10/1/07

The Silent Boy


Author/Illustrator: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Walter Lorraine Books. An Imprint of Houghton Mifflin Company.
Publication Date: 2003
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Audience: Gr. 4+

Overview:
The daughter of a country doctor of the early 1900s tells the story of her childhood and the boy who was different from everyone else. This poignant tale is one of discovery of patience, understanding, and desire to help others. Lowry uses photos of family members, as well as ones she bought in antique shops, to inspire her writing.

Activity: Find old photos that can spark stories from writers’ own families. Magazine of historical photos from web resources could offer an alternative place to start. The setting of the photos will help situate the writing in time.

Reviewer’s Name:
Deb Marciano