61 pages • 2 hours read
Lois LowryThe Silent Boy
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry follows Katy "Docky" Thatcher, who grows up in the early 1900s and befriends Jacob Stoltz, a boy who doesn't speak but communicates through mimicking sounds. As Katy navigates her childhood and interacts with Jacob, she experiences significant family changes and societal challenges, ultimately leading to an event that profoundly impacts both their lives. The novel features sensitive topics including parental rejection and institutionalization.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry receives praise for its evocative writing and historical accuracy, immersing readers in early 20th-century America. Character development, particularly of the protagonist, is noted as a strong point. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the ending unsatisfying. Overall, a poignant story appreciated for its sensitivity and depth.
Who Should Read The Silent Boy ?
A reader who would enjoy The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry is someone who appreciates historical fiction with emotional depth, similar to those drawn to Anne of Green Gables or To Kill a Mockingbird. This reader values nuanced coming-of-age stories set in early 20th century America, rich in character development and moral complexity.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
870L