Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say centers around James Castle, a boy who was born premature on a farm in Garden Valley, Idaho in 1899. He was deaf, mute, autistic, and possibly dyslexic. He didn’t start walking until his was four, and he never learned how to speak, read, write, or use sign language. The author brings readers through a conceptualized look at Castle’s childhood and welcomes them to experience his coming-of-age artistry despite the difficulties he’s faced. Though all odds seemed to have stacked against him, his art is now showcased in many famous museums around the world.
There are many things about this story that make it so great. It is based on a true story and although many things seemed to have stunted Castle’s growth, he became an incredible artist despite the conflict between the teachers, despite the poverty his family went through, and despite him being restricted from the only thing that kept him going, his art. This story captures imagery of a boy who struggled to be what everyone else considered “normal,” yet became a fascinating and innovative character all on his own, without the help of anybody including his family. Though many people believed him to be “stupid,” without a formal education he became one of the world’s most famous artists. Silent Days, Silent Dreams has an incredible way of captivating a character who seemed to have all odds stacked against him, but somehow all the odds have worked in his favor. This story has a way of keeping readers from leaving the book and putting it away for another time. It was so addicting to read, I got lost in the story and read cover to cover in minutes. I was immersed in this book and it was impossible not to be.
The publisher says this book is for ages 8 to 12, but it is also the perfect children’s book for first and second graders and could make a really great bedtime story. It’s a picture book, but it’s a lengthy read. Everything about this story is charming and the drawings used as examples of the artist’s work are a joy to look at. The drawings are eerie and almost alien-like. It’s a great read overall and I would be more than happy to recommend it to teachers and parents to read to their kids.
Get the book! Check out Silent Days, Silent Dreams at BMCC’s Library, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, or the Queens Public Library.
About the author Meet A, short for Adri, a multi-talented artist from NYC bringing you the most honest, heartfelt reviews about books that have changed the world. Born and raised in Queens, A fosters an environment for creativity in her everyday life. She consistently surprises herself and others with her unique abilities in connecting with people through music, art, poetry, and life’s unimaginable experiences.
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