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Additional Literature Resource: My Name is SEEPEETZA

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Additional Literature Resource: My Name is SEEPEETZA

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Shirley Sterling
Douglas & McIntyre, 1992
Background:
This is a fictionalized account of two years in the life of Martha Stone, at a Catholic-run Indian Residential School in the interior of BC. Told in a diary format, it goes from September 1958 to August 1959. Some diary entries are from the school, while others are on her family’s ranch. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 78)
Links:
FNESC Gr.5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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At six years old, Seepeetza is taken from her happy family life on Joyaska Ranch to live as a boarder at the Kalamak Indian Residential School. Life at the school is not easy, but Seepeetza still manages to find some bright spots.

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Additional Literature Resource: When I Was Eight

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Additional Literature Resource: When I Was Eight

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Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Annick Press, 2013
Background: This is a picture book version of Fatty Legs.
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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Canadian Children's Books - Annick Press

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by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre Recommended Reads List, Canadian Toy Testing Council 2017 TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads List Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize finalist Cybils Award nomination

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.

"Utterly compelling."
-Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 02/13

"A searing account of assimilation policies and a celebration of the human spirit."
-Booklist, 04/13

"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

"Its greatest potency lies in its representation of an indomitable child determined to read."
-Toronto Star, 04/12/13

"A powerful story . . . ties in with antibullying themes."
-Resource Links, 06/13

"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

"A celebration of diversity, willpower and courage."
-gobblefunked.wordpress.com, 05/19/13

"Powerful and disturbing . . . readers will admire her for her incredible spirit and courage.
-Exeter-Times Advocate, 05/16/13

"Olemaun is a great character and an excellent example for young readers to follow."
-CM Reviews, 06/13

"Sheds a quiet yet powerful look at residential schools and the treatment of native children in the Americas."
-The Family-Ship Experience, 07/08/13

"This excellent picture book . . . a powerful way to introduce the residential school experience to younger readers."
-Sal's Fiction Addiction, 02/02/14

"A compelling story with beautiful illustrations."
-North Shore News, 04/20/16

"An excellent book to start discussions and research about the effects of residential schools."
-Canadian Teacher, 02/17

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When I Was Eight, Early Readers, Picture Books

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by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre Recommended Reads List, Canadian Toy Testing Council 2017 TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads List Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize finalist Cybils Award nomination Bestselling memoir Fatty Legs for younger readers.

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Additional Literature Resource: Fatty Legs

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Additional Literature Resource: Fatty Legs

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Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Annick Press, 2010
Background:
Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak, an Inuit girl from Banks Island, NWT, desires to learn to read. Her father warns her about the residential school, but finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend it. Margaret runs into a nun she calls the Raven, who humiliates her. Margaret refuses to be intimidated. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 78)
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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Canadian Children's Books - Annick Press

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A True Story

by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes

Ten Best Children's Books of the Year, The Globe and Mail USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List PubWest Book Design Awards, Bronze Nautilus Award, Silver Skipping Stones Honor Book Information Book Award, Honor Book Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre First Nation Communities Read Selection Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize finalist Book of the Year Award finalist, ForeWord Reviews Cybils, Blogger Literary Award nomination Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Award nomination Hackmatack Award nomination Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award nomination Golden Oak Award nomination, Ontario Library Association Rocky Mountain Book Award nomination Young Readers Choice Award nomination, Pacific Northwest Library Association

Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing pressure, her father finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend school, but he warns Margaret of the terrors of residential schools.

At school Margaret soon encounters the Raven, a black-cloaked nun with a hooked nose and bony fingers that resemble claws. She immediately dislikes the strong-willed young Margaret. Intending to humiliate her, the heartless Raven gives gray stockings to all the girls - all except Margaret, who gets red ones. In an instant Margaret is the laughingstock of the entire school.

In the face of such cruelty, Margaret refuses to be intimidated and bravely gets rid of the stockings. Although a sympathetic nun stands up for Margaret, in the end it is this brave young girl who gives the Raven a lesson in the power of human dignity.

Complemented by archival photos from Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's collection and striking artworks from Liz Amini-Holmes, this inspiring first-person account of a plucky girl's determination to confront her tormentor will linger with young readers.

"A moving and believable account."
-Kirkus Reviews,*starred review, 11/10

"An excellent addition to any biography collection, the book is fascinating and unique, and yet universal in its message."
-School Library Journal, 12/10

"Presents a unique and enlightening glimpse into the residential school experience and, most importantly, one little girl's triumph over her oppressors."
-Quill & Quire, 11/10

"A story of ingenuity, healing and resilience."
-CBC.ca, 12/22/14

"Margaret's character is engaging-her persistence, her strength, and her curiosity touch the reader."
-CM Reviews, 11/10

"A perfect companion to the study of First Nations issues, this story helps readers empathize with a real person whose determination never waivers in the face of adversity."
-Professionally Speaking, 03/11

"I highly recommend this book for the discussion it would stir with students . . . Makes the harrowing residential school stories accessible to youth."
-Resource Links, 12/10

A strong, clear voice."
-The Horn Book, 10/09/17

"The way Olemaun chooses to deal with her humiliation and face her tormentor is inspiring to anyone who has ever felt different."
-Edwards Magazine Book Club, 11/18/10

"This book is definitely worth having in a public library."
-kidslit.menashalibrary.org, 13/1010

"This book makes the harrowing residential school stories accessible to youth."
-papertigers.com, 02/11

"Will surely gain more and more attention as devoted readers share the gold it holds."
-bookseedstudio.wordpress.com, 03/15/11

"The strong, boldly colored artwork of Liz Amini-Holmes provides the clear and often heartbreaking truths about this brave woman's journey to literacy."
-Sal's Fiction Addiction, 08/30/10

"I've looked at several different accounts of residential schools . . . This is the best story I've found so far."
-jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com, 08/19/11

"Fills a teaching resource void for middle readers."
-The Tyee, 07/30/12

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by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes Ten Best Children's Books of the Year, The Globe and Mail USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List PubWest Book Design Awards, Bronze Nautilus Award, Silver Skipping Stones Honor Book Information Book Award, Honor Book Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre First Nation Communities Read Selection Sheila A.

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Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Annick Press, 2011
Background:
This is the sequel to Fatty Legs. Olemaun Pokiak arrives in Tuktoyaktuk to meet her family after being at residential school in Aklavik for 2 years. However, her homecoming is not what she expected. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 78)
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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Canadian Children's Books - Annick Press

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A True Story

by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes

USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List Best Bets List, Ontario Library Association White Ravens Collection, International Youth Library, Munich Independent Publishers Book Award Skipping Stones Honor Book Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre Nonfiction Honor List, VOYA Book of the Year Award finalist, Foreword Reviews Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist First Nation Communities Reads Selection finalist Golden Oak Award nomination

Traveling to be reunited with her family in the arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement. It's been two years since her parents delivered her to the school run by the dark-cloaked nuns and brothers.

Coming ashore, Margaret spots her family, but her mother barely recognizes her, screaming, "Not my girl." Margaret realizes she is now marked as an outsider.

And Margaret is an outsider: she has forgotten the language and stories of her people, and she can't even stomach the food her mother prepares.

However, Margaret gradually relearns her language and her family's way of living. Along the way, she discovers how important it is to remain true to the ways of her people-and to herself.

Highlighted by archival photos and striking artwork, this first-person account of a young girl's struggle to find her place will inspire young readers to ask what it means to belong.

"Provides a compelling and moving story of a girl searching for the strength to find her place in the world."
-School Library Journal, 12/11

"Olemaun's spirit and determination shine through this moving memoir."
-Kirkus Reviews, 09/11

"Like its predecessor Fatty Legs, this is potent, accessible, and moving. Highly recommended."
-Toronto Star, 11/07/11

"This is a book everyone should read."
-Edwards Magazine Book Club, 07/19/11

"Realistically portrays the impact of residential school life on Aboriginal children."
-Resource Links, 11/12

"[A] poignant and heartbreaking look at the long-term effects for the children who were taken from their families to attend residential schools."
-Sal's Fiction Addiction, 01/12

"This memoir, detailing a woeful piece of Canadian history and demonstrating Margaret's strength of character, compassion, courage and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her family's sake, gives the reader a lot to ponder. Highly recommended."
-CM Reviews,02/12

"Will speak to anyone who has experienced displacement or assimilation into a new culture."
-Professionally Speaking, 03/12

"[A] lovely, simply written and utterly moving memoir."
-Foreword Reviews, 04/12

"Straightforward and powerful . . . Margaret's memories, thoughts and experiences . . . are presented in an accessible and believable manner."
-The Deakin Review of Children's Literature, 04/12

"Without being graphic or overwhelming, the Fentons recreate a tragic moment in Canadian history through the innocent reflections of a child ... a must for any classroom library."
-Canadian Teacher Magazine, 05/12

"Kids will love this story."
-The Book Worm, 07/23/12

"Young readers will find Margaret's story both historically informative and heartbreakingly poignant."
-papertigers.org, 11/20/11

"The book does deal with subjects that are large and complex; yet the writing makes them infinitely readable and relatable."
-wakingbraincells.com, 08/29/11

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Stranger at Home, A, Middle Grade Readers

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by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List Best Bets List, Ontario Library Association White Ravens Collection, International Youth Library, Munich Independent Publishers Book Award Skipping Stones Honor Book Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre Nonfiction Honor List, VOYA Book of the Year Award finalist, Foreword Reviews Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist First Nation Communities Reads Selection finalist Golden Oak Award nomination Traveling to be reunited with her family in the arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement.

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Nicola I. Campbell
Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2008
Background:
Shin-chi’s Canoe is about Shi-shi-etko’s younger brother Shin-chi, who is sent off to residential school with his sister. His father gives him a toy canoe, which he holds as a reminder of his family life during his year at school. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 78)
Links:
FNESC Gr.5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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Winner of the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award and finalist for the Governor General's Award: Children's Illustration This moving sequel to the award-winning Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children's experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, but this time her six

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Nicola I. Campbell
Groundwood, 2005
Background:
Shi-shi-etko is a young girl who will be going away to school in four days. Her family - mother, father and grandmother - teach her about the significance of the land, and she collects various plants to put in her memory bag, to hold her remembrance of the land while she is away. (Source: FNESC, 2015,77)
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher
Full length video is embedded in the Siwal Si'wes Digital Library.

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Finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the Ruth Schwartz Award In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school.She spends her last days at home treasuring the beauty of her world -- the d

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Andrea Spalding and Alfred Scow.

Orca Books, 2006.
Background:
This story tells of a time when ceremonial dancing and the wearing of regalia and masks were forbidden by law. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 76)
Links:
FNESC Gr 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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No Time to Say Goodbye : Children’s Stories ofKuper Island Residential School

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No Time to Say Goodbye : Children’s Stories ofKuper Island Residential School

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Sylvia Olsen with Rita Morris and Ann Sam
Sono Nis, 2001.
Background:

The stories of Thomas and Joey are used in these learning resources. The other sections may be used at the teacher’s discretion.
(Source: FNESC, 2015, 76)
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher

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Jeannette C. Armstrong.
Theytus Books, 2008.

Background:
Neekna and Chemai  is organized around the seasonal cycles, focussing on traditional activities carried out in each season. (Source: FNESC, 2015, 75)
Links:
FNESC Gr. 5 Teacher Guide
Publisher