Sees Behind Trees Paperback – May 18, 1999

Gave as a book. I hope they like it.

My kids (8,11) and I read this book as part of our Native America Unit. They both enjoyed it, as did I. The writing is very descriptive so it serves as a great example for writing this way. Also, the story itself is interesting and has a nice plot twist that keeps you guessing.

Let me just quickly preface my review by saying that there are 11 kids reviews here which were all written on the same day. Looks like a teacher might have used the book as assigned reading, then had the kids write reviews. That's unfortunate; students who are not readers tend to be critical of the books they are assigned.I love this book, and I'd give it my highest recommendation to parents who have kids who are visually impaired--as I was, when I was a child. Those with clear vision can have no idea what it's like to see people and objects as blobs. So much is missed when we can't see the facial expressions of those we interact with. In my case, it made me withdrawn as a child. In this poignant story, "Walnut," who later becomes "See Behind Trees," is gently made to realize that he, too, is an integral part of his tribe, despite not seeing the way others see. But this is not a superficial treatment of the passage into manhood; there is sorrow and loss here, carefully but honestly presented. Sees Behind Trees and the other children's books by Dorris are wonderful books for parents to read aloud with their children because they offer opportunities for many issues to be discussed openly, but beyond that, the writing is indeed lyrical, resonant and beautiful, giving kids the opportunity to hear rich language usage from an early age.

We read this as part of our homeschool curriculum with my 10 year old daughter. While she says she didn't like the story, she asked me if there was a second book, so I think she actually enjoyed it. It kept her engaged and was a really sweet, but also a very sad story. Every day we finished a chapter, it left us both feeling a bit introspective and quiet. Not a bad thing.

I bought this book to give to my godchild, and I always read the books I get for her before hand. When I read this, as an adult, I was humbled. I wish I had read this story as a child. It approaches difference and disability with compassion and dignity. Sees Behind Trees is a story of a young boy at the cusp of adulthood, who is trying to understand the difference between himself and others in a way that doesn't treat him as less than or deserving of mockery. He uses his gift/Disability to help others, and in the process learns valuable lessons about self worth, understanding oneself, and not overextending what one can do for others and remain healthy and happy.

Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris is about a young boy named Walnut who becomes a man early on in the book, and spends the rest of the book learning what it means to be a man. Walnut has trouble seeing, but is able to turn this into something good for him. This books is would be great for students in 4th-7th grade. This is a time that students are learning about themselves and who they are supposed to be. This would be a good teaching tool for teachers to show students that they can turn a set-back in to something positive. This is a wonderful book that I would recommend for the middle school classroom.

I homeschool our daughters and they loved this book!!

Received the book quickly and in appropriate packaging. The book was in excellent condition. The story itself is engaging for an 8 year old.

Used for a novel study, needed to walk student through the first chapters as they didn't understand it all. Overall, a really good book with a nice look into indigenous way of life. Wish there was a sequel!

Super

I appreciate the physical copy of the book that was used with students for a novel study. Slightly cheaper than an in-store purchase.