1. BIBLIOGRAPHYDorris, Michael. 1996. Sees Behind Trees. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. ISBN 978-078681357-5
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A young nearsighted Native American boy struggles to find his way in his village. His agony is evident as he attempts to reach adulthood in the traditional ways of mastering the use of a bow and arrow. When he discovers that his other senses are remarkably developed and can also be considered personal strengths, he is able to forge his way and create a path to adulthood that is dangerous, challenging, and rewarding.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This brief story accurately addresses the challenges faced by a nearsighted young person in the 16th century. These challenges are even more pronounced when the young person, Walnut, is a young Native American boy who depends on faultless sight to complete the tasks needed to fully journey into adulthood.
There are many passages and phrases that provide a consistent depiction of clothing and other markers indicative of the Native American culture in the 16th century. For example, “his new cape, woven tightly from reeds” is an excellent phrase that demonstrates the type of clothing and its material. An additional example is, ‘He smelled of smoke and venison and damp fur…” adeptly illustrates the various scents experienced by indigenous people who lived during this time period. The lyrical descriptions present throughout the book allow the reader to fully envision the setting.
Michael Dorris has created a story that is rich in culturally authentic details. While it is clear that the story is a coming of age story set in a Native American Village, the lessons that Walnut learns about himself and about his limitations are comparable to the lessons learned by modern day young people. This is a truly extraordinary story, which will engage readers who have reached late elementary school and beyond. The combination of Walnut's awkward grace and his perilous adventure to prove his worth in his village, produce a book worthy of many accolades.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
- Publishers Weekly Book of the Year - Won 1996
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Award - Nominated 1999
- Minnesota Book Award - Won 1997
- Great Stone Face Children's Book Award - Nominated 1999
- Virginia Reader's Choice Awards - Nominated 2000
Starred Review from Publishers Weekly: " Both sharply and lyrically observed, fraught with emotion, the first-person narrative should connect strongly with a young audience, who will quickly learn that, no matter the century or the culture, the fundamentals of growing up remain very much the same."
Starred Review from Booklist: "...it has buoyant humor and the immediacy of a compelling story that is peopled with multidimensional characters who will live in readers' memories and imaginations."
Review from Kirkus: "Dorris has captured the angst that is part of the invisible doorway between childhood and adulthood in this appealing, but not over-romanticized, view of what life.."
Review from New York Times: "...this would be a nice little uplifting tale, but happily it turns into something larger, classic in form but modern in the telling...a fine example of a rite-of-passage novel that can be read as metaphor or message."
Review from School Library Journal: "There's a timeless quality to this 15th-century adventure that will be meaningful and immediate for young people today. Dorris takes on some meaty existential issues here; he does so with grace, bighearted empathy, and always with crystal-clear vision."
5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Michael Dorris
A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: A Novel. ISBN 978-0312421854
Morning Girl. ISBN 978-0786813582
Guests. ISBN 978-0786813568
*Other books with Native American main characters written for older elementary school students
Erdrich, Louise. The Birchbark House. ISBN 978-0786814541
Speare, Elizabeth George. The Sign of the Beaver. ISBN 978-0547577111
O'Dell, Scott. Sing Down the Moon. ISBN 978-0547406329