Canadian Carnival Freaks and the Extraordinary Body, 1900-1970s

Set in 1973, the story revolves around a five-year-old girl named Pookie, who is displayed as "The Monkey Girl" at the Canadian National Exhibition. This narrative highlights the troubling history of children being showcased as 'freaks' in twentieth-century Canada, offering a poignant exploration of identity, exploitation, and societal perceptions of difference. Through Pookie's experience, the book delves into themes of innocence and the impact of public spectacle on vulnerable lives.