When I Was Eight

When I Was Eight tells the true story of an eight-year-old Inuit girl who leaves her Arctic home to attend a Catholic residential school. The narrative follows her determined quest to learn how to read in English, despite significant obstacles. Set in Canada's Northwest Territories during the 1940s, the book depicts life at the residential school through the eyes of a young child. The story centers on the girl's encounters with teachers, fellow students, and the strict rules of the institution. The spare text and direct narrative style make this book accessible for young readers while addressing complex historical realities. This adaptation of the authors' longer memoir Fatty Legs introduces residential school experiences to elementary school students through one child's focused journey toward literacy and self-determination.

Readers describe this book as an accessible introduction to residential school experiences for young children. Parents and educators note it works well for classroom discussions about Indigenous history and resilience. Likes: - Clear, straightforward storytelling that engages children - Powerful but age-appropriate handling of difficult subject matter - Expressive illustrations that complement the narrative - Short length makes it manageable for young readers Dislikes: - Some found the ending too abrupt - A few readers wanted more historical context - Parents of very sensitive children (under 7) cautioned it could be upsetting Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (662 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (98 ratings) "The perfect way to introduce this part of history to young children without traumatizing them," wrote one teacher on Goodreads. A parent noted: "My 8-year-old connected with the main character and asked important questions about the treatment of Indigenous children."

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer An Indigenous girl resists attempts to erase her culture and identity at a residential school in Canada during the 1920s.

Indian No More by Traci Sorell A Native American girl's life changes when her tribe loses federal recognition and her family relocates from Oregon to Los Angeles in the 1950s.

My Name Is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling A diary-style account chronicles a First Nations girl's experiences at a Canadian residential school in the 1950s.

These Words I Shaped for You by Rita Joe A Mi'kmaq woman shares her journey from residential school student to poet and teacher through personal stories and poems.

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton A young Inuit girl endures mistreatment at a residential school while maintaining her determination to learn to read.

🏫 The book is based on the true story of co-author Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's experiences at a residential school in the Canadian Arctic during the 1940s. 🗣️ Margaret, who was born Olemaun Pokiak, is an Inuvialuit elder who lived in an Inuit community on Banks Island before being sent to the Catholic residential school. 📚 The story is actually an adaptation of the authors' longer memoir, "Fatty Legs," which was rewritten to make the important historical story accessible to younger readers. 🏆 When I Was Eight has won multiple awards, including the First Nation Communities READ Children's Literature Prize and was named a CBC Best Book. 🎨 The book's striking illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard help convey both the harsh realities of residential school life and the protagonist's determination to learn to read despite cruel treatment from the nuns.