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When I Was Eight

Written by: Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton
Narrated by: Lisa Nasson
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Publisher's Summary

Best-selling memoir Fatty Legs for younger listeners.

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, When I Was Eight makes the best-selling Fatty Legs accessible to younger listeners. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read.
©2020 Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton (P)2021 ECW Press
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What the critics say

“A frightful but honest story about perseverance... Look for it. Order it. Share it.” (American Indians in Children’s Literature)

“A searing account of assimilation policies and a celebration of the human spirit.” (Booklist)

“This book is a small but powerful reminder of the freedom that literacy brings.” (School Library Journal)

“Utterly compelling.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

What listeners say about When I Was Eight

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Great Way To Start an Important Conversation

I ordered this book being metis descendant and wanting to have a very important conversation with my kids. It was great, age appropriate.

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