Main Events in Sigh of the Beaver

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• Matt is left alone in the Maine wilderness while his father goes back to Massachusetts to bring the rest of the family. Matt is responsible for taking care of their new cabin.

• Matt struggles to survive by himself. He has trouble finding food, protecting the cabin, and dealing with the wilderness.

• Matt’s cabin is robbed by a stranger, leaving him with even fewer supplies.

• Matt meets Attean, a Native American boy from the Beaver clan, and Attean’s grandfather, Saknis. They save him when he is stung by bees.

• Matt teaches Attean to read English because Saknis wants Attean communicate with the settlers.

• Attean teaches Matt important survival skills, including how to hunt, fish, track animals, and understand the forest.

• Matt and Attean slowly become friends, even though they come from very different cultures.

• Attean takes Matt hunting and exploring, teaching him how to survive without depending on the supplies from his cabin.

• Matt learns more about Attean’s culture and the Beaver clan, including their traditions and beliefs, they realize they have some things in common.

• Matt becomes more independent and learns that survival requires knowledge, patience, and respect for nature.

• Matt helps save Attean’s dog and has some help from his sister Marie.

• Matt and Attean are surprised by a bear and its cubs and they have to kill the bear to protect themselves, Matt is then invited to the Native American Village to enjoy the feast. 

• Matt learns the Native Americans are going to leave for new land due to the number of colonists that have began to move onto their lands. 

• Before leaving, Attean gives Matt his dog, showing him that he is a true friend.

• Matt’s family finally returns, and Matt is no longer alone.

• Matt realizes that his friendship with Attean has changed him and helped him become more mature, responsible, and understanding of another culture.