She spent her early years on Banks Island. Margaret Pokiak-Fenton was born on Holman Island in the Arctic Ocean, en route with her nomadic family to their winter hunting grounds on Banks Island. She is also a performing cowgirl poet and hopes to continue to tell stories that promote education, understanding, and healing. Christy’s work has appeared, or will appear, in Jones Ave, Prairie Fire, and an anthology entitled DiVerseCities 2.

John, British Columbia, which they share with her mother-in-law Margaret (the main character in both Fatty Legs (2010) and A Stranger at Home (2011), three small children, three dogs, a llama, too many rogue rabbits to count, and enough horses to outfit a small town. Ages 6–8.Ībout The Author Margaret Pokiak-Fenton Christy Jordan-FentonĬhristy Jordan-Fenton lives on a farm outside Fort St. Now young readers can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read. Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight is a young readers version of the bestselling memoir, Fatty Legs. But the young girl is more determined than ever to learn how to read. Her tenacity draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. They cut off her long hair and force her to do menial chores, but she remains undaunted.

The nuns at the school call her Margaret. Ignoring her father’s warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders’ school to learn. Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things.

Margaret pokiak fenton books