Description
A Stranger at Home: A True Story is the sequel to the novel Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. This 124-illustrated chapter book joins Margaret upon her return to her family from spending two years at residential school. Margaret is full of anticipation and joy but suddenly comes to grips with the fact that her mother no longer recognizes her ten-year old daughter with short hair and looking taller and thinner. This initial reluctance by her mother is countered by the loving embrace from her father. But Margaret realizes she has changed forever because she no longer remembers her Inuvialuit language, turns up her nose at her mother's country food, and finds her residential school clothes more comfortable than her Inuit-style clothing. Even her best friend Agnes was prevented from playing with Margaret because the community felt that Margaret was now a bad influence as an outsider. Margaret slowly regains her parents love and understanding as her mother asks for reading and writing lessons and Margaret receives her own dog team and sled to care for. When the time comes for Margaret's younger sisters to attend residential school Margaret is asked to perform her most difficult challenge by returning to the place that made her an outsider in her own community. The colour illustrations by Liz Amini-Holmes are in bright and bold colours that add to the story's text. Archival black and white photographs appear throughout the book and an end note offers additional details about residential schools. Highly recommended. Interest Level: 5-8; Reading Level: 5.5. Guided Reading Level: U. First Nation Communities Read 2013-2014 Short List