Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2002(reprint)
ISBN: 0689836023
Available: New and Used
Branwell Zamborska hasn’t spoken since his baby sister Nikki stopped breathing. Accused of shaking the baby into a coma, he is struck completely mute, unable to speak even in his own defense. Only one person knows him well enough to find a way to communicate, and to discover what really happened that day- his best friend, Connor. Guided down a twisty and indirect path, Connor finds himself actually following in Branwell’s footsteps, as, with the help of his resourceful older sister, he begins to understand and empathize with the horrifying situation that has caused Branwell’s refusal to speak. Readers won’t be able to put down this gripping, suspenseful, and heartbreaking story. Silent to the Bone is a winner of the 2001 Edgar Allan Poe Best Young Adult Novel award and also made the list of YALSA Best Books for Teens for that year. Highly recommended for readers 12 and older: an unbeatable choice for middle school and high school libraries and public library collections. Contains: implied sexual situations, child neglect and abuse.