A review by smalltownbookmom
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

4.0

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.”