# Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign, Book 1) - Hardcover

by **Ann Clare Lezotte** (Author)

**Don't miss the companion book, _Set Me Free_**

**CRITICS ARE RAVING ABOUT _SHOW ME A SIGN_**

Winner of the 2021 Schneider Family Book Award \* NPR Best Books of 2020 \* Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020 \* School Library Journal Best Books of 2020 \* New York Public Library Best Books of 2020 \* Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2020 \* 2020 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist \* 2020 New England Independent Booksellers Award Finalist

Deaf author Ann Clare LeZotte weaves a riveting story inspired by the true history of a thriving deaf community on Martha's Vineyard in the early 19th century. This piercing exploration of ableism, racism, and colonialism will inspire readers to examine core beliefs and question what is considered normal.

**\* "A must-read." -- _Kirkus Reviews_, starred review**

"More than just a page-turner. Well researched and spare... sensitive... relevant." -- Newbery Medalist, Meg Medina for the _New York Times_

"A triumph." -- Brian Selznick, creator of _Wonderstruck_ and the Caldecott Award winner, _The Invention of Hugo Cabret_

\* "Will enthrall readers, but her internal journey...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_

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.

### Author Biography

Ann Clare LeZotte is a completely deaf and bilingual-bicultural (ASL/English) member of the Deaf community, and an essential voice for Deaf / HOH, disabled, and marginalized youth. She is the author of the Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel _Show Me a Sign_, which was named a best book of the year by NPR, _Kirkus Reviews_, _School Library Journal_, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, and American Indians in Children's Literature. _Set Me Free_, the acclaimed standalone companion, was hailed by _Kirkus Reviews_ as a "simultaneously touching and gripping adventure." Ann worked for many years as a youth librarian before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Gainesville, Florida.

**Number of Pages:** 288

**Dimensions:** 1.2 x 8.3 x 5.7 IN

**Publication Date:** March 03, 2020

**Award:** Schneider Family Book Award (2021)

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** Show Me a Sign

**Interest Level:** Middle Grades, 4-8

**Reading Level:** 5.1

**Point Value:** 7

## Details

- **Price:** 18.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 18.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Show Me a Sign (Show Me a Sign, Book 1) - Hardcover

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> Updated: 2026-07-23