I'm Finding My Talk

by Rebecca Thomas, Pauline Young (Illustrator)

A response to Rita Joe’s iconic poem “I Lost My Talk,” and published simultaneously with the new children’s book edition illustrated by Pauline Young, comes a companion picture book by award-winning spoken-word artist and Mi’kmaw activist Rebecca Thomas. A second-generation residential school survivor, Thomas writes this response poem openly and honestly, reflecting on the process of working through the destructive effects of colonialism.

From sewing regalia to dancing at powow to learning traditional language, I’m Finding My Talk is about rediscovering her community, and finding culture. Features stunning, vibrant illustrations by Mi’kmaw artist Pauline Young.

Genres: Indigenous, Picture Books, Poetry, History, Childrens, Canada, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2019

About the author

Mi'kmaq poet and spoken word performer was named Halifax's poet laureate.

Reviews

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of weeks ago I read the companion book, I Lost My Talk, by Rita Joe and Pauline Young. Rita Joe and Rebecca Thomas' father lost their language, culture and ways of knowing the world after being taken from their families and placed in residential schools.
I'm Finding My Talk is a poem about healing and recovering as much of that which was taken away as possible.
Talk is about more than language. Terry Pratchett wrote, "People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around.”
Words have power. Words convey meaning and provide a framework for how we see the world and connect to each other. This book is about coming home to who the Mi'kmaq people were before residential schools took it away.
Both the author and illustrator dedicate the book to their fathers. Reading these dedications nearly brought me to tears.
Pauline Young's paintings are a brilliant homage to the power of Rebecca Thomas' words.

[alex. · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading this gave me goosebumps and the art was so so vivid and beautiful. it is my goal to read more Indigenous work, and sometimes this also includes children’s books. I think there is a lot we can learn from som children’s books, which is evident in this very powerful poem paired with the incredible art. loved it

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas is a great companion book to I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe. It tells the story of a native American girl whose father grew up in the residential school system of Canada and was robbed of his chance of growing up with his true traditions and language. The poem "I Lost My Talk" by Rita Joe inspired her to learn more about her culture and language and to speak up about it. Fittingly, the illustrations in this book are also done by Pauline Young but the colors are more vibrant and uplifting, fitting to the theme of learning to live as your true self.

[Travel By Bookmarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a companion piece to Rita Joe’s I Lost My Talk– a powerful poem by a Mi’kmaw Elder who recounts losing her native language as a child while attending the horrific Shubenacadie Residential School. This picture book features vivid drawings by Pauline Young, a Mi’kmaw artist.

This poem, despite its brevity, speaks to the reader’s heart. As I read, I could feel the strength of the author’s resilience and redemption. This poem is a powerful piece of art. What shocked me the most was how extremely clever it was. The author weaved in aspects of Indigenous heritage brilliantly in a way that those just beginning their allyship journey may even miss. With a little guidance, it should be simple for kids to understand yet the poem is also layered. Readers of any age would be able to enjoy and learn from it.

The illustrations in this book are spectacular. I loved that the same artist illustrated both I Lost My Talk and this book. Every page’s vibrant illustrations mirrored the feelings expressed in the poem’s accompanying lines. I also appreciated the context included at the end about the author’s background and identity struggles. This book is a beautiful tribute to the fathers of the author and illustrator

I highly recommend this meaningful, enjoyable, and clever book. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet poignant read. Rebecca Thomas is a wonderful Storyteller; Rita Joe’s legacy lives on through her words.

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m Finding My Talk is a beautiful story of a girl, who grew up on a reservation with her father and learned very little of her heritage. Mi’k maw life was portrayed through art as she grew up, but as she grew up she wanted to know more. The schools held her up from learning her language, but as a young adult she is meeting her family and learning the importance of her dress, the rituals, the land, the community, and the elders. She is finding her talk as she combines all of the pieces that make her who she is. The author, Rebecca Thomas grew up on a reservation and did not know much about her culture, so she writes from her own experiences.

An absolutely beautiful story I will share with my class as we discuss identity. The illustrations match the beauty of the story! #netgalley #ImFindingMyTalk

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book that is in response to Rita Joe’s book I Lost My Talk with illustrations by Pauline Young, Rebecca Thomas speaks of the intergenerational effect of Residential Schools as she too has lost her talk because her father was in a residential school and therefore was not able to pass along his language and traditions to his daughter having been forced to forget them. Thomas speaks to how she is finding her talk by learning what she can from her father and speaking with elders and her relatives, connecting with the land and participating in cultural traditions such as stitching regalia and using a smudge bowl. A story of hope of how intergenerational First Nations are reclaiming their heritage and sharing it with others. Again another powerful picture book with illustrations that also help teach the traditions of First Nations peoples and should be purchased with I Lost My Talk.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* - This beautiful book was inspired by another story written by Rita Joe titled I Lost My Talk. I'm Finding My Talk is about a young Indigenous woman who is trying to re-claim her language and a culture that was never properly passed down to her because of her father's Residential School experience. Both of these books have gorgeous illustrations (Pauline Young) and have limited text on the page which would make them suitable for young children. Highly recommended for teachers.

[eveltrain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion and response to I Lost My Talk.

Pauline Young’s illustrations are beautiful. Thomas’ poem is modern and sparse but carries weight.

A perfect choice for school libraries at all grade levels.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave and moving tribute to Rita Joe's "I Lost My Talk." The author writes about learning to reconnect with her Indigenous Mi'kmaq heritage, which her father was unable to teach her about fully as a survivor of a residential school.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story with beautiful artwork. I love languages and I feel for the people disconnected from their heritage and language. I enjoy stories where people find their path back to ancestral knowledge.

[Cher Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book and beautiful illustrations.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice look at her gaining back her language that her dad was taken away from. Learning back her heritage. Nice to teach kids with.

[Mridula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, powerful poem with sweet imagery. I wanted more!

[Beckey Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really moved by this book. think it is great work to educate the young about the indigenous culture. Recommend this book and the illustrations are awesome! Great job

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations to go with the poem. I know it's most likely geared towards children, but I really enjoyed it!

[Keisha Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poem by Rebecca Thomas inspired by original I am finding my talk. Children’s book about reconnecting with indigenous roots one step at a time. Same artist

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book on reclaiming language, and culture. A wonderful lesson that it’s never too late to recover who your people are.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an illustrated poem, based on another poem that the author read. It's alright, but felt simple. Didn't have the powerful impact I was hoping for.