This is truly amazing!

I have a deep affection for it.

The moment I came across it, I was immediately drawn in.

It has this unique charm that captivates my attention and makes me unable to look away.

Every aspect of it is just so perfect.

The details are exquisite, and the overall presentation is outstanding.

I can't help but express my admiration for it.

It has brought me a great deal of joy and satisfaction.

I will definitely cherish this wonderful thing and recommend it to others.

I hope more people can discover its beauty and fall in love with it just like I did.

Overall, it is an absolute gem that I will remember for a long time.

This book truly taught me a profoundly important life lesson that most books simply won't impart. I'm glad I learned it at a young age: "Be with who you want to be with." ***SPOILER ALERT*** I found it quite sad. In the end, Jacob attempted to take the baby on a journey. However, the baby had just been born and couldn't possibly survive the arduous journey. Tragically, the baby died, and then Jacob had to spend a couple of years in an asylum.

This realistic fiction book is about a little girl who notices a boy. He is always silent and often goes into their backyard to assist or look at the horses. The little girl discovers something in common with this silent boy. But then, he snatches a baby and embarks on a journey with it. Sadly, the baby was born prematurely and couldn't endure this long and harsh journey, ultimately passing away. People wrongly assumed that he had killed the baby, and thus he had to go to an asylum.

I have one burning question: Why would the boy take the baby with him if he was aware that it wouldn't survive in the cold weather?

The setting of the story takes place in Cincinnati in 1910. The conflict in this book is Person vs Self. The boy attempts to steal a baby, yet he is trying not to. Something within him compels him to do so, and he succumbs to that impulse. The boy desired to escape from his step-parents, who were very vigilant about preventing him from getting away. So, he managed to flee at night and then snatched a baby he knew and went on a journey with it.

The title relates to the book as the boy is unable to talk and is constantly alone, with no one to communicate with. This is precisely why the title is called "The Silent Boy."

I was extremely angry about the baby dying in the end and when the boy returned home, everyone believed he was the one who had killed the baby because he had taken it. As a result, the boy had to endure a couple of years in an asylum.

I was initially charmed by "The Silent Boy."

The Thatcher family is truly warm, intelligent, and compassionate. Their interactions and the way they handle various situations in the story make them a likable and relatable bunch.

Katy Thatcher's friendship with a boy named Jacob who doesn't talk is a central aspect of the plot. It beautifully illustrates the kind of girl Katy is, her patience, understanding, and ability to look beyond the surface.

I found the copy of "The Silent Boy" in the juvenile fiction section of my local library. At first, it seemed like a typical heartwarming story for young readers.

However, when the book reached its climax, I was quite surprised. A juvenile book included a detailed description of Jacob's tragic actions. This unexpected turn of events made me question the suitability of the story for its intended audience.

While the story leaves a powerful message about friendship, acceptance, and the consequences of our actions, it is not appropriate for young readers. The detailed description of the tragic events may be too disturbing and overwhelming for them.

Perhaps the author intended to address more complex themes and issues, but in doing so, they may have crossed a line that is not suitable for the juvenile fiction genre.

Overall, "The Silent Boy" is a well-written and engaging story, but it should be read with caution by parents and librarians to ensure that it is appropriate for the intended age group.

Book Nerd Your Way 2021... Book #48

The story of young Jacob is truly captivating. He is a boy who has an extraordinary connection with animals, yet humans seem to baffle him. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Katie, the daughter of a doctor. She is the only human who can perceive the goodness within Jacob, even when everyone else views him as something less than human.

This story is deeply touching. The author has a remarkable way of telling it, drawing the reader in and making them invested in the characters. I found myself completely engaged from start to finish. While I would have loved to know more about Jacob's future and what became of him as he grew up, the ending was, in my opinion, the perfect way to conclude the story. It was both heartwrenching and lovely at the same time, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Overall, this book was a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story about acceptance, friendship, and the power of seeing the good in others.

The setting of THE SILENT BOY is on Orchard Street during the years from 1908 to 1911.

The characters in this story include Katy Thatcher, a sweet little girl and the main character. There is also her father, Henry Thatcher, a doctor, her mother, her friend Austin Bishop, their stable boy Levi, Jacob the silent boy, his sister Peggy, Nellie, and Katy's little sister Mary. I found this book hidden behind a much bigger book. I read the title and the first couple of pages and immediately fell in love with it.

The story mainly focuses on Katy and Jacob. They met because of Peggy, who works for Katy's family. Jacob has cats, and whenever there is a new litter, he has to take them away. Jacob is special as he doesn't talk. Then Nellie becomes pregnant but doesn't want the baby. They had a sheep that left her baby, so they gave it to another sheep that had a baby. Jacob thought of Nellie's baby in the same way. He brings the baby to Katy's house because her mother had just had a baby. People didn't understand why he did that.

The ending wasn't what I expected. I thought it would go in a different direction, but when I found out everything, it actually made more sense. I really liked the ending, even though it was a little bit sad. My favorite part was when Austin's dad bought a car, and everyone thought it was dangerous and odd.

In my opinion, this book is good. I personally really liked it. It's kind of a mystery. If you like mysteries, you might like this one. A book that reminds me of this is In The Middle Of The Night because you don't know what might happen. You might think you know, but then you don't because it's unpredictable.

"Becoming Aware…of his Awareness"

In a sharp contrast to the futuristic world of THE GIVER series, Lois Lowry has taken a step back in time. She recreates the less than ideal conditions and attitudes of people towards mental illness. Inspired by actual old photographs of unnamed individuals, the author begins each of the 17 chapters with palpable nostalgia. She carefully crafts the plotline to match and bring to life the camera's images. Katy, the daughter of a family doctor, knows from a young age that she wants to become a doctor too, an unlikely dream in 1911.

The storyline unfolds year by year and then month by month in that tragic summer when Katy came of age too soon at nine. If readers can sort out the children of each of several families, Katy tries to befriend an older boy who is clearly non-verbal. He seems antisocial, but perhaps he is just hiding his true identity beneath that heavy old cap. We gradually come to realize the shocking possibilities as Katy does, as harsh reality is gradually foreshadowed. It is blatantly obvious that the townspeople will think the worst of this silent youth, who lacks the ability and even the initiative to defend himself. But what can a mere nine-year-old girl do to protect her special friend?

Readers are gently immersed into the Oughts and Teens by the mention of now-quaint but still beloved YA books. Themes include birth, death, mental health, loyalty, hard work, and the value of human kindness. Which is never a waste of time or heart.

March 31, 2022

The Silent Boy is a captivating story that delves into a unique relationship. Katy Thatcher, a young girl with the aspiration of becoming a doctor like her father, forms a special bond with Jacob, a special needs boy who cannot speak yet has a profound connection with animals. When Jacob unknowingly commits an unforgivable act, Katy alone can fathom the reason behind it.

This work of historical fiction is set in the early 1900s. Each section begins with a photograph, effectively immersing the reader in that era. Considerable time is dedicated to highlighting the contrast between Katy's seemingly wealthy family and Jacob's less affluent one. Katy, the young narrator, is mature enough for older children to identify with.

The ending is quite shocking. Some conservative adults might deem it too intense for young children, but Lowry builds up to it in a logical manner, making it coherent. Interestingly, although this is a children's story, Katy, reflecting as an older woman, remarks that it is not for children. Nevertheless, it is a tale that most older children should be able to appreciate, along with adults.

Recommended Grade Level - 5 and up

Genre - historical fiction

I've never been disappointed with any of Lois Lowry's books, and this one followed suit.

It is juvenile fiction, yet it is really good. The story quickly draws the reader in from the very beginning.

As the pages fly by, it holds our attention firmly.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, making us care about their fates.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats.

Lois Lowry has a unique way of telling a story that appeals to readers of all ages.

This book is no exception, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Whether you're a fan of juvenile fiction or just looking for a good book to pass the time, this one is sure to satisfy.

So, pick up a copy and get ready to be swept away by Lois Lowry's amazing storytelling.

He was truly different from others. Jacob Stolz, with his head down, trudged along the dirt roads, his large feet shuffling. He was a man of few words, but when engaged, he would make noises that imitated his surroundings. The sound of the great gristmill grindstone crushing the grain was replicated as shooda, shooda, shooda, while the marbles hitting each other were click, click, click. People said he was "touched," pointing to their heads. His firmly placed cap, representing protection from the outside world, rarely left his head. A lover of animals, he found comfort in their softness and beauty.

She was also different from others. Unlike the Stolz family, 13-year-old Katy Thatcher was a child of privilege. In contrast to Jacob, she walked with confidence. Her insatiable curiosity drove her to engage with her surroundings. This precocious daughter of the small-town doctor had a keen sense of social injustice and an intuitive need to understand situations and people.

In 1908, the world was a different place. The newfangled automobile was a rarity and only for the very rich. The girls of poor farm families were hired as help for those who lived in the large houses.

Jacob's two sisters were different from each other. Peggy, the kind and sensible sister, was a maid to the Thatcher family, while Nellie, the brassy and dramatic one, scrubbed the floors next door at the Bishop household.

The Thatcher family was different. They welcomed Peggy as a family member. Their daughter Katy was taught to respect and include.

The Bishop family was different. The hired help had a room in the cold winter attic. Their eldest son Paul knew that brassy and dramatic women had a role and would do his bidding, and the hay in the barn was the place they belonged.

Lowry is a magical writer. The book is filled with paradoxes, and as dramatic events spiral out of control, we watch as the Thatcher, Bishop, and Stolz families collide.

While the reader is awed by the initial softness of a slower life in history, the author is masterful in the juxtaposition of the harsh realities of class, of both fair and unjust treatment of people, and the perception of "differentness."

Highly recommended.

Okay, wow.

I'm only giving it five stars because it will stick with me, whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

My friend recommended it to me and I'm kinda mad at her.

I will say I wished we spent more time with Jacob. However, we do manage to grasp who he is from what we are given.

There were a couple of named characters that I couldn't keep straight, but I did okay overall.

Most of the book is about a little girl going about her life, and it doesn't seem to mean anything until the very end.

I will say the ending was a little predictable, but man will it stay with you.

I saw a lot of people complaining that this is not a book for middle schoolers, but we are a lot smarter and stronger than many adults think.

Overall, it's a great book, and I love the early 1910 country setting. It really adds a unique charm to the story and makes it feel more authentic. The characters are well-developed and the plot, although a bit predictable at times, still manages to keep you engaged until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Wanting to grow up and be just like her dad is a dream for this young girl. Her dad has a great influence on her, and it's a good one. He takes her on medical trips because he loves seeing her interest in what he loves doing, which is healing. She gets to see the scars of what has happened. But this time, her father can't fix a certain situation.

The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction book. It's about a girl named Kate who has grown old and now wants to tell her childhood story that mostly takes place in 1911. When her parents hire a girl to help out her mother, that's when she meets a boy named Jacob Soltz. Jacob Soltz is fourteen and Kate is eight. She gets to know how Jacob works and discovers that he uses sounds instead of words.

The way Lois Lowry set up the characters in this book is excellent. For example, the protagonist Katy has all the traits of an eight-year-old but also has an understanding of what it's like to be an adult. There are many supporting characters, like Jacob Soltz, who adds depth to the story. Jacob is a boy who has been "touched" and uses sounds to communicate. He can imitate the sounds of machines or animals, which is quite unique.

The conflict in the book is set up as human vs human. When Katy's dad takes her to Schuyler's Mill and they pick up Jacob, the workers at the mill make mean comments about him. Jacob has a hard time being accepted by some people, but he is easily liked by Katy and her family. When Schuyler's Mill catches on fire, the workers blame Jacob because he goes there often.

The theme of the book is about the different kind of friendship that Kate and Jacob form. They communicate in different ways and have a special bond. They both believe in each other and understand what the other is feeling. Overall, The Silent Boy is a good book, although it may take some time to get interested in it. It's worth the read to see what happens, despite a few inappropriate parts.

Lois Lowry has always been my favorite author, renowned for her remarkable creativity and outstanding story-telling skills. However, this particular book failed to meet my expectations and left me feeling rather disappointed.

The story revolves around a young girl named Katy and her relationship with a special needs boy called Jacob. Jacob is a gentle soul, with a profound love for animals and a natural inclination to explore. Sadly, his innocence, compassion, and independence lead him to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, resulting in a huge price to pay.

The narrative is presented through the eyes of Katy, as she matures and gains a more profound understanding of the world around her. The book has the distinct feel of reading a photo journal, with each chapter resembling a diary entry. Katy takes us through a little over a year of her life, from age 8 to her 9th birthday.

Regrettably, the writing seems overly drawn out, as minute details of each fictional month are painstakingly elaborated upon. Moreover, for the majority of the book, the story progression remains rather unclear. The "Silent Boy" is only sporadically referenced until page 150 (out of 178 pages), making it difficult to discern the direction of the book. Then, just as suddenly as the story begins to develop (on page 150), it abruptly ends.

Overall, while the premise of the story had potential, the execution left much to be desired.