Scan barcode
bookjockeybeth's review against another edition
2.0
Wanted to like this book more than I did - it's rare to see a book discussing Native American Boarding Schools, which is why I was initially drawn to it. I did enjoy the illustrations more than the text. I found the text to be stilted in places and didactic in others. Some cliches were glaringly obvious to me as well, but as it is a rare book topic, I would still allow the title into my collection.
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
I appreciate hearing first-hand accounts of the residential school era. This is a part of history that I did not know about when I was growing up.
This is a picture book version of a portion of the book Fatty Legs which I also enjoyed.
This is a picture book version of a portion of the book Fatty Legs which I also enjoyed.
hereisenough's review against another edition
4.0
The first of two picture books adapted from Fatty Legs, following Olemaun (Margaret) Pokiak as she attends a residential school in Canada. It is grim and sad, detailing the abuse of nuns to the Inuit girl, during her pursuit to learn to read. This book merely tells the story in a startling and sad sense that indeed feels from the point of view of an eight year old. In this way, it is a true child’s memoir, not explaining the why’s or what’s behind residential schools or the abuse suffered there. It is helpful as a primary resource of a largely untold story, but will require adult support, as the book contains no back matter or any other information. The pencil illustrations are beautiful, smooth, and full of expression, clearly portraying the fear, vulnerability, and strength of Olemaun.
finalefile's review against another edition
4.0
Disclosure: I received a free ebook of this title from NetGalley.
This book tells the story of Olemaun, an Inuit girl who begs her father to let her attend a Catholic school so that she can learn to read. Though the teachers are mainly interested in forcing the schoolgirls to do chores and to wear Western clothing, Olemaun’s determination causes her to achieve her goal, being able to read Alice in Wonderland. The poetic prose and softly drawn illustrations skillfully convey Olemaun’s resolution to succeed in a hostile environment.
This book tells the story of Olemaun, an Inuit girl who begs her father to let her attend a Catholic school so that she can learn to read. Though the teachers are mainly interested in forcing the schoolgirls to do chores and to wear Western clothing, Olemaun’s determination causes her to achieve her goal, being able to read Alice in Wonderland. The poetic prose and softly drawn illustrations skillfully convey Olemaun’s resolution to succeed in a hostile environment.
afro8921's review against another edition
5.0
Olemaun is a young Inuit girl who longs to learn to read like her big sister. Her father resist taking her to school until she wears him down. At her new school she receives a new name and a haircut. While she still longs to read, her chores and the treatment she receives at the hands of her classmates and the nun teacher blunts her zeal for words. Olemaun must harness the strength and tenacity that got her into to school to master the English language. This is a wonderful book that highlights the difficulties experienced by some Inuit students immigrating to American schools. Great book for discussing cultural differences.
heisereads's review against another edition
5.0
I have not read Fatty Legs, but this picture book version of a part of the novel will introduce younger children to the determination of one child who attended an Indian Residential (boarding) School. This
is an important memoir picture book to add to a collection.
is an important memoir picture book to add to a collection.
raaahella's review against another edition
5.0
Exceptional. Should be read in classrooms across North America & the world for that matter.
bookbutterfly111's review against another edition
5.0
It's an important story about cruel assimilation policies that indigenous people faced and also a powerful story about the importance of literacy. The book features a strong female character who is determined to learn to read no matter what. She perseveres despite the harsh conditions she faces and learns to read.