Sees Behind Trees

This is the story of a young Indian boy’s struggle to meet life’s challenges and overcome his sight impairment. During his naming ceremony, Walnut must prove his readiness to make the passage from boyhood to manhood by performing a physical feat using a bow and arrow. Hitting the target successfully means he will be considered an adult among his people and given a new name. Realizing this is an impossible task for her son, Walnut’s mother teaches him to strengthen his other senses. When Walnut demonstrates his “special sight,” he earns the respect of others in the village. This symbolic rite of passage leads him on a life-altering adventure. Upon returning, he fully understands what it means to “see behind the trees.” Each page is brimming with sensory-rich language.