I Lost My Talk

Rita Joe

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ISBN: 9781774710050

I Lost My Talk

  Author:   Rita Joe  
  Artist :   Pauline Young    
  Publisher:  Nimbus Publishing Limited

Rita Joe’s powerful poem is presented anew in this children’s picture book with illustrations from Pauline Young. A story of recovering what was lost in residential school, I Lost My Talk will raise conversation about language as a vehicle for truth and reconciliation. Published simultaneously with the companion book I’m Finding My Talk.

I lost my talk
The talk you took away
When I was a little girl
At Shubenacadie school.

One of Rita Joe’s most influential poems, “I Lost My Talk” tells the revered Mi’kmaw Elder’s childhood story of losing her language while a resident of the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. An often quoted piece in this era of truth and reconciliation, Joe’s powerful words explore and celebrate the survival of Mi’kmaw culture and language despite its attempted eradication.

A companion book to the simultaneously published I’m Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas, I Lost My Talk is a necessary reminder of a dark chapter in Canada’s history, a powerful reading experience, and an effective teaching tool for young readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Includes a biography of Rita Joe and striking colour illustrations by Mi’kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Details and Specs
ISBN associated with this title: 9781774710050
Item NB1589
PublisherNimbus Publishing Limited
PublisherNimbus Publishing Limited
Published on March 8 2021
Language eng
Pages 32
Format Paperback
Dimensions10(in) x 8(in)
Shipping weight151(g)
Status ACTIVE TITLE
Born in poverty on a reserve in Cape Breton, Rita Joe survived on sheer guts and compassion.

Pauline Young is a visual artist who was first exposed to the creative world through her father, Phillip Young, an internationally renowned artist, who painted the bottoms of her feet. She still recalls the smooth sensation of paint oozing between her toes. She draws her inspiration from him and the natural environment and is always looking down to see what the ground can offer, such as incorporating beach sand and red oxide sand into her paintings.

Quick Quotes

"Published as a companion to the picture book I Lost My Talk, featuring the famous poem by Rita Joe, both volumes explore the legacy of Canada's residential schools. They feature vibrant illustrations by Pauline Young that bring the words alive with emotional nuance. This remarkable pair of books possesses the rare ability of being suited to readers of all ages: three to six-year-olds, the traditional intended audience of picture books, will be captivated by the bright, lively illustrations; elementary and middle school children will find their Social Studies curriculum enriched by experiencing these important concepts rendered creatively; teens and adults will gain insight and empathy by enjoying these beautiful poems." —Canadian Review of Materials (Winnipeg, MB)
  

Award Winners & Nominees


Ann Connor Brimer Book Award for Atlantic Canadian Children's Literature

Long listed First Nation Communities READ Awards