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The Silent Boy (Readers Circle)
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Discount Medical Books > Colloidal Silver > Item 23
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The Silent Boy (Readers Circle)
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by Lois Lowry
Sales Rank: 92748
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List Price: $6.50
$6.50
At Amazon
on 7-20-2008.
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Mass Market Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Laurel Leaf January 11, 2005
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0440419808
ISBN-13: 978-0440419808
Product Dimensions:
6.7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-The Silent Boy (HM, 2003) by Lois Lowry (The Giver, Number the Stars) recounts the early 20th century childhood of Katy Thatcher and her special relationship with an autistic boy. Lowry subtly recreates the lifestyle, customs, and attitudes of the time period, weaving well-researched details seamlessly into the narrative. Told as a flashback by an elderly Katy, this poignant work of historical fiction is read superbly by actress Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Perfect Storm). Her gravelly yet soothing voice perfectly suits the elderly Katy Thatcher. Allen captures the playful innocence of young Katy, the patience of her deep-voiced father, and the quiet strength of her mother, while her voice is weighted by years of sorrow. There are a handful of awkward moments in the flow of the reading, but not enough to detract from the story. Background music plays at the close of the final chapter. The overall aural quality is excellent. Middle school girls will especially appreciate this insightful and compelling audiobook. While well-handled, the tragic ending may upset younger or more sensitive listeners.
Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
A book for young people with an oddly adult spin, THE SILENT BOY revolves around Katy Thatcher's reminiscence of her early years. The privileged daughter of the town doctor, she observes the intersection between that life of privilege and the working-class realities of her family's hired girls. The story also examines Katy's relationship with Jacob, the silent boy, regarded by most as "touched," and the tragic consequences brought about by the mores of the time. Karen Allen's sturdy reading features a measured pace and a quiet tone with an appropriately old-time feel. Her unvoiced narration effectively suggests an old woman looking back upon her earlier life. The adult perspective makes this an audiobook that may appeal more to grown-ups than to young people. S.G. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
Customer Reviews & Comments
This review is from: The Silent Boy (Hardcover)
In the quiet neighborhoods of this pre WWI town, all is peaceful and "normal"-neighbors are as close as family, the children all play together, and the local doctor makes house calls. In the Thatcher home, there is the expectation of a new baby, so Dr. Thatcher and his wife have hired a young lady, Peggy, to come work in the home. The Thatcher's daughter, kind-hearted and intelligent Katy, takes an instant liking to the new girl and her "touched" brother Jacob. Even though Jacob is mute and obviously very different from the other children in town, Katy Thatcher considers him a friend, and she has come to appreciate his gentle, loving nature towards animals, especially her family's horses and the lambs on his own family's property. Their world, however, is disrupted by a series of shameful and upsetting choices, and the dark secrets of some of the characters are slowly revealed. It is through Katy's eyes that the reader sees how the mistakes of others have a life-altering affect on so many. There is no doubt in the minds of readers that when finished with this novel, they know young Katy Thatcher completely. Her desire to become a doctor and follow in the footsteps of her father goes beyond admirable; it seems unqualifiedly natural and right, and her friendships with both Peggy and Jacob make her as respectable as so many other Lois Lowry protagonists. It's amazing how Lowry is able to juxtapose so much good and evil and still leave us with a complete sense of hope at the end of the story.
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The Silent Boy (Readers Circle)
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Price: $6.50
Updated on 7-20-2008.
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