The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare impresses readers with its engaging tale of survival and friendship in the wilderness. Praised for its well-developed characters and historical accuracy, it appeals to a young audience. Some critique its pacing as slow, but the vivid storytelling and strong moral themes resonate widely. A compelling read with minor flaws.

The ideal reader for Elizabeth George Speare's The Sign of the Beaver enjoys historical fiction and survival stories with themes akin to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins. They appreciate insights into frontier life and the interplay between different cultures, suitable for middle-grade readers and young adults.

Published in 1983, The Sign of the Beaver is a historical adventure novel for middle-grade readers by Elizabeth George Speare. Set in the 1760s Colonial America, the book follows young Matt Hallowell who, left alone to guard a cabin in the Maine wilderness, befriends a Penobscot boy named Attean. Through this friendship, Matt learns survival skills, and his perspective on himself, his family, fellow colonists, and Indigenous people changes profoundly. The novel addresses themes of survival, friendship, and cultural understanding against a backdrop of historical challenges.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- The Sign of the Beaver was awarded the Christopher Award in 1984, highlighting its positive impact on the values of family, faith, and the human spirit.
- Elizabeth George Speare drew inspiration for the book from her own experiences living in New England and her interest in the region's rich history.
- The novel explores themes of friendship and cultural exchange, being used in many classrooms to discuss early American history and Native American cultures.

Elizabeth George Speare

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Sign of the Beaver Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Sign of the Beaver Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Sign of the Beaver Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-15

The Sign of the Beaver Chapters 6-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

The Sign of the Beaver Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

The Sign of the Beaver Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Sign of the Beaver Character Analysis

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Themes

The Sign of the Beaver Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Sign of the Beaver Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Sign of the Beaver Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Sign of the Beaver Essay Topics

The Sign of the Beaver Further Reading & Resources

The Sign of the Beaver Teaching Unit

Introduction

The Sign of the Beaver Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

The Sign of the Beaver Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

The Sign of the Beaver Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

The Sign of the Beaver Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

The Sign of the Beaver Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

The Sign of the Beaver Activities

Essay Questions

The Sign of the Beaver Essay Questions

Exam Questions

The Sign of the Beaver Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

The Sign of the Beaver Exam Answer Key

The Sign of the Beaver

Before You Read

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Who Should Read The Sign of the Beaver?

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