Review of See Behind Trees by Michael Dorris

 Review of See Behind Trees by Michael Dorris

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dorris, Michael, 1999; Sees Behind Trees. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Revised edition; ISBN: 978-0786813575

PLOT SUMMARY

Sees Behind Trees is the name given to a young Indian boy when he passes the test for young men. He was given the name due to his not being able to see as well as the rest of his tribe. Sees Behind uses his heightened sense of hearing to help an elder member of the tribe to find a mysterious land of water, proving to himself that he is truly worthy of his new name and becoming a man.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I really enjoyed this selection. As with many novels, there are no illustrations.  The reader would have to do imagine every scenario.  This is a very simple story that is told in order with some minor flashbacks. The story begins with the character Walnut’s parents. They find out that he cannot see.  The setting of the story is in the 1500’s in America.  It was a time of exploration by many people, especially the Anglo-Saxons. After finding out Walnut cannot see, his mother starts to teach him through his own ideas and his mind.  The story begins to rise when a character named Gray Fire asks the newly named young See Behind Tress, formerly known as Walnut, to take him to the Land of Water. On their journey, they meet a variety of strangers. As they arrive at Land of Water, confusion is by Sees Behind Tree and leave Gray Fire behind which was part of the ceremony to become a young man.  Along the way home Sees Behind Tree finds a baby.  He brings the baby home.  His parents decide to adopt the baby. 

Sees Behind Trees is an interesting story/novel showing the life of a native boy living in early America.  Throughout the story, the book concentrates only on the main character.  His thoughts and feelings and how he overcomes his task to show prove that he belongs with his people.  Today, many students should be able to understand the story as they themselves seek acceptance in the adult world.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Set in 16th century America, this richly imagined and gorgeously written rite-of-passage story has the gravity of legend." —Booklist, starred

A School Library Journal Best Book

A Publishers Weekly Best Book

A Book Links Best Book

CONNECTIONS

Books Connections

·        Discuss with students their own families' "tests" that prove the student is a young adult. i.e. staying home alone with no baby sitter.