Reviews

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

slefebvre95's review

adventurous hopeful informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ihateava's review

adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

rainythebrainy's review

adventurous dark informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I really wasn’t drawn into the book until the second half…

selodish's review against another edition

informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

schrammanda's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

internationalkris's review

4.0

A wonderful middle grade historical fiction that also captures the beauty of the deaf community on turn-of-the-century Martha's Vineyard. The author is deaf herself and her descriptions of deaf language and expression are completely captivating. That insight mixed with 19th science and the surprising twist that picks up in the second half of the book make for an extraordinarily compelling read for upper elementary students.

boygirlparty's review

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Well-researched historical fiction involving a local development of ASL in New England. A little bit of coming of age, a little bit of mystery.

jeremyawilliams's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

literatehedgehog's review

4.0

An exceptional middle grade historical fiction that will check a lot of boxes for kids and adults alike - and be enjoyable to boot.

Set in the mid/late 1800s on Martha's Vineyard, this tale is narrated by Mary, a young Deaf child of a hearing mother and Deaf father.
Themes that adults will notice
-Bigotry, towards Native peoples (Wampanoag in particular) Black people (freedman), and Deaf peopl (on the mainland)
-Treatment of Deafness as a disability or a difference of language
-Science and "facts" being used to perpetuate discrimination
-Parental disagreement and family discord from a tragic accident
-Plus, back matter with more information on a range of topics

Themes kids will notice
-Spying on adults!
-Being kidnapped and fighting adversity with The Little Princess feels
-Sea shantys and sailing in storms
-Bad guy gets his comeuppance in a dramatic way!


read alikes or alongsides
-Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - historical fiction and curious girls
-Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus - honest, empowering fiction featuring a child with a disability, that doesn't define either the child or the story

This better get some shiny stickers come award season.

lilytucker's review

dark emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75