My Name Is Seepeetza

The story is told through the 1958-1959 diary entries of Seepeetza (baptized Martha Stone), a young girl at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The entries contrast her harsh, regulated life at school, where her language and culture are suppressed, with her vibrant, sensory-filled memories of her family's ranch and traditional Salish lifestyle. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book addresses systemic racism and cultural erasure directly. It depicts the emotional and physical discipline of the residential school system in a realistic but age-appropriate way. The resolution is realistic rather than purely happy: Seepeetza survives and maintains her spirit, but the systemic issues remain. EMOTIONAL ARC: The book maintains a poignant tension throughout. It oscillates between the cold, fearful atmosphere of the school and the warm, nostalgic glow of Seepeetza's home life. It builds a sense of quiet resilience rather than a traditional climactic triumph. IDEAL READER: A 10 to 12 year old who is a deep thinker and perhaps feels like they have to perform a certain way at school that doesn't match who they are at home. It is perfect for a child interested in social justice or historical truth-telling. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after their child mentions learning about indigenous history in school or if the child expresses confusion about why different cultures were treated unfairly in the past. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared to discuss the history of residential schools. There are mentions of physical punishment (strappings) and the emotional pain of family separation. It is best read alongside a parent or with opportunity for discussion. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (age 9-10) will focus on the unfairness of the school rules and Seepeetza's loneliness. Older readers (12-13) will better grasp the broader implications of cultural genocide and the psychological toll of changing one's name and identity. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many historical novels that use a third-person perspective, the diary format makes the political personal, allowing Seepeetza's authentic, youthful voice to bridge the gap between history and the reader's heart.