Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign #1)

by Ann Clare Lezotte (Author)

Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign #1)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Show Me a Sign

This piercing exploration of ableism and racism answers the call to dig deep, examine core beliefs, and question what is considered normal. Perfect for summer reading, distance learning, and schools, peer, and family book groups.

Deaf author and librarian Ann Clare LeZotte weaves a riveting Own Voices story inspired by the true history of a thriving deaf community on Martha's Vineyard in the early 19th century.

* A must-read. -- Kirkus Review, starred review

"LeZotte's novel is more than just a page-turner. Well researched and spare... sensitive... relevant... Middle-grade readers of every age will find a girl to root for who is asking all the right questions." -- Newbery Medalist, Meg Medina for the New York Times

"A triumph." -- Brian Selznick, creator of Wonderstruck and the Caldecott Honor Book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Mary Lambert has always felt safe and protected on her beloved island of Martha's Vineyard. Her great-great-grandfather was an early English settler and the first deaf islander. Now, over a hundred years later, many people there -- including Mary -- are deaf, and nearly everyone can communicate in sign language. Mary has never felt isolated. She is proud of her lineage.

But recent events have delivered winds of change. Mary's brother died, leaving her family shattered. Tensions over land disputes are mounting between English settlers and the Wampanoag people. And a cunning young scientist has arrived, hoping to discover the origin of the island's prevalent deafness. His maniacal drive to find answers soon renders Mary a live specimen in a cruel experiment. Her struggle to save herself is at the core of this penetrating and poignant novel that probes our perceptions of ability and disability. It will make you forever question your own ideas about what is normal.

* Mary's dramatic adventure will enthrall readers, but her internal journey...is equally important, and profound. -- The Horn Book, starred review

* Expertly crafted...exceptionally written. -- School Library Journal, starred review

* Engrossing. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This book blew me away." -- Alex Gino, Stonewall Award-winning author of George

"Spend time in Mary's world. You'll be better for it." -- Erin Entrada Kelly, author of the Newbery Award Winner, Hello, Universe

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Set in 1805, LeZotte's engrossing historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf. Following her younger brother's death, Mary lives with her parents in a close-knit Martha's Vineyard town made up of both English and Wampanoag members. So many of the residents are deaf that the island has its own sign language, used by hearing and deaf people alike; this attracts a young scientist named Andrew Noble, who wants to discover the source of the town's widespread "infirmity." Noble's insensitive treatment of the villagers offends Mary, reminding her of the way white settlers colonized the island, enslaving Wampanoag men, an issue that is far from resolved. After a warmly bucolic opening, the cruel scientist's desire for a "live specimen" sets up a second act in Boston, where Mary is taken and discovers a harsh reality for deaf people. LeZotte (Here Comes Julie Jack), who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders' prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders' view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary's progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character's sensibilities. Author's notes discuss Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, the island, and the history of deaf education. Ages 8-12. Agent: Leslie Zampetti, Dunham Literary. (Mar.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 3-7—Free-spirited, inquisitive 11-year-old Mary Lambert loves to spin stories. She's also deaf, as are her father and many others on Martha's Vineyard. No one knows why the island has such a high population of deaf people. Mary's friend Ezra Brewer, the old seaman, says that deafness is in the blood and was brought to the island when the original Lamberts settled there more than 100 years ago, in 1692. Signing is the only language Mary has ever known, and her life is full. But when tragedy strikes her family, she keeps a deep secret from her parents; she knows it is all her fault. Her relationship with her mother becomes strained, and everyone is on edge. Learning that a scientist is coming to the island to study why there are so many deaf residents sparks Mary's curiosity. He charms her mother and many others on the island, but Mary soon discovers his intentions are not honest while falling victim to his deceitful plan. She is taken from her home and becomes his "live specimen" for scientific study. Her struggle to regain control of her life in a world where the deaf are considered "moronic" and her determination to find a way home will take all of her strength, cunning, and courage. LeZotte crafts a moving tale of 1805 Martha's Vineyard that highlights issues still relevant more than 200 years later, including racism, ableism, and prejudice. Colonialism of the Wampanoag land as well as a perception of savagery among the Indigenous people, the preconceptions of the deaf, and a family's attempt at overcoming tragedy while remaining whole are the underlying themes in the novel. But these themes add nuance to the expertly crafted story of Mary, her response to her situations, her courage, and her hope that she will reunite with the community she loves. VERDICT Exceptionally written, faced paced, and full of topics that will inspire deep discussion. A valuable addition to secondary elementary or middle school collections.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Show Me a Sign:

LeZotte's novel is more than just a page-turner. Well researched and spare, it's a sensitive portrayal of a young girl's fight for respect and human dignity... Like Laurie Halse Anderson's Seeds of America trilogy, this work of historical fiction offers a fresh perspective on the post-Revolutionary War years by exploring issues that are just as relevant today. Middle-grade readers of every age will find a girl to root for who is asking all the right questions as she grows. — Newbery Medalist, Meg Medina for the New York Times

* LeZotte weaves threads of adventure, family tragedy, community, racism, and hearing people's negative assumptions about Deaf people into a beautiful and complex whole. Mary overcomes her own ordeal with the support of her community, but in the process she discovers that there is no silver bullet for the problems and prejudices of the world. There is no hollow inspirational content to be found in this tale... LeZotte acknowledges the racial tensions among the English, black, Irish, and Wampanoag residents of Martha's Vineyard, creating a dynamic that Mary interacts within but cannot fix... A vivid depiction of Deaf community along with an exciting plot and beautiful prose make this a must-read. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* Everything about this novel is nuanced, from the syntax of the sign language to the discussions of island politics and history. Mary's dramatic adventure will enthrall readers, but her internal journey-from being an uncomfortable witness to prejudice (including her mother's toward the Wampanoag and freedmen, or former slaves), to experiencing it herself, to determining to oppose it by leading by example-is equally important, and profound. — The Horn Book, starred review

* LeZotte crafts a moving tale of 1805 Martha's Vineyard that highlights issues still relevant more than 200 years later, including racism, ableism, and prejudice... these themes add nuance to the expertly crafted story of Mary, her response to her situations, her courage, and her hope that she will reunite with the community she loves. Exceptionally written, faced paced, and full of topics that will inspire deep discussion. A valuable addition to secondary elementary or middle school collections. — School Library Journal, starred review

* LeZotte's engrossing historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf. ... LeZotte, who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders' prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders' view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary's progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character's sensibilities. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Show Me A Sign is the rare book by a Deaf writer illuminating the Deaf experience for young readers. LeZotte takes us on an extraordinary journey that Deaf readers will surely identify with, and which will come as a revelation for hearing readers, reminding us that, as LeZotte says in the book, We are fine as we are made. Show Me A Sign is a triumph for everyone! — Brian Selznick, creator of Wonderstruck and the Caldecott Honor Book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret

There is so much to love about Show Me a Sign, I hardly know where to begin. LeZotte's storytelling is engrossing, and Mary is an endearing, resilient hero. This book blew me away. I can't wait to share it! — Alex Gino, Stonewall Award-winning author of George

Show Me a Sign celebrates our differences and our sameness, our past and our future. Spend time in Mary's world. You'll be better for it. — Erin Entrada Kelly, author of the Newbery Award Winner, Hello, Universe

Precise and thoughtful... LeZotte's depiction of language is striking — the reader sees the difference in conversations in spoken English and MVSL — and she thoughtfully addresses tensions among the white, Black, and Wampanoag people who share the island. LeZotte, who is Deaf, makes the point that nothing should stand in the way of building community and seeking equality, a sentiment that resonates today. — Booklist

An interesting and very enjoyable work of historical fiction about a time period and topic that has rarely been written about... LeZotte's writing is fresh, crisp, and exciting. The way she portrays the deaf community and the nuances of sign language make the story all the more informative and readable... The information in her [back matter] notes is so intriguing. — School Library Connection, Highly Recommended

A remarkable story. — Martha's Vineyard Times
Ann Clare Lezotte
Ann Clare LeZotte is a completely deaf and bilingual-bicultural (ASL/English) member of the Deaf community, and an essential voice for Deaf / HOH, disabled, and marginalized youth. She is the author of the Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel Show Me a Sign, which was named a best book of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, and American Indians in Children's Literature, as well as its stand-alone companions Set Me Free and Sail Me Away Home. Ann worked for many years as a youth librarian before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Gainesville, Florida.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781338255829
Lexile Measure
730
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Scholastic Press
Publication date
September 21, 2021
Series
Show Me a Sign
BISAC categories
JUV016140 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 19th Century
JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
Library of Congress categories
History
19th century
Identity
Identity (Psychology)
JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United S
Historical fiction
Massachusetts
People with disabilities
Deaf
Kidnapping
Psychological fiction
Kidnapping victims
Deaf children
Martha's Vineyard (Mass.)
Human experimentation in medicine
Sign language
Chilmark (Mass.)
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice
Chilmark
Schneider Family Book Award
Winner

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