my laptop. It’s hard to explain.”

In the quote, Simon says Blue "lives in [his] laptop," which shows his mixed feelings about their connection. 

                     * How does talking to Blue online change the way Simon feels close or distant to him?

                     *Think about how being online helps or stops Simon from sharing things with Blue. 

                     *Do you think this online distance makes their relationship more real or less real? Use examples from the book to explain your answer.

Chapters 4-5 

       

Vocabulary

In pairs take a look at the words chapters 4-5. What do you think they mean? Circle the correct meaning. Vocab chapters 4-5 (Here are the correct meanings: XXX)

In class we will go through the correct meaning. You will also find explanations in easier Swedish

We will listen to chapters 4-5 together. 

Homework for Friday 4th of Oct:

Chapters 6-8

Read chapters 6-8. Write a few sentences about what you: 

Like? Dislike? Do you have any questions? 

If you listen as well it will take about 30 minutes.

Questions chapter 6 -8

Go to Trelson and answer the questions below: 


* Who is Jacques?
How do Blue and Jacques feel differently about Halloween, and what does this show about their personalities?

What do you think Blue means when he says he feels "trapped inside himself"? How does Jacques respond to this?

Why do you think the talk about Reese’s candy turn into a conversation about identity and being scared to open up?

Why is Blue afraid to tell Jacques who he really is? How does this affect their friendship?

How does using jokes help keep Blue and Jacques’ emails fun and friendly?

Why does Simon feel uncomfortable with Gender Bender Day?

What is Simon's reaction to seeing Bram dressed as a cheerleader? Why is this important to him?

How does the argument between Leah and Nick about the football game affect Simon and their friends?

Why does Simon want to go to the football game?

How does Simon feel when Martin talks to him about Abby? Why does this conversation bother Simon?

What is the "Shoreo" that Simon talks about, and how does he describe it?

How do Simon and Blue joke about Oreos and a balanced diet in their emails?

What is Simon's "Oreo diet"? 

Why does Blue avoid deep-fried Oreos, and what past experience does he share?

What did you like and dislike about chapters 6-8? Anything you didn't understand? 

This is a Thilt-A-Whirl: