When I Was Eight

Publisher's description (Annick Press): 
Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things. But she does not know how to read. Ignoring her father’s warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders’ school to learn.

The nuns at the school call her Margaret. They cut off her long hair and force her to do menial chores, but she remains undaunted. Her tenacity draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. But the young girl is more determined than ever to learn how to read.

Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to younger readers. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read.

Author/Creator's biography (Annick Press):  
Christy Jordan-Fenton lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Margaret Pokiak-Fenton is her children’s grandmother. Jordan-Fenton practices traditional ceremonies with the Kainai Blackfoot. Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton was an Inuvialuk elder and artisan who spent her early years on Banks Island in the high Arctic.

Resource format: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Grades 1 - 4

Keywords: residential school, survivor, lived experiences, true story, Inuit, learning to read, culture, histories, perserverance, representation, empowering, identity, culture, family, tradition, young readers, residential school experience, literacy, literate, freedom

Year of publication: 2013

Publisher information: Annick Press