A Stranger at Home

A Stranger at Home is a middle-grade memoir that chronicles Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's return to her Arctic home after spending two years at a residential school. The book is co-written by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, with illustrations by Liz Amini-Holmes. The narrative centers on Margaret's difficult transition back to her family and community after her time at the residential school, where she was forbidden to speak her language or practice her culture. Upon her return, she must navigate the distance between her changed self and her traditional way of life. The book addresses themes of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation through the lens of Canada's residential school system and its impact on Indigenous families. It stands as a testament to the resilience required to rebuild connections and reclaim one's heritage.

Readers consider this memoir a compelling continuation of Margaret's story from Fatty Legs. Many found it provided important perspective on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous families and communities. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of readjusting to home life - The inclusion of family photographs - Clear, accessible writing style for young readers - Educational value for teaching Indigenous history - Strong emotional resonance Common criticisms: - Some felt it was too short at 124 pages - A few noted it moves slower than Fatty Legs - Several wanted more detail about specific events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (296 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) Multiple teachers and librarians commented that students connect well with the story. One reader noted: "The raw honesty about feeling like a stranger in her own home hits hard." Another praised how it "shows the ripple effects of trauma across generations without being too heavy for young readers."

Indian School Days by Basil Johnston A former student's account of life at a residential school in Ontario during the 1940s details the separation from family and cultural identity.

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars A chief of the Xat'sull First Nation recounts her experiences at St. Joseph's Mission residential school and the impact on three generations of her family.

My Name Is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling Through diary entries, a 12-year-old girl documents her year at an Indian residential school in 1950s British Columbia.

No Time to Say Goodbye by Sylvia Olsen Five children from Tsartlip First Nation face the trauma of separation and cultural loss at residential school in the 1950s.

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton An eight-year-old Inuit girl navigates the challenges of residential school in the high Arctic while maintaining her spirit and dignity.

🍁 Christy Jordan-Fenton co-wrote this book with Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, who lived the actual experiences depicted in the story as a residential school survivor 🏫 The Canadian residential school system operated for over 100 years (1870s-1996), affecting more than 150,000 Indigenous children 🗣️ Many children who attended residential schools, like the protagonist, lost the ability to speak their native languages as they were forbidden to use them at school 🖋️ This book is part of a series that includes "Fatty Legs" and "When I Was Eight," all based on Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's real-life experiences 🎨 The book features powerful illustrations by Liz Amini-Holmes that help young readers connect with the emotional weight of the story while maintaining age-appropriate presentation