Summary
The Sign of the Beaver, published in 1983, is a critically acclaimed children's historical novel by Elizabeth George Speare. Set in 18th-century Maine, the book has won numerous literary awards, including the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the Christopher Award.
Inspired by a true story from Milo, Maine, Speare crafted a compelling tale of survival, friendship, and cultural exchange. The novel's enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in many school curricula, making it a staple of young adult literature for decades.
In 1997, the book was adapted into a television film titled Keeping the Promise. This adaptation brought Speare's vivid characters and richly detailed historical setting to life on screen, introducing the story to an even wider audience.
Plot
Set in 18th-century Maine, The Sign of the Beaver follows 12-year-old Matt Hallowell, who is left alone to guard his family's newly built cabin in the wilderness. His father has returned to Massachusetts to bring the rest of the family to their new home, leaving Matt with the responsibility of protecting their claim and surviving on his own.
Matt's solitary existence is interrupted when he's attacked by a swarm of bees. He's saved by Saknis, a Native American chief, and his grandson Attean. Grateful for their help, Matt agrees to teach Attean to read English in exchange for survival skills. As the boys spend time together, they form an unlikely friendship, learning from each other's cultures and ways of life.
As weeks turn into months with no sign of his family, Matt becomes increasingly skilled at wilderness survival thanks to Attean's teachings. He learns to hunt, fish, and navigate the forest. Meanwhile, Attean gradually improves his reading skills, though he often questions the relevance of the stories in Matt's books to his own life and culture.
When winter approaches and Attean's tribe decides to move north, Matt faces a difficult decision. With his family's return uncertain, he must choose between joining the Beaver tribe with Attean or staying behind to wait for his family. This decision forces Matt to confront his hopes, fears, and newfound understanding of friendship and cultural differences.
Themes
Coming of age and personal growth
Survival in the wilderness
Cross-cultural friendship and understanding
Independence and self-reliance
Native American culture and traditions
Loyalty to family versus new opportunities
Adaptation to challenging circumstances
Setting
Set in the 18th century, The Sign of the Beaver unfolds against the backdrop of colonial America's expanding frontier. The story takes place during a time of significant change and conflict between European settlers and Native American tribes, as newcomers pushed westward in search of land and opportunity.
The novel's primary setting is the rugged wilderness of Maine, a vast expanse of dense forests, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife. This untamed landscape serves as both a challenge and a source of wonder for the young protagonist, Matt, as he navigates life in a newly established settlement far from civilization.
Characters
Matt Hallowell: The 12-year-old protagonist of the story. Matt is left alone in the Maine wilderness to guard his family's new cabin while his father returns to Massachusetts to fetch the rest of the family. He demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and maturity as he faces various challenges and learns survival skills from his Native American friend Attean.
Attean: A young Native American boy from the Beaver tribe who becomes Matt's friend and teacher. Attean initially resents Matt but gradually warms to him, teaching him hunting and survival skills. He offers Matt the opportunity to join his tribe when they decide to move north.
Saknis: Attean's grandfather and the chief of the Beaver tribe. He saves Matt from a bee attack and arranges for Attean to teach Matt survival skills in exchange for reading lessons. Saknis is wise, respected, and serves as a bridge between the two cultures.
Matt's father: He helps Matt build the cabin before leaving to bring the rest of the family. His delayed return becomes a source of worry for Matt and drives some of the plot's tension.
Matt's mother: Though not physically present for most of the story, her expected arrival with Matt's father influences his decisions and motivations.
Ben: A trapper who briefly stays with Matt. He steals Matt's gun, leaving him more vulnerable in the wilderness.
Marie: Matt's younger sister, who is due to arrive with the rest of the family. Her anticipated presence influences Matt's decisions about staying or leaving.
Quick facts
The book was inspired by a true story Elizabeth George Speare discovered in Milo, Maine.
It won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 1984.
The novel was adapted into a TV movie called “Keeping the Promise” in 1997.
The main character, Matt, is 13 years old in the book, but described as 12 in some summaries.
The story is set in 18th century Maine, during the time of American settlers and Native American tribes.
Elizabeth George Speare wrote the book later in her career, at the age of 74.
The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and cultural understanding.
The Sign of the Beaver has become a common part of many American school curriculums.
The book was first published in February 1983 by Houghton Mifflin.
It received numerous awards, including the Christopher Award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book.
About the Author
Elizabeth George Speare (1908-1994) was a renowned American author of children's historical fiction. Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, she spent her entire life in New England, which deeply influenced her writing. Despite harboring a lifelong ambition to write, Speare only began her literary career in earnest after her children reached junior high school.
Speare's debut novel, Calico Captive, was published in 1957, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in children's literature. Her subsequent works, including The Witch of Blackbird Pond (1958) and The Bronze Bow (1961), earned her two Newbery Medals, the highest honor in American children's literature. These accolades solidified her position as a master of historical fiction for young readers.
Throughout her career, Speare drew inspiration from New England's rich history, crafting stories that explored universal themes and offered timeless values. Her ability to bring the past to life while addressing contemporary issues resonated with readers and critics alike. In 1983, she received a Newbery Honor for The Sign of the Beaver, further cementing her legacy in the field.
Speare's contributions to children's literature were recognized with the prestigious Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (now known as the Children's Literature Legacy Award) in 1989. This honor celebrated her substantial and enduring impact on the genre. Elizabeth George Speare's works continue to captivate readers, offering both a window into the past and a mirror for present-day concerns.
