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Tom Finder
This riveting story is about a fifteen-year-old boy who, as the story opens, realizes he has no idea who he is - beyond his first name - or what has led to his loss of memory. From the outset, he's on the run, a street kid thrust out on his own, living by his wits and involved in a quest to find another lost teenager whose First Nations father is desperate for news of his son. In the process, he learns to survive and begins to get a sense of his strengths and character. Winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award in the category of Juvenile-Young Adult Fiction! Winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award! Shortlist for the 2004 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Canadian Book Award Ontario Library Association's Golden Oak Award winner, 2005
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2003
7 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Martine Leavitt
15 books230 followersMartine Leavitt has published ten novels for young adults, most recently Calvin, which won the Governor General’s Award of Canada. My Book of Life by Angel was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and winner of the Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year. Other titles by Leavitt include Keturah and Lord Death, a finalist for the National Book Award, Tom Finder, winner of the Mr. Christie Award, and Heck Superhero, a finalist for the Governor General’s Award. Her novels have been published in Japan, Korea, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. Currently she teaches creative writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts, a short-residency MFA program. She lives in High River, Alberta.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 27, 2016
MARTINE LEAVITT REQUIREMENT
Tom wakes up in a park with no recollection of who he is, where his lives, or where he comes from. His backpack gives him virtually no clues, except a note that says, "you're nice." Tom realizes that he doesn't know who he is, but he wants to be nice, smart, and good. He gets to know himself, and finds evidence of all three of those traits as he does so. His story is roughly parallel to Prince Tamino's in Mozart's The Magic Flute, at least as far as the "Papageno" character in his young street friend goes, as well as the beautiful "Pamina" character, Pam, in the clutches of a supposed bad guy, and the fact that the two need to face the trials of water and fire together. This book is perfect for young adults because it's well-written and exciting, but mostly because it deals with finding yourself, which is a challenge all young adults need to face regardless of their situations. Tom, who had before always been a "loser," becomes a "finder," and discovers what he's good at and where he belongs, so that when he finally learns who he used to be, he realizes he'd much rather stick with who he had worked to turn into. It's a great help not only to young adults who need to find themselves, but even for adults, to learn to try looking at things and people from a new perspective. I'd recommend this book, definitely. And I loved hearing her talk in our class and describe her own thoughts of the book!
Tom wakes up in a park with no recollection of who he is, where his lives, or where he comes from. His backpack gives him virtually no clues, except a note that says, "you're nice." Tom realizes that he doesn't know who he is, but he wants to be nice, smart, and good. He gets to know himself, and finds evidence of all three of those traits as he does so. His story is roughly parallel to Prince Tamino's in Mozart's The Magic Flute, at least as far as the "Papageno" character in his young street friend goes, as well as the beautiful "Pamina" character, Pam, in the clutches of a supposed bad guy, and the fact that the two need to face the trials of water and fire together. This book is perfect for young adults because it's well-written and exciting, but mostly because it deals with finding yourself, which is a challenge all young adults need to face regardless of their situations. Tom, who had before always been a "loser," becomes a "finder," and discovers what he's good at and where he belongs, so that when he finally learns who he used to be, he realizes he'd much rather stick with who he had worked to turn into. It's a great help not only to young adults who need to find themselves, but even for adults, to learn to try looking at things and people from a new perspective. I'd recommend this book, definitely. And I loved hearing her talk in our class and describe her own thoughts of the book!
January 11, 2019
Quick thoughts:
- Home is where you define it is and where you believe you most belong
- You define yourself and what your strengths are, not others
- Protagonist Tom is a hero in every sense of the word, selfless, courageous, and never gives up
- Did not get some of the symbolism, it was very abstract, and the writing style was not my favourite
Overall, a very strong story! FRTC :)
- Home is where you define it is and where you believe you most belong
- You define yourself and what your strengths are, not others
- Protagonist Tom is a hero in every sense of the word, selfless, courageous, and never gives up
- Did not get some of the symbolism, it was very abstract, and the writing style was not my favourite
Overall, a very strong story! FRTC :)
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May 30, 2013 How would you feel if you woke up in a strange place and had no idea how you got there? What if you noticed you were losing your memory, and had already forgot most of your life? Would you be able to cope? These are some of the many struggles Tom Finder has to face throughout this story. This is a story of how one little boy with amnesia can use his smarts, surroundings, and journal to find his way home.
I like this book because Tom shows how strong teenagers can be and how they can support themselves. Lost on the streets of Calgary, Tom goes on many adventures on his quest to remember everything about his life including where he lives, what his last name is, and even what his personality is like. His adventures begin when he meets Samuel Wolflegs, an aboriginal man who has lost his son and needs Tom’s help to find him. He says Tom is a “Finder” and can find anything he needs to. Tom hates gravity, and when he goes to certain places on his excursions, he feels like he’s drowning and needs to get away, but he doesn’t know why. As an innocent youth, Tom doesn’t know why this is or what to believe and all he wants is to find his home, but as he forgets who he was; he discovers he can recreate himself on his own terms. He uses this confusion to become a strong child who can survive on his own and doesn’t need a guardian at all times.
Tom Finder is filled with many interesting characters like Tom and Samuel, including one who will become Tom’s best friend and “partner in crime”. He is just one more of the reasons you will want to continue reading this book, and if you want to find out what type of things the two of them get up to, you will have to read the book! You will immediately love Tom and will want him to get what he needs. I thought the author Martine Leavitt created Tom as a character who is very mature and brave for his age. She also showed how an amnesia-stricken, trusting teen can live on the streets.
The main theme of this story is that if you set your mind to something and believe in yourself you can achieve anything, and that you can be anything you want to be. But Martine Leavitt didn’t write it as if she was trying to teach that; it’s just clear in Tom’s life, which makes this book more believable. The book describes the streets as dirty, but friendly to Tom because he is able to find what he is looking for on them. This is probably a more innocent, child-like few of the streets and Tom doesn’t notice some of the more brutal things in his environment because he looks for the best in everything. You will connect with the environment Tom is in because almost every city has an area like the one he is living and it will make you realize the horrible situation he is trapped. I personally think the author played down how scared most kids would be living alone on the street, but it just makes Tom seem even stronger, physically and mentally. Martine Leavitt actually grew up in Canada and attended the University of Calgary, the city where the story of Tom Finder is situated. Tom Finder is the fifth novel Martine Leavitt wrote, which was published in 2003, and it won a Mr. Christie Award in 2003 as well as a Benjamin Franklin Award in 2004.
In a perfect world, a boy would not be left alone on the streets with no one except other street-dwellers. But if you want to find out why he is out there all alone, if he is able to complete his task and if he is able to get home, you will have to read the book!
I like this book because Tom shows how strong teenagers can be and how they can support themselves. Lost on the streets of Calgary, Tom goes on many adventures on his quest to remember everything about his life including where he lives, what his last name is, and even what his personality is like. His adventures begin when he meets Samuel Wolflegs, an aboriginal man who has lost his son and needs Tom’s help to find him. He says Tom is a “Finder” and can find anything he needs to. Tom hates gravity, and when he goes to certain places on his excursions, he feels like he’s drowning and needs to get away, but he doesn’t know why. As an innocent youth, Tom doesn’t know why this is or what to believe and all he wants is to find his home, but as he forgets who he was; he discovers he can recreate himself on his own terms. He uses this confusion to become a strong child who can survive on his own and doesn’t need a guardian at all times.
Tom Finder is filled with many interesting characters like Tom and Samuel, including one who will become Tom’s best friend and “partner in crime”. He is just one more of the reasons you will want to continue reading this book, and if you want to find out what type of things the two of them get up to, you will have to read the book! You will immediately love Tom and will want him to get what he needs. I thought the author Martine Leavitt created Tom as a character who is very mature and brave for his age. She also showed how an amnesia-stricken, trusting teen can live on the streets.
The main theme of this story is that if you set your mind to something and believe in yourself you can achieve anything, and that you can be anything you want to be. But Martine Leavitt didn’t write it as if she was trying to teach that; it’s just clear in Tom’s life, which makes this book more believable. The book describes the streets as dirty, but friendly to Tom because he is able to find what he is looking for on them. This is probably a more innocent, child-like few of the streets and Tom doesn’t notice some of the more brutal things in his environment because he looks for the best in everything. You will connect with the environment Tom is in because almost every city has an area like the one he is living and it will make you realize the horrible situation he is trapped. I personally think the author played down how scared most kids would be living alone on the street, but it just makes Tom seem even stronger, physically and mentally. Martine Leavitt actually grew up in Canada and attended the University of Calgary, the city where the story of Tom Finder is situated. Tom Finder is the fifth novel Martine Leavitt wrote, which was published in 2003, and it won a Mr. Christie Award in 2003 as well as a Benjamin Franklin Award in 2004.
In a perfect world, a boy would not be left alone on the streets with no one except other street-dwellers. But if you want to find out why he is out there all alone, if he is able to complete his task and if he is able to get home, you will have to read the book!
September 28, 2008
The poem was called "Goblin's Market."
The words were things you could hold; they had weight and shape and smell: fruits, lick, melon, golden. ...When he read this poem, it was easy to see why his own wasn't working, wasn't finding Daniel, or home."
It's interesting to me that Martine Leavitt, who has seven children - seven children! Shouldn't that indicate considerable stability? - writes about unpredictability with such passion. Tom is 15 and can't remember anything except how to run. In his running he encounters Samuel Wolflegs, a broken medicine man, who tells him he is a Finder. Tom finds a pen and a notebook and (shades of Harold's Purple Crayon) begins to write himself a life, a personality, a world, and ultimately, a future.
So maybe the unpredictability and the instability that Leavitt writes about is really...well, about writing. About never knowing what will jump out of your pen next.
<
The words were things you could hold; they had weight and shape and smell: fruits, lick, melon, golden. ...When he read this poem, it was easy to see why his own wasn't working, wasn't finding Daniel, or home."
It's interesting to me that Martine Leavitt, who has seven children - seven children! Shouldn't that indicate considerable stability? - writes about unpredictability with such passion. Tom is 15 and can't remember anything except how to run. In his running he encounters Samuel Wolflegs, a broken medicine man, who tells him he is a Finder. Tom finds a pen and a notebook and (shades of Harold's Purple Crayon) begins to write himself a life, a personality, a world, and ultimately, a future.
So maybe the unpredictability and the instability that Leavitt writes about is really...well, about writing. About never knowing what will jump out of your pen next.
<
March 10, 2011
I thought this was a good book for the 12 year old age range, which is exactly what I expected when I read the back and bought the book, so no big surprises there.
While the 'mystery' of Tom's life wasn't such a big mystery -- the author drops some pretty heavy hints after all -- it was still intriguing to watch Tom go through his life on the streets, making friends, and trying to find Daniel.
On a shallow note, I really liked the fact that this book was clearly Canadian, set in Canada with small Canadian references. If I had to guess, I'd say Calgary from the names of the LRT stations, but I could be wrong.
It was a bit short. I would have liked to have known what happened to Tom afterward. It felt like a bit of an abrupt ending. But then, perhaps going on would have either been too depressing or too pat, so I can understand why the author chose to stop where they did.
While the 'mystery' of Tom's life wasn't such a big mystery -- the author drops some pretty heavy hints after all -- it was still intriguing to watch Tom go through his life on the streets, making friends, and trying to find Daniel.
On a shallow note, I really liked the fact that this book was clearly Canadian, set in Canada with small Canadian references. If I had to guess, I'd say Calgary from the names of the LRT stations, but I could be wrong.
It was a bit short. I would have liked to have known what happened to Tom afterward. It felt like a bit of an abrupt ending. But then, perhaps going on would have either been too depressing or too pat, so I can understand why the author chose to stop where they did.
November 4, 2013
MARTINE LEAVITT REQUIREMENT
This book was okay. I didn't feel a real sense of resolution at the end, which is alright, I suppose. I did enjoy that it was an exploration of self. I mean, think about it: if you woke up having no idea who you were, you'd have to take the time to remember things like: I'm a good speller, a bad basketball player, etc. It's a rediscovery.
I'm interested why the driving motif in the book had to do with the magic flute as it didn't seem so parallel that Tom Finder was a retelling or interpretation of The Magic Flute.
I enjoyed the poetic nature of Tom's thoughts and writings. That's what bumped it up to 3 stars for me. As far as the plot goes, I;d say it was 2 stars.
This book was okay. I didn't feel a real sense of resolution at the end, which is alright, I suppose. I did enjoy that it was an exploration of self. I mean, think about it: if you woke up having no idea who you were, you'd have to take the time to remember things like: I'm a good speller, a bad basketball player, etc. It's a rediscovery.
I'm interested why the driving motif in the book had to do with the magic flute as it didn't seem so parallel that Tom Finder was a retelling or interpretation of The Magic Flute.
I enjoyed the poetic nature of Tom's thoughts and writings. That's what bumped it up to 3 stars for me. As far as the plot goes, I;d say it was 2 stars.
August 15, 2012
I would give this book a 3.5. I was recommended to this book by a highschooler I work with. It was one of his assigned readings, so I was curious as to what kind of books they were reading in English class these days! Memory loss, living on the streets, street violence, substance abuse, prostitution, domestic violence.....all this included in a highschool read. Things have sure changed....
Overall, it was well written, interesting, relevent to society today and produced an important message. I can see why it was picked for an English class.
Overall, it was well written, interesting, relevent to society today and produced an important message. I can see why it was picked for an English class.
October 26, 2010
i loved the way the author made a new kind of thought to drugs and such though i really didn't like the ending i now that Janice didn't have a good ending she couldn't. and i dind't know those other characters but still...
i knew the moment Tom saw Pam that they were going to end up together though.
at first i thought Tom had no parents but i guess having a mom that uses forget and having to live with her abusive boyfriend kinda fits my idea.
i knew the moment Tom saw Pam that they were going to end up together though.
at first i thought Tom had no parents but i guess having a mom that uses forget and having to live with her abusive boyfriend kinda fits my idea.
December 12, 2013
This is about a 15 year old boy named Tom, who finds himself on the streets of Calgary having no memory of who he is. All he has is a first name, a piece of candy, a notebook with notes all over it about "The Magic Flute", and blood on his jean. he need to make a new identity. during his rediscovery he goes in and out of the fantastic with hopes that he will once again be back home with his family, normal and happy.
July 23, 2015
At first I thought the kid got raped and that's why he lost his memory from a traumatic experience. I'm glad that's not what happened. I didn't like the very end, it ended so abrupt. There's some unanswered questions, like did Tom and Pam become gf and bf or even if they stayed friends? Did Tom ever end up writing and selling his story to that business guy he meets at the park? Did Jeans get back home or did he end up missing his flight?
November 11, 2008
Once again, Martine Leavitt has weaved an unforgettable tale. Tom Finder doesn't remember who he is, where he came from or if he is 'nice'. He has a backpack, notebook and pencil and he invents himself through writing in his notebook. It is a tale of courage and of sadness. I felt for this poor teenage boy and his circumstances.
April 25, 2008
I don't know why Martine Leavitt's books are so hard to find. Her writing is consistently beautiful and perfectly crafted. I prefer her fantasy-writing, but I liked this a lot anyway, just because I love her style.
June 2, 2008
The story of Tom, an amnesiac boy who finds himself on the streets of Calgary. He’s dubbed Tom Finder by Samuel Wolflegs, a First Nations man who is looking for his son, Daniel. Tom believes that he will be able to find his home after he finds Daniel. Throughline of gravity—so beautifully done.
November 15, 2009
Tom forgot his past and lives on the streets to find himself (partly using a notebook, partly with Mozart’s Magic Flute), and helps find a man find his son.
Great first and last lines. Great example of a climax scene--where the character is in an extreme life threatening situation.
Great first and last lines. Great example of a climax scene--where the character is in an extreme life threatening situation.
April 21, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Tom's journey of self discovery among the homeless youth of his city. This book had powerful moments and brought to life a community that often does not have a voice. I found this book difficult to put down and read it all in one sitting.
June 25, 2009
Hmmm.... not exactly what I thought it was going to be about. Tragic yet empowering. Interesting read. I mean, I finished it right?!? lol
April 15, 2008
A very tightly constructed, interesting book. I was surprised over and over. I particularly loved the spelling motif, and the sunbather in the park.
April 22, 2014
Homelessness, YA, memory loss, identity.
August 24, 2008
One of the shortlisted titles for the CLA Young Adult Book Award in 2004.
April 10, 2010
I like how this author writes.
it was a good book. kind of sad to read, but mainly because I don't think about street people as often as I should! gave me a new perspective.
it was a good book. kind of sad to read, but mainly because I don't think about street people as often as I should! gave me a new perspective.
January 31, 2011
very good. symbolic of society being 'lost'. portrays our typically negative regard for homelessness
April 23, 2011
Martine Leavitt has such a beautiful way with words.
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August 5, 2011This is a great book! I read it aloud to my Grade 8 class and they loved it and begged me to keep reading as the end of each session drew near!
May 9, 2012
So stupid. Don't ever read it!
November 22, 2013
Very well done. The characters were very interesting and the book kept me reading until I finished it. I just had to find out who Tom Finder was.
July 21, 2010
Excellent story about life on the streets, self-worth, and the power of words.
April 14, 2008
Fantastic. I don't know what it is about the way M. Leavitt writes, but she is amazing.
July 7, 2010
This is definitely not something I normally read, but it was intriguing and ended well.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews