9781554514908_cover Enlarge Cover
5 of 5
3 ratings
rated!
rated!
list price: $9.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook Hardcover Audiobook
category: Children's Nonfiction
published: Feb 2013
ISBN:9781554514908
publisher: Annick Press

When I Was Eight

by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

tagged: native canadian, civil & human rights, women, school & education
Description

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.

About the Authors

Christy Jordan-Fenton

CHRISTY JORDAN-FENTON est née sur une ferme de la campagne albertaine et a toujours rêvé d’écrire des histoires. Depuis, elle a écrit Étrangère chez moi, Les bas du pensionnat et Quand j’avais huit ans. Christy et sa famille vivent à Fort St. John, en Colombie-Britannique.

CHRISTY JORDAN-FENTON was born on a farm in rural Alberta and always dreamed of writing stories. Today, she is the author of Étrangère chez moi, Les bas du pensionnat, and Quand j'avais huit ans. She lives in Fort St. John, B.C. with her family.

Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton

CHRISTY JORDAN-FENTON est née sur une ferme de la campagne albertaine et a toujours rêvé d’écrire des histoires. Depuis, elle a écrit Étrangère chez moi, Les bas du pensionnat et Quand j’avais huit ans. Christy et sa famille vivent à Fort St. John, en Colombie-Britannique.

CHRISTY JORDAN-FENTON was born on a farm in rural Alberta and always dreamed of writing stories. Today, she is the author of Étrangère chez moi, Les bas du pensionnat, and Quand j'avais huit ans. She lives in Fort St. John, B.C. with her family.

Gabrielle Grimard

GABRIELLE GRIMARD a illustré plus de 30 albums, dont Les 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, Stolen Words, and Not My Girl. Lila and the Crow 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.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
6 to 9
Grade:
1 to 4
Reading age:
6 to 9
Awards
  • Joint winner, TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads List
  • Joint winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
  • Joint winner, Recommended Reads List, Canadian Toy Testing Council
  • Short-listed, Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
Editorial Reviews

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

— Toronto Star, 04/12/13

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

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

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

— CM Reviews, 06/13

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

— Resource Links, 06/13

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

— Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 02/02/14

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

— Booklist, 04/13

“Utterly compelling.”

— Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 02/13

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

— School Library Journal, 05/13

“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

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

— Canadian Teacher, 02/01/17

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

— Exeter-Times Advocate, 05/16/13

Buy this book at:

X
Contacting facebook
Please wait...