The Silent Boy - Summary

In the novel, The Silent Boy, by Lois Lowry, we are introduced to Katy, an eighty year old woman writing her story of a young boy she met and interacted with over sixty-seven years prior.  The story begins with Katy as a thirteen year old girl with ambitions to become a doctor.  She idolizes her father's abilities as a physician and by becoming his apprentice she is introduced to the real world and some very difficult situations.  Throughout Katy's story, we are introduced to many peripheral characters that shape Katy's view of her small town and of the world.  We have playdates and birthday parties with the wealthy families in town, travel through the impoverished areas of the county on calls with her father, and we meet a wide range of people who grow connected to through Katy's storytelling abilities.  The most mystifying character in Katy's story and her fixation for most of the book is Jacob Stoltz. Jacob is a thirteen year old boy with Autism.  He has an affinity for animals and a special way about him that attracts Katy to become his friend. The story ends with a shocking and traumitzing climax that opens Katy's eyes to the horror and honor of human nature.