Christy Jordan-Fenton

Christy Jordan-Fenton is a Canadian author known primarily for her collaborative work with Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, writing children's books about Indigenous experiences in Canadian residential schools. Her most acclaimed works include "Fatty Legs" and "A Stranger at Home," both co-authored with Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and based on Margaret's true experiences as an Inuvialuit girl in residential school. The books have received multiple awards and are widely used in Canadian schools to teach about Indigenous history. Jordan-Fenton writes both picture books and chapter books that deal with themes of cultural identity, resilience, and Indigenous education. She has actively worked to bring awareness to Indigenous stories and residential school experiences through her writing and public speaking. The author lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia, and continues to collaborate on projects that highlight Indigenous perspectives and experiences. Her work has contributed significantly to children's literature addressing Canada's residential school history.

Readers appreciate Jordan-Fenton's sensitive handling of residential school experiences in books like "Fatty Legs," noting how the content remains accessible for young readers while addressing serious themes. Parents and teachers report the books open meaningful discussions about Indigenous history. What readers liked: - Clear, age-appropriate presentation of difficult subject matter - Inclusion of photographs and artwork - Balance of hard truths with moments of triumph - Strong educational value for classroom use What readers disliked: - Some found the picture book versions oversimplified - A few noted the pacing in "A Stranger at Home" felt rushed Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Fatty Legs: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) - When I Was Eight: 4.1/5 (700+ ratings) - A Stranger at Home: 4.0/5 (600+ ratings) Amazon: - Fatty Legs: 4.7/5 - When I Was Eight: 4.8/5 One teacher reviewer noted: "My students were captivated by Margaret's story and it led to deep conversations about respect and cultural differences."

Fatty Legs An eight-year-old Inuit girl faces mistreatment and cultural suppression at a residential school in the Northwest Territories during the 1940s.

A Stranger at Home Margaret Pokiak returns from residential school to find she has become estranged from her family and traditional Inuit culture after two years away.

Not My Girl A young Margaret struggles to reconnect with her mother and relearn her native language and customs after returning from residential school.

Ruby Slipperjack writes about Indigenous childhood experiences in northern Ontario through both fiction and memoir. Her books like "Little Voice" and "Dear Canada: These Are My Words" share similar themes of Indigenous education and cultural identity with Jordan-Fenton's work.

Nicola I. Campbell creates stories about Indigenous family relationships and traditions in British Columbia's Interior. Her works "Shi-shi-etko" and "Shin-chi's Canoe" specifically address residential school experiences through a child's perspective.

David A. Robertson writes across multiple genres about Indigenous experiences and history in Canada. His "When We Were Alone" and the "Tales of Big Spirit" series combine historical elements with accessible storytelling for young readers.

Monique Gray Smith focuses on Indigenous themes of identity and reconciliation in children's literature. Her books "My Heart Fills with Happiness" and "Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation" address similar themes as Jordan-Fenton's work.

Lisa Charleyboy writes about contemporary Indigenous identity and experiences. Her anthology "#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women" and other works explore Indigenous perspectives through multiple storytelling formats.