Book Review: Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

Mary is from a community of people who are deaf, on the island of Martha's Vineyard, and has always felt safe and protected. But change is always near. How will Mary and her community deal with family tragedy, conflicts over land, and a researcher determined to uncover the cause of the deafness trait at any cost, even if it is cruel.

A wholehearted homage to family and the deaf community. LeZotte herself is deaf and can truly convey how different the communication style is from spoken language. Mary is a strong character who can overcome challenges and readers instantly feel a connection to her. The subject of a community with a higher probability of deafness is interesting and readers will no doubt find interest in ASL. The notes by the author at the end of the book add context to the events in the story and the history of the deaf community and ASL.

"Each element of the narrative comes together to create an all-too-rare thing: an excellent book about a Deaf person. A closing note provides further information on Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language and the history of both Martha’s Vineyard and Deaf education. A vivid depiction of Deaf community along with an exciting plot and beautiful prose make this a must-read." -Kirkus Review

Book Information:

LeZotte, A. (2020). SHOW ME A SIGN. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9781338255812

Activity:

Students could research and learn common signs and differences between different cultures and the signs used. 

What next?! 

Read the Sail Me Away Home and Set Me Free also by LeZotte. If you have older manga readers you may also recommend A Sign of Affection.