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TL;DR: Sixteen-year-old Simon Spier is gay but has not told anyone, except a boy he knows only as “Blue,” with whom he has been exchanging secret emails. When a classmate named Martin discovers the emails, he blackmails Simon into helping him date Simon's friend Abby. Simon must protect his secret, figure out who Blue is and decide how and when to come out.
Table of Contents
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda at a Glance
| Author | Becky Albertalli |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Young adult novel |
| Best for | readers who want a funny, warm and hopeful coming-out story |
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is the first novel by Becky Albertalli, published in 2015. It won the William C. Morris Award and was adapted into the 2018 film Love, Simon. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes blackmail, outing and bullying.
Main Characters
- Simon Spier: A funny, theater-loving high school junior.
- Blue: An anonymous classmate Simon emails.
- Martin Addison: A classmate who blackmails Simon.
- Leah, Nick and Abby: Simon's close friends.
- Simon's family: His loving, quirky parents and sisters.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The emails
Simon and Blue met through a school social media page. Neither knows the other's real name, but they share their thoughts, fears and jokes, including the fact that they are both gay and not out. Simon is falling for Blue. One day, Simon forgets to log out on a library computer, and Martin sees the emails.
Blackmail
Martin threatens to share the emails unless Simon helps him get close to Abby. Simon reluctantly agrees, trying to protect both himself and Blue. He feels guilty, because it means manipulating his friends. He keeps writing to Blue and wonders who he might be.
Guessing
Simon tries to work out who Blue is. He suspects different boys, including Cal and Bram, but he cannot be sure. Meanwhile, Simon's friendships change. Leah seems upset with him, and Nick and Abby grow close. Simon's school play rehearsals add to the stress.
Outed
When Abby rejects Martin, Martin posts on the school's social media page that Simon is gay. Simon is outed against his will. Some classmates make cruel jokes, and Blue stops writing. Simon's family and friends support him, but he is hurt and angry.
Blue
Simon writes to Blue, asking to meet at a carnival. He waits on the Ferris wheel, and Blue finally appears: it is Bram. They kiss, and Simon's friends cheer. Simon's relationships with his friends heal, and he feels free to be himself.
5 Key Takeaways
- Coming out should be your own choice.
- True friends support you.
- Blackmail is a form of control.
- Being yourself takes courage.
- Love can grow through honest words.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Everyone deserves to tell their story in their own time.
- Humor can help in hard times.
- Family love can be a safe place.
Who Should Read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda?
Read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda if you enjoy funny, romantic and heartfelt stories about growing up. It suits teens and adults.
About Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli (born 1982) is an American author and former clinical psychologist who worked with teenagers. Her books include The Upside of Unrequited, Leah on the Offbeat and What If It's Us, written with Adam Silvera. Love, Simon became a hit film, and the series Love, Victor followed.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda:
- Why should coming out be Simon's choice?
- How does Martin's blackmail affect Simon?
- Who did you think Blue was?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is charming, funny and hopeful.
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What to Read Next
- Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli: Leah's story after Simon's
- Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: a sweet first love story
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: two boys find love
Related: 15 Books Like Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda about?
A gay teen is blackmailed over secret emails with an anonymous boy.
Who wrote it?
Becky Albertalli, in 2015.
Who is Blue?
Bram Greenfeld, Simon's classmate.
Who blackmails Simon?
Martin Addison.
Is there a film?
Yes, Love, Simon (2018).
Did it win awards?
Yes, the William C. Morris Award.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, Leah on the Offbeat.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 300 pages.
Is it funny?
Yes, very.
Is it romantic?
Yes, sweetly.
Where is it set?
Near Atlanta, Georgia.
Is the book different from the film?
Yes, a little. The film changes some scenes, but the heart of the story is the same.
Is Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a funny, warm and hopeful coming-out story. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.