silenttothebone

__Silent to the Bone__ by E.L. Konigsburg ISBN: 0-689-83601-5 c2000 261 pages R.L. 5.4 Points-7

Good sections to read aloud: -page 22...where the narrator is explaining about Branwell’s silence

Summary: Branwell Zamborska is a typical teenager until November 25 at 2:43pm. It’s discovered that Nikki, his half baby sister, who was taking a nap in her crib, is not breathing. Vivian, the nanny that takes care of Nikki orders Branwell to call 911. Branwell does, but when the operator answers, he goes silent...he cannot, or will not, speak. This silence isn’t just for a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days....it’s for weeks. No one can get Branwell to talk about that day or what happened to Nikki. He is committed to a behavioral center where there are hopes that someone can get him to speak. Many weeks pass and Nikki’s condition does get better, but Branwell’s does not. What is he hiding? Why isn’t he speaking? Is he afraid to tell the truth?

YA Fiction--teen issues, mutism, emotional problems, babysitters, remarriage, brothers and sisters, friendship

©Jennifer Lang - WDMS - 2003