I Lost My Talk

(Hardback)

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Description

Age range 5 to 9

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 necessary reminder of a dark chapter in Canada's history, this slim volume is a powerful reading experience, and an effective teaching tool for young readers of all cultures and backgrounds.

Reviews

This picture book version of I Lost My Talk is best read with Rebecca Thomas's I'm Finding My Talk. These haunting, evocative books bring an original approach to the exploration of Canadian residential schools in picture books. For readers and teachers who appreciate fact-based information, there is also A Short History of Residential Schools at the end of I Lost My Talk. Educators, librarians, and families will find their classrooms and book collections invaluably enriched by these books. They are real tools of truth and reconciliation; as such, they belong on every bookshelf in Canada and beyond. --Canadian Review of Materials (Winnipeg, MB)

Author Bio

Acclaimed poet Rita Joe (1932-2007) of Whycocomagh First Nation wrote seven books, won numerous awards, and continues to be an influence on poets and other artists across Canada. Mi'kmaw Artist