![]() Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte is inspired by a true story of a deaf community on Martha’s Vineyards in the 19th century, and through Mary and the other character’s eyes, this community comes to life to the reader. The reader is presented with a community where everyone speaks sign language and being deaf is not seen as a deficit. I do not think I have ever read a book with a deaf protagonist before, and I am glad that I read this one and was presented with such a strong and capable young woman. I believe through Mary, LeZotte creates a strong protagonist which can serve as a mirror for students who may also be dealing with deafness and how it impacts their life. Mary is a positive role model with strength, intellect, and some spunk who both hearing and non-hearing students will be able to connect with. In the story, Mary does not see anything “wrong” with herself and neither do any of the other members in the community; unfortunately, Mary’s sheltered life is disturbed as an outsider comes to the island to study the deaf. Through his treatment and belittling discussions with the townspeople, Mary begins to question her abilities and why others view deaf people as being less smart or incapable of the same tasks as a hearing person. Through her inner-dialogue and her conversations with other characters, LeZotte introduces the idea of deafness not being a hindrance to intellect and ability. Lezotte also weaves threads in the storyline about dealing with family loss, the effects of Colonialism, racism, ableism, and religion. In the novel, LeZotte acknowledges the racial tensions among the English, black, and Wampanoag residents of the community through Mary’s interactions. The reader is introduced to the problems and Mary questions them, but there is no easy fix. The reader is not left with a cute, storybook ending, but a realistic one. While reading this book, I definitely gained a window into a world I knew very little about. I was able to connect to Mary and envision the frustration and hurt you would feel when being looked upon as “less than” simply because you can’t hear. Through Mary, LeZotte creates a window to time and place in history, I would like to further explore and share with my students. Approximate Reading Level: 5th-7th grades
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