Silent To The Bone by E. L. Konigsburg is praised for its complex characters and engaging mystery. Readers appreciate its exploration of communication and friendship. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative slightly predictable. Despite this, the book's depth in addressing serious themes resonates well with its audience.

A reader who enjoys Silent To The Bone by E. L. Konigsburg likely appreciates mystery, psychological depth, and character-driven stories. Fans of The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin or Holes by Louis Sachar would find similar intrigue and complexity. Ideal for young adults intrigued by keen observations of human behavior.

In Silent To The Bone by E. L. Konigsburg, a young person named Branwell Zamborska becomes nonverbal following a distressing incident involving their baby sister, resulting in a coma. Branwell's friend, Connor, becomes determined to communicate with Branwell through a series of note exchanges, unraveling the mystery of what transpired that day.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Contemplative / Emotional / Challenging

- Silent To The Bone by E. L. Konigsburg won the Christopher Award, an accolade that celebrates books affirming the highest values of the human spirit.
- In addition to writing, E. L. Konigsburg also illustrated some of her early books, showcasing her artistic talents alongside her storytelling.
- The narrative style in Silent To The Bone involves a unique structure where the protagonist communicates through flashbacks and written notes, offering readers a different perspective on unfolding events.

**Connor Kane**  
A 13-year-old boy who is the best friend of Branwell and serves as the narrator, Connor uses his intelligence and perseverance to communicate with Branwell and uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident.

**Branwell Zamborska**  
At 13 years old, Branwell is put in a detention center after a serious incident with his half-sister, Nikki, and communicates silently with his friend Connor to divulge his side of the story.

**Margaret Kane**  
Connor's much older half-sister, Margaret is a computer consultant who assists Connor with wisdom and resources to solve the mystery surrounding Branwell's case.

**Vivian**  
The family's au pair who presents herself as a sophisticated young woman and is centrally involved in the events surrounding Branwell's detention.

**Morris**  
A pizza delivery man with a tough appearance, Morris holds essential information about the events leading to Branwell's arrest and gradually assists Connor and Margaret in their investigation.

E. L. Konigsburg

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Silent To The Bone Summary and Study Guide

Background

Silent To The Bone Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Days One, Two, & Three” - Part 4: “Day Five”

Parts 1-4

Silent To The Bone Parts 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Day Eight”

Part 5 Silent To The Bone Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Days Twelve & Thirteen”

Part 6 Silent To The Bone Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Day Twenty” - Part 8: “Day One”

Parts 7-8

Silent To The Bone Parts 7-8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Silent To The Bone Character Analysis

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Themes

Silent To The Bone Themes

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Silent To The Bone Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Silent To The Bone Important Quotes

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Silent To The Bone Essay Topics

Silent To The Bone

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