Fatty Legs by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton has garnered positive acclaim for its heartfelt and eye-opening portrayal of a young Inuit girl's experience in a residential school. Reviewers commend its accessible writing and powerful illustrations. Some find it emotionally intense, while a few note a desire for deeper historical context. Overall, it's a poignant, educational read.

Readers aged 9-12 who are interested in historical fiction and social justice will appreciate Fatty Legs by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. Fans of The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis and I Am Malala (young readers edition) by Malala Yousafzai will find its themes of resilience and courage compelling.

Fatty Legs by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton recounts her childhood experience in a Canadian residential school for Indigenous children, where she faced intimidation, humiliation, and abuse, but ultimately triumphed through resilience. The title refers to a nickname given to her after a nun made her wear bright red stockings as an act of cruelty. The book illustrates anti-Indigenous racism and the perseverance of Indigenous cultures amidst colonial efforts to erase them. Topics in the book include intimidation, humiliation, and cultural oppression.

Challenging / Inspirational / Emotional / Mysterious / Hopeful

- Fatty Legs is a memoir written in collaboration with Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's daughter-in-law, Christy Jordan-Fenton, bringing together personal history and thoughtful storytelling.
- The book's illustrations, done by Liz Amini-Holmes, add a vivid visual element to the narrative, complementing the text with expressive and poignant artwork.
- Fatty Legs is often used as an educational tool in elementary and middle school curricula to introduce children to the history and impact of residential schools in Canada.

**Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton**  
An Inuvialuit girl who leaves her home to attend a residential school where she faces many challenges and adversaries, but also finds strength and determination through her cultural identity.

**Christy Jordan-Fenton**  
Margaret-Olemaun's daughter-in-law, who collaborates with her to tell the story and provides context on the cultural and historical background, including insights into the Canadian residential school system.

**Margaret-Olemaun’s Father**  
A supportive and comforting figure who shares a close bond with Olemaun, allowing her to attend school despite his reservations and maintaining contact during her stays.

**The Raven**  
A strict and cruel nun at the residential school who frequently punishes Margaret-Olemaun and enforces conformity and silence, becoming one of her main antagonists.

**Sister MacQuillan (The Swan)**  
A high-ranking nun at the school who shows kindness and understanding towards Margaret-Olemaun, offering moments of support and protection.

Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Middle grade

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Opening Note-Preface

Fatty Legs Opening Note-Preface Summary & Analysis

Introduction-Chapter 2

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Chapters 3-5

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Chapter 6-Epilogue

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Afterword-Closing Note 2

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