The Sign of the Beaver

Reader reviewed by Emily

While I enjoyed this book somewhat in the fifth grade, I realize now that it is far too antiquated for our public schools. The stereotypical Native American is portrayed in this overly fantastical fiction novel that, while well written, unfortunately perpetuates misperceptions about today's Native American population. Young adults would fare better by reading nonfiction stories about Native Americans, such as Counting Coup. Perhaps by teaching the truth about the circumstances of our native people, we can begin to rebuild their homes and lives as they deserve. The Sign of the Beaver simply ignores this truth.

Reader reviewed by Kelly (from Mrs. Sioreks Class)

Sign of the Beaver is a very insteresting book. It's about a boy named Matt. His family bought a piece of land out in the forest. They had a plan, so the father was going to take Matt with him on their new property to build a house while Matt's younger sister Sarah and his mother stayed at their old house in Mass. Then Matt's father went back to get the other side of the family and come back to the new built house. So in the summer Matt and his father went to build
the house.

When Matt's father had left there was a fever going around town (the fever is something that can kill you). Then Matt met some Indians at his house.