Bestselling memoir Fatty Legs for younger readers.

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.

 

GABRIELLE GRIMARD a illustré plus de 30 albums, dontLes mots volés, Quand j’avais huit ans, Fatima et les voleurs de clémentines, Aujourd'hui peut-être... et les livres de la série Petit Gnouf. Elle est aussi l'auteure-illustratrice de l'album Lila et la corneille. Gabrielle habite aux environs de Montréal.

 

From the time she was little GABRIELLE GRIMARD loved art, dismaying her elementary school teachers by constantly drawing in class. Later Gabrielle studied art in high school and university. After her son was born, she began illustrating children’s books and has now created more than 25, including When I Was Eight (Quand j'avais huit ans), Stolen Words (Les mots volés) and Not My Girl (Où est ma fille?). Lila and the Crow (Lila et la corneille) is the first book she both wrote and illustrated. She uses watercolours, gouache and oil to create images of amazing warmth and depth. Gabrielle lives near Montreal, QC. Visit her at https://www.gabriellegrimard.com.

Gabrielle Grimard's profile page

 

Christy Jordan-Fenton vit à Fort St. John, en Colombie-Britannique, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton est sa belle-mère.

 

Christy Jordan-Fenton
has been an infantry soldier, a pipeline laborer, a survival instructor,
and a bare back bronco rider. Christy has also worked with street children.
She was born just outside Rimbey, Alberta, and has lived in Australia,
South Africa, and the United States. She now lives near Fort St. John,
British Columbia. Christy works with her mother in law, Margaret
Pokiak-Fenton, to write stories.

 

Christy Jordan-Fenton's profile page

Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton is an Inuvialuk elder and artisan who spent her early years on Banks Island in the high Arctic. She now lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia.

 

Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton's profile page

• Joint winner, TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads List
• Joint winner, Recommended Reads List, Canadian Toy Testing Council
• Short-listed, Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre

“An even more powerful read due to its emphasis on concise, affective text coupled with Gabrielle Grimard’s quietly unpretentious artwork.”

Canlit for Little Canadians, 04/28/13

“Its greatest potency lies in its representation of an indomitable child determined to read.”

Toronto Star, 04/12/13

“This book is a small but powerful reminder of the freedom that literacy brings.”

School Library Journal, 05/13

“A frightful but honest story about perseverance . . . Look for it. Order it. Share it.”

American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL), 07/21/13

“An excellent book to start discussions and research about the effects of residential schools.”

Canadian Teacher, 02/01/17

“A searing account of assimilation policies and a celebration of the human spirit.”

Booklist, 04/13

“This excellent picture book . . . a powerful way to introduce the residential school experience to younger readers.”

Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 02/02/14

“Olemaun is a great character and an excellent example for young readers to follow.”

CM Reviews, 06/13

“Powerful and disturbing . . . readers will admire her for her incredible spirit and courage.”

Exeter-Times Advocate, 05/16/13

“Utterly compelling.”

Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 02/13

“A powerful story . . . ties in with antibullying themes.”

Resource Links, 06/13

When I Was Eight

Margaret is determined to learn how to read, but that means leaving her Arctic home for the outsiders' school. A version of Fatty Legs for younger readers.

Residential schooling is an important part of Canada’s history. This book makes it accessible for young students to learn about some of the history through the lens of a young Inuit girl, Margaret, who wants to go to school to learn how to read. Besides telling one story of learning to read, several themes can be found in this story: assimilation, using your voice, and standing your ground.

Also available: Not My Girl by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

When I Was Eight

In spite of her father’s warnings, eight-year-old Olemaun wants to learn to read which means attending a residential school. Renamed Margaret she remains feisty and stubborn attracting the negative attention of one of the nuns. In spite of insults, extra chores and frightening punishments, Margaret teaches herself to read and finally beats the nuns at their own game. This short picture book is an adaptation of the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. Previously published as Fatty Legs, When I Was Eight this book introduces Margaret’s story to younger readers. Charming colour illustrations enhance the text.