Show Me A Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte (Historical Fiction)

Show me a sign is an engrossing historical fiction novel that embraces our similarities and differences as people and will take you on a vivid journey through the past and will change your perspective on the future. The story begins on the isolated shores of Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800’s. The perspective is one of a deaf girl, Mary Lambert. Mary has spent her whole life on the Vineyard and knows the island – from the people who inhabit it to the animals to the wild landscape – like the back of her hand. She knows that ever since her ancestors settled on her island, the deafness has been a part of the culture of those who live there. As she grows up, one in every 25 people is deaf, and almost everybody knows sign language. Times are tough for Mary. Her family, still shattered with grief after losing Mary’s brother the previous year, and the town’s foundation crumbling with disputes over land between the English settlers and the Wampanoag people. Even so, Mary knows she belongs here. She never questions her deafness, or the deafness of her neighbors. Until one day a cruel and cunning scientist shows up at the Vineyard. His determination to find the cause of the widespread deafness of Martha's Vineyard is unnerving to Mary, and after he shows apparent disrespect to her people, a hatred for him is formed in her. Still, she never could have imagined the horrors brought upon her when she is taken captive to become a “live specimen” in his inhuman science experiment.

I loved this book! I found it thought provoking, and it was fascinating to read a novel where the main character was born deaf and that was written by a deaf author. This book was written in beautiful detail, and I felt like I experienced it through Mary’s eyes. I really liked how Mary was so curious, I found it refreshing as a reader. The author portrayed emotion well in a way that connected you with the characters. Through the heart-wrenching narrative, the readers' emotions are captivated. I was crying by the end of the book. I also think it was important the way the author touched on racial injustice. Even though this book was set in 1805, racism is still something we battle against today. The author acknowledges not only racism but also cultural clashing, land ownership and prejudice against those with disabilities, all important topics. The reading level is a bit easier than I expected, although it is a mature subject topic. I would recommend it for people in grades 6th-8th. I have no negative feedback, although the beginning of the plot is a little slow, but it is definitely worth finishing. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious or thoughtful, or if you are interested in history and learning more about those who are deaf and MVSL (Martha Vineyard’s Sign Language) and ASL (American Sign Language). I would also recommend this book to you if you like books by the author Erin Entrada Kelly. To wrap up, I hope you read this book, and here is one of my favorite quotes from the book, 

"I'm sure that many hearing people, especially those who don't know the deaf, imagine our lives are filled with silence. That's not true. If my mind and heart are full of energy and fun, and I'm looking ahead with excitement, I don't feel silent at all. I buzz like a bee in good times. Only in bad times, when I am numb and full of sadness does everything turn silent.” (pg. 46) 

Reviewed by Fiona S., Grade 7