Silent to the Bone

Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg
published by Speak publishing in 2004
260 pages
Warning: This novel does contain mild sexual references, mild description of nudity, some language, and traumatizing events causing injury to a baby.
Genre: Mystery, Family

Branwell's little sister, Nikki, lies in the hospital in a comma. Branwell knows why; he was there when it happened. But he's not speaking about the event. Branwell sits in the juvenile detention center, not breaking his silence to anyone. Branwell's friend Connor has figured out a way to communicate with Branwell, through note cards and blinking. Feeling responsible to find out what happened, Connor visits Branwell every day until he speaks. Eventually, Branwell opens his mouth to tell the truth about what happened, but not without sending Connor on a hunt first.

This novel is fun to read because of the ingenious communication method Connor comes up with to talk to Branwell. Connor writes words on note cards which are related to his family and the crime under investigation. Connor points to a note card, and Branwell makes some type of physical reaction or movement indicating to Connor if he should or should not further investigate the subject of that note card relating to the crime. In the end, Connor is able to help solve what happened and break the silence of Branwell.

Branwell is an interesting character throughout the novel, and I loved reading and learning more about him. A young boy, he has witnessed something that shocks him and I loved reading about how he copes.