Sail Me Away Home

Show Me a Sign #3

by Ann Clare LeZotte

This gripping, stand-alone story, set in the world of the award-winning Show Me a Sign and Set Me Free, shines a light on the origins of formal deaf education and celebrates the fullness of the Deaf experience.

As a young teacher on Martha’s Vineyard, Mary Lambert feels restless and adrift. So when a league of missionaries invite her to travel abroad, she knows it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Paris is home to a pioneering deaf school where she could meet its visionary instructors Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc—and even bring back their methods to help advance formal deaf education in America!

But the endeavor comes at a cost: The missionaries’ plan to “save” deaf children is questionable at best—and requires Mary’s support. What’s more, the missionaries’ work threatens the Wampanoag and other native peoples’ freedom and safety. Is pursuing Mary’s own goals worth the price of betraying her friends and her own values?

So begins a feverish and fraught adventure, filled with cunning characters, chance encounters, and new friendships. Together with Show Me a Sign and Set Me Free, this stunning stand-alone story completes an unforgettable trilogy that will enrich your understanding of the deaf experience and forever alter your perspective on ability and disability.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Disability, Fiction, Juvenile, Historical

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

Deaf--bilingual, bicultural. Author of T4: A Novel in Verse (Houghton, 2008) and Show Me a Sign (Scholatic, 2020). Library Youth Services for 11 years and counting. Focus on underserved populations and inclusion. Lives with her family in Gainesville, Florida.

Reviews

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last in the trilogy, I wanted to finish this one out even though the second wasn't a favorite. The first book, Show Me a Sign, is the stand out for me.

This one finds Mary trying to find her way in the world. She decides to be part of a small contingent of missionaries going to Paris and London. Mary wants to see the work happening in both cities within the deaf community. The visionary instructors Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc are people Mary hopes to meet in an effort to learn how to become a better teacher to her own community made up of deaf children.

This is before their was ASL and before signing was recognized as a way to communicate. Mary soon learns that the travel companions are not truly concerned with helping the deaf community, but have motives that don't align with Mary's beliefs.

It was a lot of background information on the history of creating signing and the thinking behind how to teach in the deaf community, but this was didn't quite offer a definitive ending to Mary's fate in life.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely middle grade historical fiction, the third in a series, examining deaf life in the early 19th century.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized account that mentions the historical island known as Martha's Vineyard. The majority of the island's inhabitants either possessed a genetic trait of hereditary deafness or were deaf themselves. Written by a deaf woman, "Sail Me Away Home" tells the story of a deaf school teacher who is searching for her way in life outside of her small island home. Readers learn about the different sign languages, namely French Sign Language, American Sign Language, and the island population's own unique variation; Martha's Vineyard Sign Language. Can be read as a stand alone title or as part of the series.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teacher, Mary wants to treat all children as equals
Chafing a little around her small town, yet leery of the outside world and lack of knowledge/community/respect for deaf community
Having visions
Goes to missionary conference with Reverend Lee, they want to build schools for Cherokee kids but would they be any better as how they treat the deaf kids
Never trust colonizers forcing their beliefs
Confused as to why Mary is in mission trip with them but can’t really interact with kids/staff at London school for deaf
When they get to Paris deaf school and don’t speak French Mary writes that now they have a taste for how deaf people navigate an unaccommodating world
Learned deaf men can understand abstract ideas rather than just giving objects names
So lovely to see Mary spreading her wings - would love to read more adventures as she travels and grows - ending was open.
Has everyone noticed the cover art and Mary’s eyes!

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have learned so much about Deaf history though this middle grade series. Mary is now an adult in this third book, she is a teacher on Martha's Vineyard and travels abroad to spend time at Paris School for the Deaf in hopes of learning how to mimic it back home in the US.

[Kasey Giard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved revisiting Mary and her family in their island community. In this book, it’s not a terrible crisis that pulls her away from home, but a growing awareness of how some people are marginalized or excluded. In part, this happens as she teaches school for her community, and the local leaders only agree to keep her on as a teacher if she refuses to allow Irish children into the classroom. Mary balks at this and finds a way around this ruling, but she feels stifled and angry at the cruelty of it.

In some ways, this is a gentler story than the previous two in the series. It still reveals to readers some of the prejudices the Deaf faced in the early 1800s. This time, we’re introduced to the development of a formal sign language and a formal school for the Deaf.

I liked getting to see those historical moments brought to life through a character as vibrant and creative as Mary is. I also loved that the whole story reads as if it were Mary’s journal. The chapters aren’t written as journal entries, but the tone felt like that to me. It feels as if she’s speaking directly to the reader, the way someone might write in a diary or journal.

On the whole, I think this is a great series and I’ve really enjoyed reading it.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

[The St. Louis Literary Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sail Me Away Home" by Ann Clare LeZotte is a captivating and poignant tale that beautifully intertwines the struggles and triumphs of its protagonist with the rich tapestry of history. Set in the early 19th century, the novel follows the journey of a young teacher whose life is a vivid portrayal of resilience and determination against the backdrop of a world that often misunderstands and underestimates her.

LeZotte's writing is both elegant and accessible, striking a perfect balance between historical authenticity and relatable storytelling. Her meticulous research into the era and the experiences of deaf individuals during that time adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the narrative. The protagonist is portrayed with sensitivity and insight, offering readers a window into a world where communication takes many forms and resilience is key to survival.

The novel excels in its character development. Each character is richly drawn, with their own backstories and complexities, making the world of "Sail Me Away Home" feel incredibly real and immersive. The protagonist, in particular, is a remarkable character whose strength and vulnerability are portrayed with a deft touch.

LeZotte's use of language is another highlight of the book. Her prose is lyrical yet straightforward, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers. The way she weaves historical details into the narrative without overwhelming the reader is commendable, providing just enough context to enrich the story without bogging it down.

The book's themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of communication resonate deeply. It's a story that not only entertains but also educates and enlightens, offering a unique perspective on a period of history and a set of experiences that are often overlooked.

In conclusion, "Sail Me Away Home" is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that is both a compelling historical tale and a powerful exploration of the human spirit. Ann Clare LeZotte has crafted a work that is not only a joy to read but also an important contribution to historical and disability literature.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

One little pet peeve; this book took place around 1800 and yet there is a mention of "photos" in a locket. Not a big deal, just feel like "picture" or "portrait" would have been more accurate and that an editor should have caught that!

I really had hoped that she would meet up with Gallaudet at the end. Having her sort of "replace" him kind of frustrated me. Again, not a deal breaker, but I wish it had been a little more historically accurate/connected.

I really enjoyed this little trilogy, and I hope more people read it!

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this final book in the Show Me a Sign Trilogy; Mary goes with missionaries to England and Paris to visit & learn about the leaders of the deaf schools. Mary meets many old & new friends, struggles with her decisions but remains committed to learning about the deaf signs, languages & returning home to her family. A must read!!!

[Alison Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an intriguing read, and I really enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Deaf/deaf culture on Martha’s Vineyard.

I felt that the blurb was slightly misleading by calling this a standalone, because the first third of the novel involved many flashbacks to previous installments, which I had not read, but will have to look up. There were many allusions to information that would’ve been helpful to know about the backstory.

That having been said, Mary was a compelling character, who really challenged the notions of Deaf people that were common in her day and age.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story but do recommend reading the whole series. I appreciate being gifted this ebook!

[Erin Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss

I really love this series. I am not going to lie the details from the previous two books are a bit fuzzy in my mind so I had a bit of a hard time jumping in to this one, but I still really enjoyed it.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I didn't love this as much as book 1 in the trilogy, it was still full of (fictionalized) background about Deaf history and culture, and was captivating enough for a quick read.

Beyond the book description (which you can read elsewhere), I guess what I want to point out the most is that the main character continues an extensive interior dialogue in which she indicates that she is considering several different points of view or options to pursue (for her future/job/location/etc.), but she never quite spells them out. This seems similar to how real people behave with regard to sharing their decision-making process...EXCEPT this is a fictional person, and why not let us readers know her various thoughts?

Instead, her course of action is presented almost like a mystery, so we have no idea why she accepts some proposals and rejects others.

It's possible that it's my own fault; I skipped book 2, so maybe I would've recognized some signals she was giving if I'd known & remembered the various characters she meets up with. WHAT A SMALL WORLD it turns out to be...when the ocean voyage departs from a port that is immediatley adjacent to a rural area where an old friend now lives...when you travel from the United States to France, and while in Paris - the one time you walk on the street, a poster flies into your hands for an event featuring another old friend just a few days later.

The translating & transcribing needed for Deaf and hearing people to join together for a lecture and discussion that takes place in English and French is glossed over. At one point, there are a sequence of events & meetings with these characters:
* Deaf (Vineyard signing + learning French signing) + writing/reading English only
* Hearing + writing/reading in both English & French (learning Vineyard signing)
* Hearing + writing/reading in English only
* Hearing + writing/reading in French only
* Hearing + (French signing) + writing/reading in French only
* Deaf (French signing) + writing/reading in French only

You can see how describing these meetings would require a bit of explaining who is doing what...but (perhaps so it wouldn't get bogged down) the author skipped over some of that, and didn't adequately give individuals responsibility or acknowledgment for what they must have been doing - or skipped over how much time they spent writing.

Something didn't quite hold together about this novel, and yet, it was fascinating to read, and I believe young readers will appreciate it.

[JL Salty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: g+ no profanity, no sex, constant threat of kidnapping.
Recommend: deaf culture / history curious, jh and up.

First, this is not a standalone. It’s book 3 of a trilogy for SURE.
Second, there was a … rhythm? Problem. Or something. Something was off in this book. For example, Mary is very anti-religion, her town is very anti-Mary because of it… maybe that’s the first sign that’s it’s part of the bigger story. The level of faith in her town plays in to the beginning of the story in a big way, but it’s not … clear, somehow. So her going off with the missionaries… there should have been more explanation there. She is OPPOSED to their form of faith.
Third, HOW can one girl get kidnapped - or nearly kidnapped - SO MANY TIMES?!?! enough.

I think the author was trying to show how a Deaf person would gather information that is NOT speak or listening. Facial expression, body language, observation. So Miss Mitchell, and Mary not being able to figure her out entirely (and having to escape form her, too?!) is part of that “show me don’t tell me” method. But it just created a hole in the character, I’m not sure what that woman was about, even now.

Also, I think there is a lot of modern sensibility in this novel. 1810, there wasn’t much going on in the way of Deaf rights, Native rights / assimilation protest, women’s rights… and yet it’s all here. Even as she is telling the sort of the early Deaf schools, she is criticizing the mentality of the historical mentality: Deaf people are not “simple” as a side effect of their deafness. And that attitude is portrayed here. Mary does not want to work with anyone who thinks that way, she is very aware of her own abilities and the way the hearing world views her. She wants to fight that thinking, but is unwilling to start at the beginning.

I don’t know. I’m not part of the Deaf community. I read this kind of book to learn. But I also have strong feelings about modern writers putting contemporary sensibilities into a historical fiction story. Was it really like that? To the winner goes the telling of the history, so who knows. But I didn’t love this one.

[Melissa Orth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Lambert, first introduced in Show Me a Sign, is back on the island in this third book about Martha’s Vineyard and its unique Deaf community in the early 1800s. Mary is now teaching at the local Chilmark School but her progressive ways put her at odds with the island’s ruling patriarchs. How dare she even consider teaching Native and Black islanders; isn’t it already beyond the pale that she enrolled the child of an Irish farmhand? So when an incident occurs that Mary finds unfair, Reverend Lee arranges for Mary to travel to England and France with a group of Missionaries. The pious women wish for Mary to help them reach the “poor afflicted deaf-mutes” in exchange for takin her to the schools for the Deaf established in these two European countries. Mary knows in her heart that these women are not doing good in the world but they are her ticket, literally and figuratively, to learn about other sign languages and meet others who recognize Deaf culture. Of course, as usually happens when she meets people off island including the missionaries, people treat her as a curiosity or as infirm and she is nearly kidnapped more than once. A climactic showdown, which was anticipated from the time the “relics” enter the plot, is neatly dealt with. Mary will return home but whether to stay is not confirmed.

This was nearly a five star book for me as I enjoy this character and her plucky adventures. I am fascinated by the Deaf cultural history LeZotte weaves into the tales and admire how she vividly describes Mary’s wide range of thoughts on everything from Parisian fashion to comparing politics to religious zealotry. Maybe I missed something but it didn’t make sense to me how Mary could just drop her teaching commitment to sail off to England with strangers her parents didn’t even meet. Plot device I guess.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to the Show Me a Sign trilogy by Ann Clare LeZotte, Sail Me Away Home could (as the previous two books) be read on its own and not suffer from the lack of reading the others, but with them greater context and understanding of motivations is gained.

Mary Lambert's experiences as a deaf person on Martha's Vineyard living in the community which has other members who are also deaf living a full life, using the sign language specific to that region, have settled her into the role and profession of teacher. She gains deep satisfaction in teaching MVSL (Martha's Vineyard sign language) to others proving deafness isn't an indicator of a person of less intelligence or capability - it is simply an educational hurdle to overcome. Although she'd like adventure and discovery in her future, she realizes that's not her lot in life.

It is at this point the plot turns, and Mary Lambert has the opportunity for her dreams to come true, but she finds it will be at a cost that she isn't certain she's ready to pay. Conflict of interest, troubles communicating in a newly developed sign language, different than the Martha's Vineyard sign language present problems.

But this is Mary Lambert we are talking about. . . .thoughtful and quietly determined, she finds a way through. A first-rate resolution with which to part ways with this very capable character and her future.

*A sincere thank you to Ann Clare LeZotte, Scholastic Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #SailMeAwayHomeShowMeaSign #NetGalley

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter the deaf world of 1810 Martha's Vineyard, England, and France. Those who are deaf and deaf/mute are at a definite disadvantage in the world, but in Martha's Vineyard, many are born deaf and many use an early sign language.

Mary Lambert is one such young adult. She's deaf and a teacher of deaf children. She wants to be a better teacher and so signs up with a Christian missionary group to travel to England and France. Mary's mission: to learn how they teach to deaf. Sadly, the missionaries are only interested in converting those who are not of their faith.

The writing is spare and is designed to emulate signed speech used by Mary Lambert and her Vineyarders. The 'speech' becomes more fluid when learning from and interacting with the French school and teachers.

Author Ann Clare LeZotte ends the story with hints of another installment. You'll find hints and a little backstory from books 1 & 2 of Mary's earlier adventures and narrow escape. You'll have to read the other books to find out what really happened to her.

There's a strong and uncomfortable theme of conversion to Christianity everywhere the missionaries go. I was surprised at how prominent the theme is even if set in 1810.

If you are looking for a book for tweens and teens by diverse voices and about deaf culture, you'll find this is a good fit if you can overlook the proselytizing.

Thanks to The BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.

[Sally Kruger]

SAIL ME AWAY HOME by Ann Clare LeZotte follows the story of Mary Lambert, a deaf girl living on Martha's Vineyard. Mary was born deaf as many on this island community. The hereditary deafness of many on Martha's Vineyard resulted in the development of a unique sign language that allowed the residents, whether hearing or deaf to communicate.

Mary is the local schoolteacher. She is proud of her ability to educate the numerous deaf children that many normally dismiss as unable to learn. She dreams of visiting a well-known deaf school in Paris to learn even more about education. When a group of missionaries offers to let her travel with them to Europe, she is thrilled that her dream may come true.

After much convincing, Mary gets her parents to agree to this distant voyage. A two-month journey by ship ends in Mary's arrival in England where she visits a school there. Their welcome isn't exactly warm and generous, but Mary does see how another educational program works.

When she arrives in Paris, she is more warmly welcomed at the school there. Although, there are uncertain times and a fear that the missionaries will be forcing her to stay with them on their journey on to Asia, Mary is able to connect with people who help her fulfill her dream of learning more about deaf education.

Ann Clare LeZotte's other books are SHOW ME A SIGN and SET ME FREE.

[Kathy MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lambert has always been a restless sort, so when she gets the opportunity to travel to Europe, of course she’s going to take it. But it comes at a cost – travelling with missionaries whose view of deaf people, and Mary herself, is patronizing and harmful. Mary learns hard lessons along the way about who to trust and how to weigh her own choices and actions. As in the previous books in the trilogy, LeZotte immerses her readers into Mary’s world. She seamlessly tackles topics like discrimination, privilege, and diversity within the Deaf community in a story that offers ample discussion starters without ever becoming preachy. Along the way, readers will meet many real historical figures from Deaf history. Mary finishes her trilogy sure of her home in the Deaf community, wherever her travels take her.
I was honored to be selected by Ann Clare LeZotte to write the reading guide for the trilogy, which contains discussion questions and classroom/programming activities. Check it out at https://www.scholastic.com/content/da...

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed by this third in the series. While I continue to appreciate the story of Mary's life, I felt like in this book Mary too often slipped into 21st century language to describe her thoughts about life in the early days of the United States. I doubt a young woman of the time would have used the word colonization to describe how wrongly native peoples had been treated. And I am weary of what has become almost a trope of wicked, clueless Christian missionaries. Yes, many were. And some weren't. Young readers who are Christian deserve a more nuanced picture of both the bad and good of missionaries of that era. I was fascinated to learn how sign language developed into the modern versions we have today. Readers of the earlier books in the series will definitely want to read this even though I don't whole-heartedly recommend it as I did the previous titles.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least preferred book out of the three in the series, but still worth the read. Mary continues to be a great character, and I liked how she grew further into her own, now knowing more about the world and how to navigate it. Traveling abroad is intimidating regardless, and she handles it incredibly well. I found it a bit strange that her visions were never fully explained...either why they appeared or why they stopped. Other than maybe helping her know to escape from Jack's trap, I think the story could easily have taken place without them. I did like her reunion with her friend from home, and how that helped her make tentative amends with the uncle. Her ultimate choice about next steps and journey home was less clear than I would have liked, but all of the learning she did about teaching of the deaf while abroad was really interesting.

[Rubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Mary gets taken in.....Again 😅

Mary, Mary.....so trusting. Lured by the idea of travel and learning she once again puts herself in a position to be basically kidnapped 😅
Some missionaries take her along to Europe to help get them in with the deaf community. But she soon realizes, they too think of Deafness as an affliction, as something wrong. They refuse to understand her and she notes that their goals are not aligned. And yet, they refuse to let her go, asking her to keep traveling with them as interpreter.
Luckily, Mary makes friends everywhere and soon gets help to escape and decide where SHE wants to go and what she wants to do for her community.
Its facinating how long some of these communities had been around! Decent book, but I just liked book 1 & 2 more 😶

[Gemington · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: manipulation, betrayal, suffering

The trilogy continues. While it is admirable that the author takes actual deaf history into account in her stories, her decision to place so much on the shoulders of a single girl goes far in this one. With contemporary views and opportunities that now take her to Europe after she guiltily makes peace with indigenous communities she knows are harmed by missionaries, she travels with missionaries without espousing their values. She is deeply mistreated but stays on to see the deaf school in France. However, once she arrives she seems to learn the language almost instantly and decides to move on. Love the reminder that deaf communities exist all over the world.

[Mellisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book is geared towards the YA audience, I recommend that anyone read this book. However, it would have been helpful if the readers had looked at this book through a historical lens and had some prior knowledge about Martha's Vineyard. It’s important for the audience to have some prior knowledge of Gallaudet and Cler as well. It is helpful for the readers to read "Show Me a Sign" and “Set Me Free” first. Mary is now older and has travelled to various locations, such as England/ France. The readers get a glimpse of the Deaf school in France that influenced the beginnings of Deaf schools in the US. I also think it’s beneficial to turn these three stories into three separate films since this piece of history needs to be told.

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary, now a teacher, takes an opportunity to travel from her signing community in Martha's Vineyard to London and Paris in order to learn from other Deaf schools. But the missionaries she joins may not have her -- or the students' -- best interests in mind. This third book in the series shows more of Mary's growth, wisdom, and future prospects, while setting up for a potential fourth novel. Her bravery as a young, Deaf woman in the early 1800s is commendable, as is the way she stands up for herself while looking out for others. The way both spoken and signed language is incorporated into the dialog is beautiful and fluid. Another lovely book.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and Mary's unbreakable spirit. I didn't really understand the book's ending, but that may be because I was reading an ARC -- so while it felt vague me, that might be because I wasn't reading the finished story. On the whole, I think the book was a great balance between Mary's seeking heart and the hardships imposed upon her by the hearing world. I'm glad that it felt like she really grows as a person seeking her path and figuring out what she wants to do in the world.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy well written and fact checked historical fiction and to cover a diverse group including deaf and mute individuals and communities is top notch. I wonder when will humanity truly accept those in society who are different? It hurts my heart to watch even our president, governor and others in society who think that they are better than those who don’t have as many toys as they do! That includes gender, persons of color, differ ability, as well as wealth and status. They forget who earned the money they hoard! Just saying!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this third book in the trilogy and quite enjoyed learning about the history of ASL, Gallaudet University, deaf education and Deaf culture. I admire those who not only stood up for what they believed but also worked to overcome the seemingly insurmountable challenges.

While I did find it silly that Mary was almost kidnapped TWICE in this novel (a plot of previous books), I loved learning about the culture and history of sign more than my annoyance at that particular plot device used again. And again. And again.

[Joy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of a series of Mary Lambert's adventures, this book is a slow start. The main elements of the story are true to history, showcase a great blend of historical accuracy and poetic license. LeZotte does not shy away from critical issues of colonization, deaf oppression, class differences, and the negative impact of mission work, in this story that chases dream to find the Deaf Utopia.

Looking forward to sharing this with my deaf-education majors.

[Camee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this next book in the continuation of Mary's story! In this book Mary leaves the comfort of her home on Martha's Vineyard to travel to Paris to learn how others are teaching sign language. I loved Mary's adventure, her strong spirit, and the history through out this book. This is a history very few get to learn about and we are so fortunate that LeZotte has written this incredible series with such a great heroine.

[Aggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kept my attention, but this book is just not for me. My mother thought it was about missionaries but it’s not. It’s about a deaf girl who hitches a ride with evil missionaries. Not to say all missionaries are evil. Also, what happened to that Jack kid? I didn’t even know this was the 1800’s until over half way into the book. I will jot be reading the first two books, but at least the this one was interesting enough. 😀