The Sign of the Beaver

by Sheila V on 2012-01-13
Book Review on “Sign of the Beaver” “Sign of the Beaver” is one of my favorite books because you always want to read more to see what happens. I also like how Attean, an indian boy, teaches Matt how to provide for himself while his father’s away. Matt in return teaches Attean to read and write. My favorite part was probably when Attean took Matt to his village for a feast because Matt has no idea how Indian ways work. When Matt gets to the village all the Indians’ faces are painted and they are wearing headbands with feathers. Matt then feels ashamed because his clothes are old and worn. This book makes me feel courageous because Matt had to stay by himself for six or seven weeks while his father went to get his mother and sister. Staying by yourself for that long takes courage. I can’t imagine staying by myself for six or seven weeks. Luckily Matt and Attean became good friends. I think this is a great book for everybody to read because as you get into it you just can’t put it down. Read this book and see if you agree with me. It will become an instant favorite. By: Josh Veldman

by Brandy S on 2011-10-26
This is one of my favorite Sonlight books! It was interesting all the way through, well written, taught history in an engaging way, and had a tear jerker of an ending!!

by Jill R on 2011-09-18
Yep - it's an amazing book. It's a must read...and TRY to pace yourself. :) It's so good that it's hard to put down!

by Rachel R on 2011-05-14
My 9yr old son loved this book! He was sneaking it to read at night to himself and finished early! Great for boys!

by Kathleen D on 2011-05-12
Written by Cameron, age 10: 12-year-old Matt and his father built a small cabin in the Maine wilderness. Matt needs to survive in the wilderness while his father goes to get the rest of his family. He meets Attean, a young Indian boy from the Beaver tribe. When Matt's family doesn't return, Attean invites him to come with him to the Beaver tribe. When Matt says no, will his family come or will he change his mind? My favorite part was when Matt and Attean killed a brown bear with knives. This book got me emotional and excited at the same time. I think it is a good book to learn about Colonial survival skills and a boy's life of hunting and making friends. If you are looking for good book filled with adventure and action, this is the one for you.

by Julie N on 2011-03-12
This was probably our favorite of CORE 3. My 7 year old at the time was so torn up at the end...I was thankful for his ability to feel empathy and his understanding of the story. Just an excellent read aloud on all levels. I think my older boy actually read ahead himself and finished the book but the rest of us wanted to find out what happened so we continued!

by Carrie S on 2010-12-13
Written by Nicholas, age 10: I liked The Sign of the Beaver because there is action, playing, hunting, and building, all of which most kids like to do. It made me want to get out and do those things myself. I especially liked the part when Attean and Matt killed the brown bear and Matt went to the Indian's camp to eat it. I also liked the book because it was a story about making friends with people who are different from you. This was a very exciting book.

by HANA B on 2010-10-01
I liked it. I think it is a boyish book. I liked the ending.

by KRISTA T on 2009-05-15
Reviewed by Andrew, age 8 - The Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth George Speare was published by Yearling in 1983. The book is about a boy named Matt who is one of the first settlers in Maine. The adventure begins when his father leaves to get the rest of his family in Massachusetts. Matt is left alone to survive and take care of the cabin. In an attempt to get some honey he is attacked by swarming bees. An Indian chief rescues him and asks Matt if he will teach his grandson, Attean, to read. Matt and Attean learn much from each other. I like this book because it is action packed. There are theives, bees, bears and forces of nature that Matt has to overcome. It is interesting to read how Attean is able to live in the woods with only his outdoor skills and wits to guide him. I think this book is great! I would recommend it.

by HEATHER B on 2009-05-07
We stumbled across the movie when renting and were hooked. We purchased the book and absolutely LOVE it. My son was 5 when we read it (the first time) and my daughters 10 and 11. They protested every time I ended the reading for the night. Our interest in the outdoors (hunting, fishing, gardening, being self-reliant, etc.) really brought this wonderful story to life for our whole family.