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

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 03/03/2020
ISBN: 9781338255812
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.70w x 1.20d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2019 pg. 212
Publishers Weekly 01/13/2020
Booklist 02/01/2020 pg. 46
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2020
School Library Journal 03/01/2020 pg. 105

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 506689 / Show Me a Sign
Reading Level: 5.1 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 7