Excellent choice for 8-10 year-olds. I use this book with my 5th grade class.The quality of writing surpasses the average children's book. The Newberry medal is well-deserved.

When I was younger (around 11) this book didn't interest me at all. One rainy day,when I was about 14,I read it again(all in one sitting!). The story about survival ties in to Christian life well. Matt, must learn to make wise choices and be considerate of others were he is. I smiled watching Matt's eyes open to racial discrimination while teaching an American Indian English. He'd found the book they were reading from spook of slavery and prejudice.I recomend this book,the charector development is fantastic.And if you need a rainy day read, it's perfect.

In the book, The Sign of the Beaver, the main characters are Matt and Attean. Matt's dad leaves to Massachusetts, and he is left alone. After his dad leaves, a stranger comes and steals Matt's gun. Then Matt almost drowns but Indians save him. One of the Indians, named Attean, is his friend that helps him survive. Then Matt and Attean have many adventures including killing a bear. Finally, Matt's dad comes home but before that Attean leaves to go North. Matt is happy that his family is home.

In conclusion, I like this book. It was a book that was not my favorite because there are a few deaths, but it is a cool book because there are many adventures. You should read this book. (Review by 9-year-old student)