The inspiring story of a young girl's resilience and survival at residential school.
The true story of Shirley (Fletcher) Horn's experience of resilience and survival at the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.
Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school.
She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.
Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.
A true story.
Authors' notes. Full-color illustrations and photographs.
Title alpha Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story
Category Biography Middle Plus
Pages Count 70
Genre Nonfiction
Topics Shirley Fletcher Horn (1940-). Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Off-reservation boarding schools. Cultural assimilation. Indians of North America. Cree Indians. Anglican Church of Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 7"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
JLG Release Date Apr 2026
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Biography Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Biography Middle Plus
Biography Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
This collection features biography and memoir titles that introduce middle school readers to a wide range of real people and personal stories—from familiar historical figures and individuals shaping the world today to lesser-known people with compelling lives and contributions. Selections emphasize narrative-driven approaches, including visual and illustrated storytelling, that help readers connect personal experiences to history, culture, science, and innovation.