"The Sign of the Beaver" is a historical novel written by Elizabeth George Speare. It was first published in 1983. Set in 18th-century Maine, the story follows the journey of a young boy named Matt Hallowell, who is left alone to guard his family's newly built cabin while his father returns to Massachusetts to retrieve the rest of the family. Matt encounters various challenges and befriends a Native American boy named Attean from the nearby Beaver Clan. Through their friendship, Matt learns survival skills and gains a deeper understanding of Native American culture. The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, cultural differences, and the importance of respect and understanding. "The Sign of the Beaver" is a beloved children's book that has won numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor in 1984. It is often used in classrooms to teach about early American history and the relationship between settlers and Native Americans.