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I Lost My Talk

I Lost 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.

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average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 3 votes, book lovers sharing their thoughts

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Location:

Atlantic Canada

average rating is 5 out of 5

Time Published

A very powerful poem

Here's my review for I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe published by Nimbus Publishing.

This powerful poem by a Mi'kmaw Elder who recounts how she lost her native language as a child while attending the horrific Shubenacadie Residential School.

Although extremely short, the poem is impactful and the words speak to the readers’ hearts. The picture book encourages having important conversations with children, though I believe further explanation would certainly be necessary to help young readers genuinely unpack the events referred to. I think it would be difficult for very young children to understand without context, so I believe the book’s recommended age range should be a bit higher.

The illustrations crafted are spectacular and the colors incorporated truly suit the tone of the poem. Readers can easily sense the author’s emotions throughout the book. I also appreciated the brief introduction included about the horrifying history of residential schools. This reflective poem would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s bookshelf.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a short yet meaningful read.

I recommend this book.

Siobhan Armstrong

Location:

Prince Edward Island

average rating is 5 out of 5

Time Published

I Lost My Talk

Written by Rita Joe and illustrated by Pauline Young, “I lost My Talk” is a heartbreaking look into the lives of children who were in placed in residential schools. Yet offers an inspiring and uplifting ending.

The poem stands alone and is deeply moving. Rita Joe does a fantastic job of capturing childlike innocence through her stanzas. The illustrations that accompany it are equally beautiful.

I recommend this book to anyone looking to further educate themselves or their children/ siblings on the impact of this tragic time in Canadian history

I recommend this book.

Claire Bennet

Location:

Nova Scotia

average rating is 5 out of 5

Time Published

I Lost My Talk

Beautifully illustrated and told, this heartbreaking poem gives insight into the horrors of the residential school system and especially the long-lasting traumas that follow the students throughout the rest of their lives. We are not taught enough Indigenous history here in Canada, and today is always a good day to start relearning the history of this place.

I am trying to read more by Indigenous authors, especially those from Mi'kma'ki, where I live. I also recommend "Fatty Legs" by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and "Elapultiek" by shalan joudry. Next on my list is "Empire of Wild" by Cherie Dimaline.

I recommend this book.