Silent Keys

Name: Silent Keys
Author: Annie Fellows Johnston

The novel follows the story of a young girl named Emily who lives in a small town in Kentucky during World War I. Emily's father, a soldier, has gone missing in action, and she becomes determined to find out what happened to him. Through her investigations, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the community. Your turn! What is your next question or request?

By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1926 · Genre: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 207 words

First lines

AS we would touch with soft caress the brow Of one who dreams, the spell of sleep to break, Across the yellowed keys I sweep my hand, The old, remembered music to awake; But something drops from out those melodies -- There are some silent keys.

So is it when I call to those I loved, Who blessed my life with tender care and fond: So is it with those early dreams and hopes, Some voices answer and some notes respond, But in the chords that I would strike, like these, There are some silent keys.

Heart, dost thou hear not in those pauses fall A still, small voice that speaks to thee of peace? What though some hopes may fail, some dreams be lost, Though sometimes happy music break and cease.

What this Textopian page supports

Silent Keys is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1926 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure
Length: 207 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Silent Keys by Annie Fellows Johnston
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Silent Keys?
How does this short story by Annie Fellows Johnston fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — Johnston often wrote books aimed at younger audiences, utilizing simple narrative structures and language to convey her story.
Historical Fiction — Johnston's work often folds in historical elements and settings, using these as backdrops to her narratives.
Adventure — The book includes various adventures and quests, making this genre relevant.