A Stranger at Home - by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

About the Book

Looks at the experiences of a young Inuit girl returning from a residential religious school, where she is not recognized by her mother and is seen as an outsider.

Book Synopsis

Traveling to be reunited with her family in the arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement. It's been two years since her parents delivered her to the school run by the dark-cloaked nuns and brothers. Coming ashore, Margaret spots her family, but her mother barely recognizes her, screaming, "Not my girl." Margaret realizes she is now marked as an outsider. And Margaret is an outsider: she has forgotten the language and stories of her people, and she can't even stomach the food her mother prepares. However, Margaret gradually relearns her language and her family's way of living. Along the way, she discovers how important it is to remain true to the ways of her people--and to herself. Highlighted by archival photos and striking artwork, this first-person account of a young girl's struggle to find her place will inspire young readers to ask what it means to belong.

Review Quotes

This memoir, detailing a woeful piece of Canadian history and demonstrating Margaret's strength of character, compassion, courage and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her family's sake, gives the reader a lot to ponder. Highly recommended.--Shelbey Krahn"Canadian Materials" (02/17/2012)

This book realistically portrays the impact of residential school life on Aboriginal children.--Myra Junyk"Resource Links" (12/01/2011)

This is a book everyone should read.--Betty Gelean"edwardsmagazinebookclub.com" (07/19/2011)

This tale provides a compelling and moving story of a girl searching for the strength to find her place in the world. The writing is unpretentious and accessible and readers who enjoyed the first book will find this an interesting follow-up. Vivid paintings are a beautiful accompaniment to the storytelling. Photographs from Pokiak Fenton's own collection add important points of reference for readers looking to visualize the characters and the unique setting of the Arctic Circle. A welcome addition to biography collections.--Jody Kopple"School Library Journal" (12/01/2011)

While it may not have the same drama and tension of the first memoir, this tale provides a compelling and moving story of a girl searching for the strength to find her place in the world.--Jody Kopple"School Library Journal" (12/01/2011)

Olemaun's spirit and determination shine through this moving memoir.

Without being graphic or overwhelming, the Fentons recreate a tragic moment in Canadian history through the innocent reflections of a child...a must for any classroom library.

About the Author

Christy Jordan-Fenton is the author of "Fatty Legs," which was named one of the 10 best children's books of 2010 by "The Globe and Mail." She is currently working on several children's stories, a novel for adults and a short story collection.

Margaret Pokiak-Fenton spent her early years on Banks Island in the Arctic Ocean. She now lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia.

Liz Amini-Holmes' illustrations have appeared in children's books, magazines and newspapers. She lives near San Francisco, California.