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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
A quick, but powerful read with relatable characters and a huge twist I didn't see coming, but makes sense in the context of the story. Lots of great information about the Deaf community on Martha's Vineyard in the 1800s and commentary on ableism, racism, and prejudice without being in the least bit didactic or preachy! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history and anyone interested in Deaf history/culture.
A really interesting middle grade historical fiction novel about a small community on Martha’s Vineyard in 1805 where a large percentage of the population are born deaf. Told from 11-year old Mary Lambert’s eyes the author does an amazing job giving readers an insight into what it’s like to be deaf with the extra layers of able bodied discrimination from outsiders but also of a strong community that has connections to the local Indigenous peoples and who have created their own version of sign language (formal ASL wasn’t created until much later on). A painful, raw, heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and eye-opening story that is sure to encourage greater empathy for people living with extra challenges. An amazing debut from Ann Clare Lezotte told with the insight and sensitivity only a fellow deaf person could achieve. Highly recommend - I learned so much about a community of people I never knew even existed.
Favourite quote:
“Deafness is not an affliction, the only thing it stops me from doing is hearing.”
Favourite quote:
“Deafness is not an affliction, the only thing it stops me from doing is hearing.”
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The character writing was very dry which made it hard to get into at the beginning. The culture and historical tidbits of Deaf people in the region at this time was great
I'm not sure how much this novel will appeal to middle graders, for whom historical stories can be a hard sell (unless they're of the I Survived ... variety), but I enjoyed it. I learned a lot about deafness and deaf culture through our heroine, Mary Lambert, through her interactions with people of her deaf community and outside of it. LeZotte's author's notes at the end of the book were also fascinating. Most of the characters in SHOW ME A SIGN are warm and likable, although they remain realistic in their imperfections. Action-wise, this novel starts off slowly (which I believe will be an obstacle for young readers), but if definitely picks up in the second half. Overall, I found it an interesting, heartfelt, and thought-provoking read. It was an enlightening book for me and I hope it finds its way into the hands of MG readers. Regardless, readers of any age can benefit from the lessons taught in ShOW ME A SIGN.
A quick, fascinating book that sent me down quite the Wikipedia rabbit hole! I listened to it, which is interesting since it is a Deaf book written by a Deaf person (I, of course, did not know this before selecting the audiobook). A wonderful story and a look into Martha's Vineyard Sign Language and its history. I especially loved Ann Clare's inclusion and treatment of Freedman and Wampanoag.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
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:
No
2021 Schneider Family Book Award Middle Grade Winner
I did find it interesting learning about this history.
Great historical fiction novel! Learned so much.