Daphne Dodson

The Outcasts Daphne Dodson

The Outcasts, Simon's Gift begins with Simon sitting in the city park, alone and occupying his empty hours by creating fantasy lives of the strangers who don't seem to notice him. Lunch long overdue, Simon returns to his apartment-home expecting to sneak-in as usual without awaking his toothless grandmother who should be sacked-out on her rocker. But when his grandmother is nowhere to be found, Simon is forced to begin listening to his little sister, Lily. Lily warns Simon that their grandmother has disappeared and reveals to him a secret she was sworn to keep-a secret she is convinced has placed their grandmother in profound danger-Lily is gifted in ways that threaten the fragile beliefs of the world. She proves to Simon that she possesses powers even she cannot explain. Together, they begin a journey they believe will lead them to their grandmother. But soon Lily is torn from Simon, and he must continue the quest on his own-an adventure that will force him to accept his past and fight for his future. During his travels, Simon encounters people who will help him and others who will stop at nothing to help themselves. Through these strangers, Simon discovers something about himself that is so extraordinary he begins to understand why he has become the hunted. But can he use his gift to save himself and save the lives of those he loves?