When I Was Eight

This story is well articulated to articulate an Inuit survivor’s tale of boarding school in Canada. Respectfully; this story is appropriate for young children. If young children can learn about social inequality; then other young children can learn Indigenous survivor stories 🌸

One of ten books used in a “Battle of the Books” In a 4th grade in Colorado.I thought it was an excellent example of a child’s determination and focus to achieve her dream : to read.Being subjected to humiliation and with no encouragement, she achieved her goal. It shows that you should never give up if your goal is important to you.

I understand that the goal is to display hard work that goes into accomplishing your goals, but this book is 98% negativity followed with a one page wrap up of her feeling proud. For the age group this is written for, it should be more balanced, illustrating that after the hard work she grew, she changed, and how she felt as she was doing this. Kids aren't motivated by things that are all negative, they just try to avoid it. This is a book that my 9 year old doesn't want to read again.

In When I Was Eight readers get to see what it was like for a young Inuit girl to leave her family for a residential school. There are some very negative experiences there for her, but it is also a time for her to discover her own strength and determination.I have been happy to see more and more children's literature and non-fiction about the residential school era in North America. This is a time in history that our country should know about and should remember. I think there has been healing in the sharing of these stories and the more people that hear them, the better off we all are.This also fills a gap that we have. I am looking forward to more picture book memoirs like this.

This is a strong account of Natives' teatment at the hands of European invaders. It is not appropriate for kids under 9 years of age as it is too intense. Instead: I read "When we were Alone' to teach the the same heinous treatment tribes received from invading Europeans.

Excellent book to read to youngsters about dignity

Great read for little ones.

This is a great book.

Lovely pictures that compliment the story so well, woven together to make a vibrant telling.

The text and the illustrations are very impressive, but due to the nature of the topic (the inhumanity and abuse of the students in Canadian Day and Residential Schools) it is on suitable for younger children. Only recommended for children older than 13 years. Although it is called a children's book, it is very much recommended for adults, too.

Our kids really liked this story. After reading the book we researched more about the author. This story is a great gateway into discussions about indian residential schools with your kids. It is ultimately a good story as the author not only survived but has partnered with her daughter in law to write a few of these books.

My 7 yr. Old grandson absolutely loved this book & it allowed us to discuss issues of the First Nation's.

A must have in the family collection. A true story