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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I really wanted to like this one but came away disappointed. The whole kidnapping plot was ridiculous and took away from the more interesting stories on Martha's Vineyard that could have been expanded upon.
Set in a village on Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800s, Mary and her family are dealing with the aftermath of her brother's death. Mary and her father, like many other residents on Martha's Vineyard, are deaf...but everyone in the village signs so all are a part of the community. But things change when a young scientist visits Mary's home. He's there to learn why so many residents are deaf. Just before he leaves, he kidnaps Mary as a live specimen to take to Boston. There, she learns that outside of Martha's Vineyard, society treats deaf people like they are incompetent. She must deal with abuse and isolation until she can make her way back to her home.
An interesting look at the history of Martha's Vineyard...but it was difficult to get into the book and there were some plot points that seemed contrived.
An interesting look at the history of Martha's Vineyard...but it was difficult to get into the book and there were some plot points that seemed contrived.
An absolutely fantastic read. I devoured it in a day. LeZotte writes with such heart that I found myself so deeply involved in Mary’s journey I lost track of time. I don’t normally read historical fiction but I loved this book. Great characters, writing, and plot. Wonderful read.
DNF pg 91. The story just isn’t pulling me in, it’s a me problem because this book seems well loved and received. I think it’s time to stop seeking out middle grade for a little while, the pacing just isn’t for me lately.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Read for ASL I
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
"Silence. I'm sure that many hearing people, especially those who don't know the deaf, imagine our lives are filled with silence. That's not true. If my mind and heart are full of energy and fun, and I'm looking ahead with excitement, I don't feel silent at all."
This own voices historical novel is a great introduction to the history of Martha's Vineyard, the deaf community, and the native community, especially for middle grade. Set in 1805 on Martha's Vineyard, readers are introduced to the deaf community that were some of the first settlers on Martha's Vineyard. The author does a good job of talking about the native inhabitants, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, and the colonization of this land. The author incorporated the motions of hands into the dialogue, she put you inside the mind of the deaf protagonist, and her historical notes in the back were really insightful. I definitely thought about my own ability to hear in a way I hadn't before.
"As I caress the shell, I wonder, does it still make the sound of the ocean without George's ear to hear it, or is the sea magic gone?"
This own voices historical novel is a great introduction to the history of Martha's Vineyard, the deaf community, and the native community, especially for middle grade. Set in 1805 on Martha's Vineyard, readers are introduced to the deaf community that were some of the first settlers on Martha's Vineyard. The author does a good job of talking about the native inhabitants, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, and the colonization of this land.
Spoiler
There is a weird kidnapping plot here that kind of threw me, which is why I only just liked this book. I get what the author was trying to do with that plot, showing how isolating and lonely it was for the protagonist to be away from her community and unable to communicate, but I think I'd have preferred to stay on the island and learn more about the people there."As I caress the shell, I wonder, does it still make the sound of the ocean without George's ear to hear it, or is the sea magic gone?"
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Any time a book evokes strong emotions from me while reading, I know I'm in for a ride. LeZotte created a masterpiece with this book, showcasing an aspect of history that I knew nothing about, the deaf community on Martha's Vineyard. Lezotte speaks from personal experience when she conveys how Mary experiences the world. This became utterly heartbreaking when Mary faced a world full of abhorrent ableism. (This is when I became the most angry.) I highly recommend this book!