I truly had a great affection for this story.

However, there is absolutely no way that I would permit a middle grader to read it.

My library classifies it as MG (Middle Grade), and most of the places I have explored also state that it is MG.

But I simply cannot envision it being suitable for that age group.

I don't wish to disclose any spoilers, so I will merely assert that it is excellent for adults and perhaps those aged 14 and above.

This is just my personal opinion.

I rate it 4.5 out of 5.

It's important to consider the content and themes when determining the appropriate audience for a book.

While some may argue that it could be suitable for middle graders, I believe that the complexity and certain elements might be better understood and appreciated by older readers.

Each person's perception of what is appropriate may vary, but in my view, this story leans more towards the adult or older teen category.

Oh Jacob,

You are such a complex and interesting character. Your story is filled with twists and turns, joys and sorrows. You have faced many challenges in your life, yet you have always managed to persevere.

Maybe it's your determination that makes you so special. Or perhaps it's your ability to adapt to any situation. Whatever it is, it's clear that you have a unique charm that draws people to you.

As I think about you, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for you. Will you continue to grow and evolve? Will you face new challenges and overcome them? Only time will tell.

But one thing is for sure, Jacob. You will always be a part of my thoughts and memories. You are a character that I will never forget.

This book is centered around a girl named Katy who encounters a boy called Jacob.

Jacob is a unique individual as he cannot communicate in the same way as others. Nevertheless, he and Katy form an extraordinary friendship. The story delves into the development and nature of their bond.

This book is truly amazing. The author's use of detailed descriptions is remarkable, allowing the reader to vividly envision the scenes unfolding in their mind.

Moreover, the engaging plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout, making it extremely difficult to put the book down.

However, there is one aspect that I didn't quite like. The book is presented solely from Katy's perspective. It would have been fascinating to gain insights into Jacob's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his family members.

Additionally, it would have been interesting to learn more about what specifically occurs within the Asylum and the fates of the people residing there.

Despite this minor drawback, the book overall is a captivating read that offers a touching and thought-provoking exploration of friendship.

This was an extremely interesting perspective on people with special needs.

Katie didn't have any prior knowledge of those who are "touched". As a result, she treated Jakob in the exact same way she treated everyone else. This shows her pure and unbiased nature.

I also really appreciate the fact that Katie attempts to stand up for Jakob at the conclusion of the book. It is truly remarkable.

Moreover, she is the only one who truly comprehends him. This makes her connection with Jakob all the more special.

Her actions and understanding highlight the importance of looking beyond a person's special needs and seeing them for who they truly are.

It is through characters like Katie that we can learn valuable lessons about acceptance and understanding.

Overall, this story offers a unique and thought-provoking look at the world of people with special needs.

PECHA KUCHA AUTHOR: The Silent Boy

This book offers a vivid snapshot of various memories.

At the start of each chapter, an old photograph appears, setting the tone and topic for that particular chapter.

The stories are intricately interwoven and revolve around a young girl named Katy, who grows up in the early 1900s.

Her family hires a new girl named Peggy to assist with the housework, and Katy discovers Peggy's younger brother, Jacob, who is Autistic.

Katy is deeply struck by Jacob's constant silence, his avoidance of eye contact and physical touch, and his profound connection with animals.

Katy often finds Jacob in their family's barn, petting the horses. During these moments, Katy attempts to connect with him by talking, but regardless of what she says, he never responds.

However, he gives her a kitten, and Katy realizes that this means Jacob accepts her friendship.

Katy learns about Jacob's Autism in a beautiful and innocent manner. This book provides an eye-opening and informative story about Autism, elucidating the unique traits that many individuals with Autism display.

Katy comes to understand the significance of kindness, understanding, and acceptance.

This book is a simple and quick read, yet it imparts an important lesson about understanding those who are different from us.

Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or has an interest in learning about exceptionalities like Autism will surely relish this book!

In a bygone era, there lived a young girl named Katy. Among the many characters in her world was Jacob, a side character with a unique condition. Although the people of that time didn't diagnose Jacob with autism, his symptoms were evident. They described him as "touched," and in a rather positive light. Katy, being a kind and observant child, found a way to connect with Jacob in a way that made sense to him. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day. However, the ending of their story was a little traumatic. Katy had to face a difficult situation that separated her from Jacob. But through it all, she remembered the special connection they shared. It was a story that showed the power of understanding and acceptance, even in the face of challenges.

While I do have an appreciation for certain aspects of the novel, such as its theme, the setting it creates, and the interesting fact that it was inspired by actual photographs from 1910.

However, I simply cannot give more than a single star to a book that is so extremely boring. It seems to save the primary conflict until the final ten pages, which is a major letdown.

By the way, this conflict is not only something that made me physically cover my face in horror, but it is also addressed with what might be the least-developed resolution in the history of all novels.

I am definitely not a fan of this book. It's just bleck. I might consider recommending this to those people who are not overly critical when it comes to historical fiction novels. I'm sure there are some individuals out there for whom this story could potentially work.

But for me, it fails to deliver in too many crucial areas to be anything more than a disappointment.

Few books have moved me in such a peculiar way as this book has.

I find myself constantly trying to analyze what I'm feeling, attempting to put it into words.

I feel a deep, profound but satisfied sadness. Somehow, intertwined with these emotions, there is also a sense of peace.

How can I experience all of these feelings simultaneously? I truly don't understand it.

The author's ability to move and change me never ceases to amaze me.

In this story, there are some characters whose choices tug at my heartstrings and cause a deep ache in my soul.

They have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those around them.

Not one of the people adversely affected had any control over the other people's choices, nor can they change the circumstances or the results.

This is a true human story that I believe most anyone can relate to.

It is a simple truth.

It is also true that time seems to steadily march on, and with its progress comes the process of mending.

This story, despite its tragic nature, teaches us to have faith during the difficult times and to hope for better days ahead.

It instills in us a sense of compassion and makes us reflect on our own personal responsibility for the choices we make on life's journey.

It compels us to seriously consider where our choices will lead us and those around us.

It helps us to trust that when things are beyond our control, although we may be and will remain changed, we can still choose to love, hope, trust in what is right and good, in God, in peace, and in the power of healing.

This story truly brings to my mind a great deal of similarities with "Of Mice and Men".

We have a boy who is described as being "touched", and he forms a friendship with a girl who is gentle and kind towards him. Despite the fact that he never speaks or makes eye contact with her, she shows him kindness.

Just like in Steinbeck's novella, this story also has a tragic ending. Set in the early 1900s in rural America, it offers the reader a brief look into what life was like, especially for poor farming families.

It is a quick and easy read, and it is well-written, but it is also quite sad. The story manages to capture the essence of the time period and the struggles that people faced, while also tugging at the heartstrings with its tragic conclusion.

Overall, it is a memorable and thought-provoking piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.

I'm generally a big fan of Lois Lowry's writing.

After my sister picked up a certain book of hers at a book sale, it had been sitting around for a while. Finally, I decided to read it.

I did enjoy it to some extent, but it didn't have a profound impact on me. Besides a bit of disappointment, it didn't leave me with many strong feelings or thoughts.

The mystery aspect of the story wasn't very intense, and the ending felt abrupt and somewhat unfinished. I'm aware that Lowry likes to leave her book endings open, but this is probably the least favorite Lois Lowry book I've ever read.

Perhaps it was due to the historical fiction element. The characters, especially the title character, weren't developed enough. I understand that his being "voiceless" added to his mystery, but if he's neither the narrator nor given more detailed explanation in the book, why name the book after him?

People with disabilities are more than just their disabilities. It can be a defining characteristic, but it's only one aspect. They deserve to be fully developed characters too because they are people.

This was truly, truly heart breaking.

The situation was so difficult and painful that it felt as if a part of my heart was being torn away.

However, at the same time, it was also heart warming.

Amidst all the sadness, there were glimmers of hope and acts of kindness that gave me strength.

It was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds on a dark and stormy day.

These moments of warmth and compassion made me realize that even in the toughest of times, there is still beauty and goodness in the world.

They reminded me to hold on and keep going, no matter how hard things may seem.

Overall, this experience was a complex mix of emotions, but it ultimately taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of human connection.

I originally thought that The Silent Boy was a mid-grade novel.

The protagonist, Katy, tells the story of her childhood, from the ages of 8 to 10. It is a lyrical story, as Lowry expertly crafts it, set during the pre-war years of 1910 and 1911.

The "silent boy" is the brother of Katy's family maid. The story is extremely powerful in establishing the relationship between Katy and Jacob, considering that Jacob is "touched" and unable to speak.

Despite the lack of dialogue between them and never delving into Jacob's thoughts, I felt as if I truly knew him. I definitely cared about what happened to him from the very first chapter.

Towards the end, the plot takes a turn towards rather more mature issues, leading me to think that my middle school daughter is not going to read this book - at least not yet!

Nonetheless, I do recommend it to high schoolers who should not be deterred by the young age of the narrator. It is a simple, yet haunting tale... better than The Giver in my opinion.