Description
Not My Girl is the 32-page picture book adaptation of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's book, A Stranger at Home. Margaret and her daughter-in-law, Christy Jordan-Fenton have adapted Margaret's childhood story about her life in a residential school when she was a child. This picture book memoir begins with Olemaun (the stone that sharpens the women’s knife, the ulu) returning to her family's home after spending two long years at residential school. The changes this 10-year old endured are evident to all her family and friends. Despite having grown taller, Margaret has lost weight and her long braids have been cut off. She does not recall her own language and becomes sad when even her mother states, Not My Girl in her limited English. Margaret's best friend is told not to play with this stranger because of bad influences from the school. Margaret's father welcomes his daughter home and her mother relents. Exciting news brings Margaret to a happier space when she is met by new puppies. The girl is so excited she takes the newborn out for the day. By the evening the puppy has nearly died. But Margaret and her knowledgeable father have saved the tiny pup. Margaret enjoys her country food and is surprised and delighted when her father presents Margaret with a new sled and the dogs to pull it for Christmas. The entire family enjoys an evening on the land and Margaret's mother announces Margaret is truly My Girl. This important story fills the need for assisting primary readers about the personal impact of residential schools on one family and their beloved daughter. Highly recommended. Guided Reading Level Fountas and Pinnell: P