What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
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.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2019
About the author
Rita Joe
11 books21 followersRita Joe was born and spent her childhood on a Mi'kmaq Reserve at Whycocomagh on Cape Breton Island. She lived with foster families after her mother's death when she was just 5 years old. Orphaned when she was 10, Rita Joe left the island at the age of 12 to go to the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School on mainland Nova Scotia. Rita Joe later returned to Cape Breton to live on the Eskasoni First Nations Reserve, where she and her husband raised 10 children, including 2 adopted sons.
Rita Joe recalled being told constantly, at the Residential School, "'You're no good.'" She began writing herself to challenge such negative messages, which she encountered again as an adult, in the books her own children were reading. In the prologue to her memoir, Rita Joe states, "My greatest wish is that there will be more writing from my people, and that our children will read it. I have said again and again that our history would be different if it had been expressed by us."
Rita Joe's first collection of poetry, titled Poems Of Rita Joe, was published in 1978. Song of Eskasoni: More Poems of Rita Joe appeared in 1989, followed by in 1991. Rita Joe's poetry is Lnu and Indians We Re Called included in the 1994 anthology Kelusultiek: Original Women's Voices of Atlantic Canada. Kelusultiek, which takes its title from a poem by Rita Joe and translates as "we speak," also includes the lyrics and music to 2 of her best known songs: "The Drumbeat Is the Heartbeat of the Nation" and "Oka Song." The latter was written in response to the 1990 land dispute and armed standoff at OKA. Poems from Rita Joe's now out-of-print first collection can also be found in We Are the Dreamers: Recent and Early Poetry (1999). Her poems cover a wide range of subjects, from the domestic to the spiritual. Her language is blunt but lyrical, and she captures both the anguish and elation of life. Rita Joe co-edited, with Lesley Choyce, and contributed to The Mi'kmaq Anthology (2003).
Rita Joe is the subject of a 1993 NFB documentary titled 'Song of Eskasoni'. Her memoir, Song of Rita Joe: Autobiography of a Mi'kmaq Poet was published in 1996. She relates both the terrible difficulties and the amazing accomplishments of her life in unassuming but compelling prose. Her autobiography also includes poetry, music, and photographs.
Rita Joe received many accolades and honours. She was a member of both the Order of Canada and the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. She received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and was awarded a number of honorary doctorates. Rita Joe is often referred to as the "poet laureate" of the Mi'kmaq
Rita Joe recalled being told constantly, at the Residential School, "'You're no good.'" She began writing herself to challenge such negative messages, which she encountered again as an adult, in the books her own children were reading. In the prologue to her memoir, Rita Joe states, "My greatest wish is that there will be more writing from my people, and that our children will read it. I have said again and again that our history would be different if it had been expressed by us."
Rita Joe's first collection of poetry, titled Poems Of Rita Joe, was published in 1978. Song of Eskasoni: More Poems of Rita Joe appeared in 1989, followed by in 1991. Rita Joe's poetry is Lnu and Indians We Re Called included in the 1994 anthology Kelusultiek: Original Women's Voices of Atlantic Canada. Kelusultiek, which takes its title from a poem by Rita Joe and translates as "we speak," also includes the lyrics and music to 2 of her best known songs: "The Drumbeat Is the Heartbeat of the Nation" and "Oka Song." The latter was written in response to the 1990 land dispute and armed standoff at OKA. Poems from Rita Joe's now out-of-print first collection can also be found in We Are the Dreamers: Recent and Early Poetry (1999). Her poems cover a wide range of subjects, from the domestic to the spiritual. Her language is blunt but lyrical, and she captures both the anguish and elation of life. Rita Joe co-edited, with Lesley Choyce, and contributed to The Mi'kmaq Anthology (2003).
Rita Joe is the subject of a 1993 NFB documentary titled 'Song of Eskasoni'. Her memoir, Song of Rita Joe: Autobiography of a Mi'kmaq Poet was published in 1996. She relates both the terrible difficulties and the amazing accomplishments of her life in unassuming but compelling prose. Her autobiography also includes poetry, music, and photographs.
Rita Joe received many accolades and honours. She was a member of both the Order of Canada and the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. She received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and was awarded a number of honorary doctorates. Rita Joe is often referred to as the "poet laureate" of the Mi'kmaq
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Read
July 1, 20244.5*
December 21, 2020
I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe is a children's book about a very serious topic. I only recently learned about Canada's residential schools from another children's book. While I still have mixed feelings about the correct age to introduce such difficult topics to children, I can appreciate the book for what it is. As the title suggests, there is not a lot of writing in this book. I admit, this went a little over my head at first, but once I caught on, it definitely made sense. The illustrations go very well with the topic and convey the feelings of the situations very strongly. I'm glad they included a quick description of the history of the residential schools in the back of the book as well.
March 6, 2020
Apparently this picture book is taken from a famous poem by Rita Joe about what happened to her when she was put into residential school in Canada, where they stripped her of her language.
Children were forbidden to speak their native language, while the schools tried to turn them into little self-hating Canadians. Very sad time in history.
This simple poem, set at a picture book, is stunning in its simple colors, and pictures, and strong words
A good book to add to the collection of books on the experience of the residential school system.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Children were forbidden to speak their native language, while the schools tried to turn them into little self-hating Canadians. Very sad time in history.
This simple poem, set at a picture book, is stunning in its simple colors, and pictures, and strong words
A good book to add to the collection of books on the experience of the residential school system.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 8, 2020
Another must have picture book for classrooms and libraries, we see first hand from the renowned Canadian poet Rita Joe, the trauma and the effect of residential schools had on her life. Her poem I Lost My Talk accompanied with Pauling Young’s illustrations, both speak of how Rita Joe was not allowed to speak her first language Mi’kmaw and lost her ability to speak it until she relearned it after leaving the school. It very powerfully and simply talks about how the schools eradicated her identity and how residential schools being all so powerful made her think, create and write like us. The ending of the poem speaks of hope, with her asking us to let her find her talk so we can get to know her and she can share her gifts with us. The end of the book gives a brief explanation of Residential Schools followed by information about Rita Joe. Powerful book and should be purchased with Rebecca Thomas response book I Found My Talk.
October 12, 2021
I lost My Talk is an amazing book written by Rita Joe. Rita is an acclaimed poet and international author. Rita was born in Whycocomagh, a Mi’kmaw reservation on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Rita has been honored for many awards. She has written 7 books and many very famous poems.
I Lost My Talk, a picture book made from one of her poems, is about Rita’s life at the Shubenacadie School. Here, like many other indigenous people, she was told to eliminate the Indian Problem. They were told to lost their mother tongue, their language, and their ways of life. She was imprisoned inside schools where she was forbidden to speak indigenous languages.
I lost my talk has little words, but is so powerful. The illustrations and the few words on every page resemble the theme or point of this book, having little voice. The book features a little girl painted in half. One half of her is the way they wanted her to be, American, and the other half is indigenous, what she really was. It explains the way of life back then and how they were forced to strip their identity and become something else. The pictures allow for the reader to really feel the pain of the author. Rita does a great job capturing her point with very few words. It allows the reader to interpret and take the story where he or she wants to go. It also has a historical page at the end with information about this time period and what exactly was going on .
I would use this in my classroom as a tool to show power of voice and identity. I think it is important to have this awareness of what it was like back then and how far we have come. Also, to celebrate differences and be sure we don’t let anyone else lose their voice or their talk. We can learn so much from one another when we aren’t violent and enemies.
I received this recommendation from my elementary school librarian. She has a whole section of international authors/stories. I felt this story was eye-opening and very powerful. I appreciated the little words, to capture this idea of losing oneself and their identity due to others and the environment.
I Lost My Talk, a picture book made from one of her poems, is about Rita’s life at the Shubenacadie School. Here, like many other indigenous people, she was told to eliminate the Indian Problem. They were told to lost their mother tongue, their language, and their ways of life. She was imprisoned inside schools where she was forbidden to speak indigenous languages.
I lost my talk has little words, but is so powerful. The illustrations and the few words on every page resemble the theme or point of this book, having little voice. The book features a little girl painted in half. One half of her is the way they wanted her to be, American, and the other half is indigenous, what she really was. It explains the way of life back then and how they were forced to strip their identity and become something else. The pictures allow for the reader to really feel the pain of the author. Rita does a great job capturing her point with very few words. It allows the reader to interpret and take the story where he or she wants to go. It also has a historical page at the end with information about this time period and what exactly was going on .
I would use this in my classroom as a tool to show power of voice and identity. I think it is important to have this awareness of what it was like back then and how far we have come. Also, to celebrate differences and be sure we don’t let anyone else lose their voice or their talk. We can learn so much from one another when we aren’t violent and enemies.
I received this recommendation from my elementary school librarian. She has a whole section of international authors/stories. I felt this story was eye-opening and very powerful. I appreciated the little words, to capture this idea of losing oneself and their identity due to others and the environment.
March 9, 2020
#ILostMyTalk #NetGalley
Children as young as 5 were snatched from the street and sent to 1 of the more than 150 Residential Schools in Canada. From 1870 to as late as 1996 the Canadian government attempted to solve "the Indian problem" by taking children from their families, taking their name and forbiding them to speak the language they were born into. If they did speak in their mother tongue they were physically and emotionally punished. I Lost My Talk is a beautifully illustrated and thought provoking picture book that brings the poetry of Rita Joe to life for young children. It is a reminder of the wrong done to the Mi'kmaw people in an attempt to eradicate their culture.
I lost my talk,
The talk you took away..............
You snatched it away.
But it is also a testament to the Mi'kmaw people who fought back and hung on to their culture.
Your way is more powerful
So gently I offer my hand
Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me
There is a brief history of Residential schools in Canada at the end.
I highly recommend this book for all libraries and classrooms in Canada. It is an excellent way to bring attention to the ugly mistakes of the past and begin discussions about how to make repairs.
Children as young as 5 were snatched from the street and sent to 1 of the more than 150 Residential Schools in Canada. From 1870 to as late as 1996 the Canadian government attempted to solve "the Indian problem" by taking children from their families, taking their name and forbiding them to speak the language they were born into. If they did speak in their mother tongue they were physically and emotionally punished. I Lost My Talk is a beautifully illustrated and thought provoking picture book that brings the poetry of Rita Joe to life for young children. It is a reminder of the wrong done to the Mi'kmaw people in an attempt to eradicate their culture.
I lost my talk,
The talk you took away..............
You snatched it away.
But it is also a testament to the Mi'kmaw people who fought back and hung on to their culture.
Your way is more powerful
So gently I offer my hand
Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me
There is a brief history of Residential schools in Canada at the end.
I highly recommend this book for all libraries and classrooms in Canada. It is an excellent way to bring attention to the ugly mistakes of the past and begin discussions about how to make repairs.
July 27, 2022
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.
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.
August 28, 2020
I finally read both I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe and I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas, both illustrated by Pauline Young. These works of accessible poetry in picture book form were intended to be read as companions to one another, so that's how I read them. They make for a gentle introduction to the topics of losing culture and language in the Residential School System in Canada (in I Lost My Talk) and trying to find culture and language that your family has lost before you were even born (in I'm Finding My Talk). The poetry is beautiful and the art is stunning. I could see them both making excellent education resources either in schools or at home.
I would definitely recommend both, especially together!
I would definitely recommend both, especially together!
November 20, 2020
Rita Joe was an indigenous poet and songwriter of the Whycocomagh First Nation in Nova Scotia. This poem tells of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school.
The back matter includes two pages of information about residential schools and another page with information about Rita Joe.
Pauline Young, a Mi'kmaw artist from Nova Scotia, spent a year creating the paintings for this and the companion book by Rebecca Thomas, I’m finding My Talk. Her art captures the pain and anguish from her own life to portray the darkness and hope in this book.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...
The back matter includes two pages of information about residential schools and another page with information about Rita Joe.
Pauline Young, a Mi'kmaw artist from Nova Scotia, spent a year creating the paintings for this and the companion book by Rebecca Thomas, I’m finding My Talk. Her art captures the pain and anguish from her own life to portray the darkness and hope in this book.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...
March 28, 2020
This is a touching poetry picture book about a young Native American girl who feels she is losing her talk, as she conforms to the school’s requirements. She looks out over the water and dreams of finding her talk. Elders help her find her voice.
I will absolutely include both I Lost My Talk and I’m Finding my Voice as mentor text within my classroom. Beautifully written and illustrated. The notes in the back about the school and author bring a deeper meaning and respect for the challenges Native Americans have endured. #NetGalley #Hottingerhighlights #ILostMyTalk #family #culture
I will absolutely include both I Lost My Talk and I’m Finding my Voice as mentor text within my classroom. Beautifully written and illustrated. The notes in the back about the school and author bring a deeper meaning and respect for the challenges Native Americans have endured. #NetGalley #Hottingerhighlights #ILostMyTalk #family #culture
Read
September 30, 2022This book was amazing. The illustrations are filled with so much emotion and there is so much detail in these illustrations. I loved this book and I loved how they told the story of indigenous students and what happened in these boarding schools. I loved how although the boarding school took away their identity, the students never forgot who she was. This book is important because it reminds us that who we are, our history, etc matters. No one should take that away from you and no one has the right to.
July 23, 2020
The text is sparse, and I think the book's message will go over kids' heads, but this could be a great book to read to elementary school kids. There is a page of explanation in the back to provide background for discussions.
December 26, 2019
Beautiful and impactful.
April 2, 2020
A take on what happened to the author, a nice visual rather than the text with random pictures. Tells the story of losing ones language at that time in history for many.
June 2, 2020
Powerful, powerful poem, and Pauline Young's images are gorgeous, haunting, and well-matched with the words.
July 9, 2020
So short, but the message is so strong.
July 25, 2020
Poem written by residential school survivor.
November 27, 2020
“Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me.”
So I can teach you about me.”
December 18, 2020
Beautiful pictures accompany sad words.
Includes a two-page residential school summation and a brief biography of Rita Joe.
Perfect for school libraries.
Includes a two-page residential school summation and a brief biography of Rita Joe.
Perfect for school libraries.
July 3, 2021
An amazing poem.
July 29, 2021
A good, simple introduction to talking about Residential schools with children.
November 5, 2021
A powerful poem about the long term tragic effects of growing up in a native american residential school. Parental input would be really helpful when sharing this with younger readers, however.
April 5, 2022
A great telling of this poem that is very relevant today.
September 27, 2022
There is a reverence that happens when we read First Nation's stories. The students seem to really empathize with the stories.
November 8, 2022
Significant and important. I wished it was longer. I enjoyed the background information at the end of the story.
June 28, 2023
Claire B. -Beautifully illustrated and told, this heartbreaking poem gives insight into the horrors of the residential school system and especially the longlasting traumas that follow the students throughout the rest of their lives.
________
Hidayah:
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 rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars.
_______
________
Hidayah:
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 rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars.
_______
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
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.
December 7, 2023
*read for school*
this book is so important, so beautiful, and so incredibly heartbreaking.
this book is so important, so beautiful, and so incredibly heartbreaking.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews