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Description edit
Until the day his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness, 12-year-old Matt must try to survive on his own. During an attack by swarming bees, Matt is astonished when he's rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson, Attean. As the boys come to know each other, many months pass... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
Twelve-year old Matt is trying his best to survive on his own until his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness with the rest of the family. Matt develops a deep friendship with a Native American boy. Matt must decide if he should continue waiting for his family or begin a new... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Characters edit
- Matthew Hallowell: Young boy who remains behind to care for the families cabin and prepare for winter as his father brings his mother, sister and new baby home.
- Attean: Matt's Indian friend. He dislikes the white settlers
- Saknis: Indian who helped Matt, grandfather of Attean. He recognizes the need to communicate with the settlers.
- Ben: A trapper who visits Matt
- Marie: Attean's sister
- Sarah Hallowell: Matt's younger sister
First Sentence edit
MATT STOOD AT THE EDGE OF THE CLEARING FOR some time after his father had gone out of sight among the trees.
Table of Contents edit
Chapters 1-25
Themes & Symbolism edit
- Acceptance: This story teachers the we all can learn from each other. Despite cultural differences.
- Survival: Matt survives in the Maine wilderness for about six months. Matt must rely on his own resources to survive.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in Turn Off the TV! Whole-family Read-Alouds. (community list)
Authors & Contributors edit
- Elizabeth George Speare (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1983
ISBN: 0395338905
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1983
ISBN: 0395338905
Page Count: 144
Awards edit
- Newbery Honor Book (1984)
- Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (1984)
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: Add the Library of Congress Classification.
- Dewey: 900
Subjects edit
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Links to Supplemental Material edit
- Sign of the Beaver Webquest: This is a great website for teachers that offers before, during and after reading activities.
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