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Title details for Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign Trilogy, Book 1) by Ann Clare LeZotte - Available

Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign Trilogy, Book 1)

#1 in series

by Ann Clare LeZotte
Nora Hunter
Audiobook
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2 of 2 copies available
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 school, 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 CabretMary 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

  • Creators

  • Series

    Show Me a Sign

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    January 19, 2021

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781338761351
      • File size: 180342 KB
      • Duration: 06:15:42

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from January 13, 2020
      Set in 1805, LeZotte’s engrossing
      historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf. Following her younger brother’s death, Mary lives with her parents in a close-knit Martha’s Vineyard town made up of both English and Wampanoag members. So many of the residents are deaf that the island has its own sign language, used by hearing and deaf people alike; this attracts a young scientist named Andrew Noble, who wants to discover the source of the town’s widespread “infirmity.” Noble’s insensitive treatment of the villagers offends Mary, reminding her of the way white settlers colonized the island, enslaving Wampanoag men, an issue that is far from resolved. After a warmly bucolic opening, the cruel scientist’s desire for a “live specimen” sets up a second act in Boston, where Mary is taken and discovers a harsh reality for deaf people. LeZotte (Here Comes Julie Jack), who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders’ prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders’ view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary’s progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character’s sensibilities. Author’s notes discuss Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language, the island, and the history of deaf education. Ages 8–12. Agent: Leslie Zampetti, Dunham Literary.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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