Silent to the Bone is written from the point of view of a 13 year old boy named Connor Kane. In the beginning, Connor's friend Branwell Zamborska is accused of dropping his baby sister, Nicole, or Nikki. After this incident, Branwell becomes surrounded by a wall of silence that no one is able to break through. Connor knows there is a reason behind Branwell's silence, and he is sure that Branwell did not hurt Nikki, but Branwell is in a behavioral center, accused of a terrible crime and unable to speak for himself. Connor has to find a way to communicate to Branwell, and must solve the case using Branwell's obscure clues.

Activities

Task 1

There is a significant correlation between Branwell’s health and his sister Nikki’s health.  You will find the correlation between the two of them and create a graphic organizer to chart their progress.  As Branwell seems to get better, so does Nikki.

Task 2

This story uses many examples of the literary element “flashback”.  You will create a timeline to organize your thoughts and to help demonstrate how Connor is able to discover the truth behind Branwell’s silence.

Task 3

The title Silent to the Bone, is an obvious reference to Branwell’s silence after Nikki’s injury; although, there are several other silences in the novel.  You will write a two to three page essay on the different types of silences that are introduced in the novel and how they are resolved.  You are not to talk about Branwell’s silence.