Silent to the Bone

Konigsburg, E. L. (2000). Silent to the bone. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Plot summary: Connor Kane and Branwell Zamborska are best friends. On the afternoon before Thanksgiving, Branwell’s life is turned upside-down when he is accused by his family’s au pair, Vivian, of injuring his baby sister Nikki to the point of putting her in a coma. Rendered silent by the events of the day, and of the months leading up to it, Branwell is placed in the Clarion County Juvenile Behavioral Center. In desperation, Branwell’s father asks Connor to try to connect with Branwell. Connor, who knows that Branwell would never do anything to hurt Nikki, discovers a way to communicate with Branwell using a set of cards with nouns written on one side and the alphabet written on the other. Using the clues he gets from a still-silent Branwell, Connor takes on the task of discovering what actually happened that afternoon and exactly what the suspicious Vivian had to do with it all. Connor enlists the help of his half-sister Margaret, whose wisdom and insight prove invaluable, and they gradually piece together a picture of Vivian’s true nature, what was going on in the Zamborska household in the months leading up to the incident, and the real order of events on that Wednesday. The closer Connor gets to the truth, the closer Branwell gets to being able to speak again—until, one afternoon, Branwell is finally able to explain his side of the story and clear his name.

Genre: Mystery

Suggested age range: 10 and up

Annotation: In Silent to the Bone, E. L. Konigsburg has written a truly insightful mystery that plays on multiple levels. Told from Connor’s perspective and loosely based on a true story, this novel is a fascinating exploration of the power of silence. The story contains an exploration of the shame that can accompany both the sexual side of puberty and the act of playing with the various shades of truth, themes to which many readers will be able to relate. It is also a beautiful testament to the power and devotion of friendship, evidenced by Connor’s commitment to Branwell in spite of the many challenges he encounters. Konigsburg’s advanced writing style and language choices serve as an excellent bridge to adult literature, and the tale’s multifaceted and multilayered nature makes it excellent for repeat readings; each time, readers will pick up on additional clues and details that they missed the first time around. Konigsburg thrills readers with twists and turns until the end: Near the book’s conclusion, readers discover that Branwell’s silence saved Nikki’s life by allowing Vivian to describe what had happened, making that silence both a punishment and a saving grace.

Subjects/themes: Mystery, Secrets, Impact of silence, Truth, Friendship, Puberty/growing up.

Awards:

• 2000 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books (Won)
• 2000 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (Won)
• 2001 Edgar Awards (Edgar Allan Poe Awards) (Nominated)
• 2004 Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (Nominated)

Reviews:

• Booklist (August 10, 2000)
• Kirkus Reviews (October 1, 2000)
• Publishers Weekly (October 9, 2000)
• School Library Journal (September 1, 2000)
• Voice of Youth Advocates (December 1, 2000)

Character list:

• Connor Kane – A 13-year-old boy; he is Branwell’s best friend and is responsible for communicating with Branwell during his silence.
• Branwell Zamborska – A 13-year-old boy; he is Connor’s best friend and goes silent after seeing his baby sister go into a coma.
• Margaret Rose Kane – Connor’s older half-sister; she assists Connor with finding out what really happened to the baby.
• Vivian Shawcurt – The Zamborska’s British au pair; she was present when the baby was injured.
• Nicole (“Nikki”) Zamborska – Branwell’s six-month-old half sister; she went into a coma on the day Branwell went silent.
• Dr. Zamborska and Tina Zamborska – Branwell’s father and stepmother; Dr. Zamborska asks Connor to try to get Branwell to speak again.
• Morris Ditmer – Pizza delivery man for JJ’s Pizza; he is Vivian’s boyfriend and was at the Zamborska’s house the day of the incident.

High-interest annotation: When his best friend Branwell goes silent after being accused of hurting his baby sister, 13-year-old Connor has to find a way to communicate with Branwell and discover what really happened on that fateful day—before it’s too late.