Show Me a Sign Book Review

 











1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

LeZotte, A. (2020). SHOW ME A SIGN. Scholastic Inc. ISBN: 978-1-338-25582-9

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Show Me a Sign is a novel about early 1800’s Martha Vineyard and its inhabitants. Mary and many others are deaf but not isolated in communication. A scientist comes to the island to determine why there is a concentration of deaf people in this community. He takes Mary to Boston as a “specimen” against her will. Will Mary be able to make it back to her family?


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In Show Me a Sign, the characters are very authentic and culturally accurate. The main character, Mary, was born deaf. There are many like her on the island, including her father. One in four inhabitants of the island is deaf. The hearing and the deaf all communicate through sign language.

The setting is on the island of Martha’s Vineyard and in Boston. Mary’s great-great-grandfather immigrated from England. 

In this novel, there are many cultural markers for the deaf community. One of the most noticeable is the respect given to the deaf. The hearing are inclusive in that they make sure to face those they are talking to while also signing. The way the deaf speak in simple phrases shows how they communicate with their voice. Author LeZotte is herself deaf and gave her perspective through the thoughts of Mary. 

The marginalization of the deaf community outside of their island was shocking to Mary when she was kidnapped and brought to Boston. Deaf community was seen as less than and incompetent. Mary is beaten and treated unfairly by those in Boston while also being held against her will. This stigma of those with disabilities is still prevalent in current society. 



4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • ALA Notable Children's Books, 2021

  • Booklist, 02/01/20

  • Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/20

  • Kirkus Reviews starred, 11/15/19

  • New York Times, 05/03/20

  • Publishers Weekly starred, 01/13/20

  • Schneider Family Book Award, 2021

  • School Library Connection starred, 03/01/20

  • School Library Journal starred, 03/01/20

Full-Text Reviews
Booklist (February 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 11))

Grades 4-8. Mary Lambert, 11, narrates this story, set in the early nineteenth century, about Chilmark, a community on Martha’s Vineyard. One in four residents are deaf, and everyone speaks Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL). Into this community comes Andrew Noble, a young Boston scientist who wants to study the Deaf population in order to pinpoint an external cause for the deafness. He is arrogant and condescending, and he manages to offend almost everyone. Dissatisfied with his research, Andrew kidnaps Mary and takes her to Boston as a “live specimen.” Although subjected to horrible treatment, Mary makes her way home. LeZotte’s portrayal of Mary is precise and thoughtful, as the girl absorbs and analyzes everything she experiences. 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. Though, like today, there are still no easy answers.



  • 5. CONNECTIONS

Related books:

LeZotte, A. (2021). SET ME FREE. Scholastic Press. ISBN: 978-1-338-74249-7


LeZotte, A. (2023). SAIL ME AWAY HOME. Scholastic Inc.. ISBN: 978-1-339-00349-8

Activities:

Students can research hereditary deafness on Martha’s Vineyard and Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language


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