The Silent Boy - Lois Lowry

This book was very sad, very short, and apparently belonged to someone named Clark.

Katy Thatcher is 8 years old, and wants to be a doctor like her father when she grows up. Katy is an only child until she is 8 years old, when her parents have another child.

Jacob is a young man, about 13 years of age, and in 1911, when the story takes place, the only words people have for what he is are "imbecile," "idiot" and "touched." Jacob doesn't speak or communicate with humans in any real way, but he has a special bond with all animals. He seems to know intuitively what they need.

The story is well written, and compelling. The ending is told from the viewpoint of pragmatic Katy, so what could have been horrific is merely sad.