''The Sign of the Beaver'' takes place in the Maine wilderness during 1760.

These are the main characters.

Matt is a 12 year old boy; who lives in the wilderness of Maine with his father. In 1760, Pa must leave for the summer to get the rest of Matt's family; leaving Matt alone in his log cabin.How will he survive?

Matt makes supper for Ben.After that, Ben falls asleep. When Ben goes to sleep Matt does too and when Matt gets up he finds that his rifle is gone. He assumes Ben stole it.Then he realizes it was his only source of protection.

Saknis is the leader of the Beaver Tribe. He heals Matt when his attempt to get honey from the bee tree fails.

Attean is the grandson of Saknis and teaches Matt the secrets of the forest.

There are many sub-plots to this story. This is the main one. Matt has to live by himself in his Maine wilderness cabin, while his father gathers Matt's family in Quincy, NJ.

Have you ever encountered wild animals, Indians, or thieves? In 1760, Matt has to face all three of these problems. Matt's father leaves to get the rest of the family in NJ. Matt is not prepared to meet an Indian boy, get stung by a swarm of bees, or get his one thing to hunt with stolen. Attean shows Matt the secrets of the forest such as making bows, snares and signs to prevent from getting lost in the wilderness. Attean asks Matt to join the Beaver Tribe. What will he say? Matt's family comes home and Matt is glad that he decided not to go with Attean , because he knew his family would come home.

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