Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris is praised for its rich cultural depiction and compelling coming-of-age story. The novel vividly portrays Native American life, emphasizing themes of growth and perception. Some critiques mention a lack of depth in secondary characters, but overall, it’s lauded for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, appealing to young readers and educators alike.

A reader who enjoys Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris appreciates historical fiction with a focus on Native American culture, coming-of-age themes, and sensory storytelling. Similar books include Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell and Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.

Sees Behind Trees by Michael Dorris is a young adult novel that follows a Native American boy who is visually impaired. As he hones his exceptional hearing skills, he embarks on a journey that challenges his understanding of perception, community, and identity within his tribe.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional / Fantastical / Inspirational

**Walnut/Sees Behind Trees**  
The protagonist known as Sees Behind Trees, who receives his adult name after a coming-of-age ceremony, focuses on personal growth and understanding his limitations as he transitions into adulthood.

**Gray Fire**  
An older mentor figure with a solitary lifestyle, once a fast runner, who guides and teaches Sees Behind Trees while wrestling with his own personal past and ambitions.

**The Weroance/Otter**  
The chief of Sees Behind Trees’s community and Gray Fire's twin sister, known for her hunting skills and wisdom, who helps guide the community and deals with family challenges.

**Three Chances/Frog**  
Sees Behind Trees’s best friend, whose journey through the coming-of-age ceremony highlights themes of perseverance and personal growth in the community.

**Karna and Pitew**  
Strangers from another community who introduce Sees Behind Trees to the broader world, sharing moments of camaraderie and new experiences.

**Checha/Acorn**  
The son of Karna and Pitew, who symbolizes intergenerational learning and storytelling and represents a connection to and adoption by Sees Behind Trees’s community.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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About Sees Behind Trees

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Overview

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Sees Behind Trees Overview

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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, illness, mental illness, substance use, death by suicide, racism, child abuse, and child sexual abuse.

Background

Sees Behind Trees Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism.

Chapters 1-2

Sees Behind Trees Chapters 1-2

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism and self-harm.

Chapters 3-4

Sees Behind Trees Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Sees Behind Trees Chapters 5-6

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism and death.

Chapters 7-9

Sees Behind Trees Chapters 7-9

character

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism, death, and self-harm.

Sees Behind Trees

Book Brief

Sees Behind Trees

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Sees Behind Trees?