76 pages • 2 hours read
Show Me a Sign
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Martha's Vineyard • 1800s
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
Super Short Summary
In Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte, Mary Lambert, an 11-year-old deaf girl living on Martha's Vineyard in 1805, navigates a community where deafness is widespread and normalized. When an outsider scientist arrives to investigate the cause of the island's deafness, his prejudiced assumptions and ensuing actions force Mary to confront the broader world's ignorance and mistreatment of people who are deaf.
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Inspirational
Informative
Reviews & Readership
5,865 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ann Clare LeZotte's Show Me a Sign is widely praised for its rich historical context and vivid portrayal of the Deaf community in early 19th-century Martha's Vineyard. Reviewers appreciate the detailed depiction of protagonist Mary Lambert's experiences. Some critique the pacing and predictability but commend the book's educational value and emotional depth.
Who Should Read Show Me a Sign?
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte would captivate readers ages 9-12 who enjoy historical fiction with strong, resilient characters and themes of disability awareness. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and El Deafo by Cece Bell will find this compelling narrative set in 19th-century Martha's Vineyard engaging and insightful.
5,865 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mrs. Lambert
Mrs. Lambert
Mary's hearing mother, who is proficient in sign language and grapples with her emotions and social preferences following a family tragedy.
Mr. Lambert
Mr. Lambert
Mary's deaf father, who shares a close bond with her and is supportive of inclusive practices on their island community.
Andrew Noble
Andrew Noble
A student with a prejudiced view of deafness, whose academic interests lead him to questionable actions toward Mary.
Ezra Brewer
Ezra Brewer
An elderly deaf seaman admired by Mary for his storytelling skills and who proves to be a loyal friend in her time of need.
Nancy Skiffe
Nancy Skiffe
Mary's best friend, proficient in sign language, and a musician, whose actions tested their friendship.
Dr. Henry Minot
Dr. Henry Minot
A Boston doctor interested in the study of deafness, who offers help to Mary in a challenging situation caused by his protégé.
Thomas Richards
Thomas Richards
A Black freedman working on the Lambert farm, who shares his life experiences with Mary and demonstrates the warmth of chosen family connections.
304
Novel • Fiction
Martha's Vineyard • 1800s
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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