May 5, 2026 by Clarion Books
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Simon of Lacedaemon was killed by Spartan soldiers along with his family and has been in the Underworld for 2,451 years. Since he didn't drink the water from Lethe, he remembers his old life, and has been trying to escape. Unlike the other shades, he can interact and even learn, so Persephone has him wait on her, since he also prepares pomegranate seeds the way she likes. After training Cerberus by scratching the ears on all three of his heads, he manages to make the harrowing Journey out of the Underworld and ends up, naked, in the seventh grade boys' bathroom at St. Nikolaos Academy in St. Paul Minnesota. Luckily, Zeke Tripp finds him and helps him out. Zeke struggles with bullies like Rowan, has very hands off parents, and is struggling with his own personal tragedy. The two boys claim that Simon is from Las Vegas and his parents and luggage are experiencing travel difficulties, and enroll him at the school with the help of Mr. Savalas, who is pleased with Simon's knowledge of Ancient Greek mythology (and who also is struggling with his own personal tragedy). Zeke's grandmother lets Simon stay in the family's pool house and doesn't ask too many questions. In the Underworld, Hades is very angry that someone escaped, but Persephone, Sisyphus, and others are glad. Persephone even starts a subtle shift of power because she is so unhappy spending six months of the year in the Underworld. At school, Simon is given a hard time, but he and Zeke work together, and do get help from some classmates like Lucinda. When strange things start happening in St. Paul, the boys know that Hades is trying to get Simon back. Has Simon "broken" the Underworld and make a lasting escape, or will he have to return to his hellish existence?
Strengths: This was beautifully written and introspective, and wove details of Greek mythology into a modern setting in an interesting way. The use of Cerberus will touch the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, and watching Simon struggle to leave the Underworld was oddly enthralling. His arrival in St. Paul was explained well enough that I could even believe the school didn't ask questions. Even though the story went back and forth between the two worlds, it wasn't hard to understand, and the narrative tension was maintained in both timelines. This is beautifully written, and felt almost cinematic at times. I would not be at all surprised if this won the Newbery Award in 2027.
Weaknesses: While this was a brilliantly constructed book, I'm not sure how much it will appeal to my students. I was enthralled by it, but didn't enjoy it; three characters dealing with losses of loved ones was a bit much. Do have to give some bonus points for Mr. Savalas' career path description: "So how did I end up teaching middle school? My field was Classics." Same, Mr. Savalas. Same.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed allergorical books like Haydu's Eventown or Huang's Kaya of the Ocean.
Strengths: This was beautifully written and introspective, and wove details of Greek mythology into a modern setting in an interesting way. The use of Cerberus will touch the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, and watching Simon struggle to leave the Underworld was oddly enthralling. His arrival in St. Paul was explained well enough that I could even believe the school didn't ask questions. Even though the story went back and forth between the two worlds, it wasn't hard to understand, and the narrative tension was maintained in both timelines. This is beautifully written, and felt almost cinematic at times. I would not be at all surprised if this won the Newbery Award in 2027.
Weaknesses: While this was a brilliantly constructed book, I'm not sure how much it will appeal to my students. I was enthralled by it, but didn't enjoy it; three characters dealing with losses of loved ones was a bit much. Do have to give some bonus points for Mr. Savalas' career path description: "So how did I end up teaching middle school? My field was Classics." Same, Mr. Savalas. Same.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed allergorical books like Haydu's Eventown or Huang's Kaya of the Ocean.
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