Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Simon Birch

film

Simon Birch

1998

Simon Birch and Joe Wenteworth are boys who have a reputation for being oddballs. Joe never knew his father, and his mother, Rebecca, is keeping her lips sealed no matter how much he protests. Simon, meanwhile, is an 11-year-old dwarf whose outsize personality belies his small stature. Indeed, he often assails the local reverend with thorny theological questions and joins Joe on his quest to find his biological father.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Central to the plot, including the death of a main character's mother and the eventual passing of the lead.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Limited, mostly associated with medical contexts and a tragic accident scene.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild language appropriate for the PG rating.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

The church and theological debate are central to Simon's character development.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, age-appropriate crushes.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Tense scenes regarding the accident and the emotional vulnerability of the protagonists.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief social use typical of the time period depicted.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Minor physical altercations and a bus accident.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Simon and Joe confront stigma, uncertainty, family secrets, danger, and grief with notable determination and bravery.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages thinking about life's purpose and individual worth.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the perspective of a person with dwarfism, highlighting his agency.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of empathy and accepting differences.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Central to the emotional core of the friendship.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of faith, friendship, and finding meaning in one's life despite adversity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The boys demonstrate resilience, loyalty, and deep friendship.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Simon Birch would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Simon Birch, and what caused that change?
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