Not My Girl

Not My Girl follows ten-year-old Margaret Pokiak's return to her Arctic home after two years at a residential school in the 1940s. The story chronicles her experience as she attempts to reconnect with her family and Inuit community after being immersed in outsider culture. Margaret faces immediate challenges when her own mother fails to recognize her and rejects the changes in her daughter. The narrative tracks her efforts to relearn traditional skills and rebuild bonds with her family members. Based on co-author Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's true experiences, this children's memoir features illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard that capture the Arctic setting and emotional weight of the story. The book serves as a companion to Fatty Legs and When I Was Eight, which detail earlier parts of Margaret's story. The memoir examines themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous children and communities in Canada. Through Margaret's story, readers gain understanding of this dark chapter in history while witnessing one child's resilience.

Readers highlight the book's value in teaching children about residential school impacts and Indigenous family experiences. The sequel to "Fatty Legs" resonates with both adult and young readers through its authentic portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship strained by cultural disconnection. Readers appreciate: - Clear, age-appropriate handling of serious subject matter - Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's personal story as the foundation - Liz Amini-Holmes' illustrations capturing emotional moments - Effective use for classroom discussions about Indigenous history Common criticisms: - Too brief at 36 pages - Some readers wanted more depth about the protagonist's journey Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (236 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) Multiple teachers note using the book to introduce residential school history to grades 3-6. One librarian reviewer stated: "The story opens important conversations about cultural identity and family bonds without overwhelming young readers."

When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton A young Indigenous girl leaves her Arctic home for residential school where she faces cultural suppression and finds strength in learning to read.

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer This true story follows an Ojibwe girl forced to attend residential school in 1928 as she endures separation from her family and attempts to maintain her identity.

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton An eight-year-old Inuit girl confronts a cruel nun at residential school while fighting to maintain her spirit and dignity.

Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell A Native American child spends her last four days before leaving for residential school gathering memories of her home and family.

Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad Based on true events, a six-year-old girl's experience at residential school transforms her prized orange shirt into a symbol of survival and healing.

✦ The book is based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (the author's mother-in-law), who was taken to a residential school in the 1940s as part of Canada's forced assimilation policy. ✦ Residential schools operated in Canada for over 150 years (1831-1996), with more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children being separated from their families. ✦ The Arctic setting of the story is in Banks Island, Northwest Territories, where temperatures can drop to -50°C (-58°F) during winter months. ✦ The book's illustrator, Gabrielle Grimard, extensively researched Inuvialuit clothing and artifacts to ensure cultural accuracy in her artwork. ✦ "Not My Girl" is part of a series that includes "Fatty Legs" and "When I Was Eight," all based on Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's experiences and co-written with her daughter-in-law Christy Jordan-Fenton.