Student author will celebrate his first novel at launch event

This story was contributed by Veronica Ward.

A local teenage author will celebrate the launch of his first book, Finding Jay’s Voice, this October at the Murray Bridge Library.

Thirteen-year-old Simon Goodridge has turned his own life experiences into a moving story about courage, self-belief and hope.

The library will host the book launch at 10am on Wednesday, October 15.

Simon lives at Jervois with his great-aunt Diane, great-uncle Colin and younger half-brother Dominic, and has spent the past three years drafting a book that began as a simple character sketch and evolved into a full-length novel.

Diagnosed with autism, Simon has always seen the world through a unique lens — and now he is ready to share that vision with readers.

The novel follows the journey of Jay, a 12-year-old boy who dreams of singing but
struggles with self-doubt and feeling “different”.

As Jay finds his voice, builds relationships, and starts a family, the story explores deep themes of resilience and love — even as Jay’s child faces leukemia.

The story, though fictional, is grounded in Simon’s subjective experiences and the challenges he has faced growing up.

“I didn’t mean to write a book,” Simon said.

“I just started writing about someone like me, but then the story kept growing.”

In late August Simon stood before his peers and all the students at Tyndale Christian School in Murray Bridge, his heart full of joy and gentle purpose.

“At 12,” Simon said softly, “Jay didn’t believe his voice was enough, but over
time, he found that being different, having struggles, didn’t hold him back.

"It gave him strength.”

He spoke with warmth and honesty, sharing how his own challenges with autism, ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and more had shaped him.

His message was clear: everyone deserves a chance, especially those who might seem different.

The students listened, moved by Simon’s sincerity, as he encouraged them to stand up for classmates who felt out of place, to welcome them, and to celebrate the things that make each person unique.

Then he invited the whole school to join him for the book launch.

“I’d love to see you all there to celebrate Jay, and all the voices waiting to be heard,” he said.

What began as a creative outlet for Simon at age nine has blossomed into a powerful narrative about identity, family, and the strength found in life’s hardest moments.

One of his favourite parts of the book was the Thompson family, a fictional family who reflect, love, loyalty and the hope that can carry us through the darkest times.

“Even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, they turn the page and start a new chapter,” Simon said.

"That’s what I want people to remember.”

Despite his challenges, including navigating life across two households and
balancing relationships with half-siblings from both parents’ sides, Simon has
remained grounded by the support of his guardians and brother.

Their encouragement, along with Simon’s natural empathy and curiosity, helped shape a book that speaks honestly and directly from the heart.

The launch will feature an author talk where Simon will share how the book came to life, how he used research and imagination to build his world, and what he hopes readers will take away from it.

Industry guests, educators, librarians, families, and the wider community are warmly invited to attend.

“Simon’s story is a reminder to all of us, that creativity knows no age,” said a library spokesperson.

“His voice is authentic, brave, and incredibly moving.”

Simon hopes his readers will walk away with one simple truth: anything is possible
when you believe in yourself.

• More information: allevents.in.