Stolen Words

by Melanie Florence

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Sep 05 2017 | Archive Date Jun 30 2017

Second Story Press

Children's Fiction | Multicultural Interest

Description

The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language, Cree, he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This sensitive, beautifully illustrated picture book explores the intergenerational impact of Canada's residential school system, which separated young Indigenous children from their families.

The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language, Cree, he admits that his language was stolen...

A Note From the Publisher

Note: The finished printed picture book contains 24 pages. The PDF, which contains 13 digital pages, is designed to reflect the printed reading experience. Please do not include interior images in your review without permission from the publisher.

Note on the text: The final text for Stolen Words will differ slightly from this advance copy:

1.The Cree words used in the text will have the following accents:
"Tânisi, nimosôm, she said." (note: nimosôm will not be capitalized)
"Nôsisim, he whispered."
"Pîkiskwêwina."
"Têniki, he said."

2. The copyright page of the book will include a special thanks to Arok Wolvengrey, Professor, Algonquian Languages and Linguistics and Department Head of Indigenous Languages, Arts and Cultures First Nations University of Canada.

About the Author: Melanie Florence is an award-winning Cree/Scottish writer. Her book Jordin Tootoo: The Highs and Lows in the Journey of the First Inuk to Play in the NHL was chosen as an Honor Book by The American Indian Library Association. Her first picture book, Missing Nimama, won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. She is also the author of Righting Canada’s Wrongs: Residential Schools and several YA novels, including The Missing.

Note: The finished printed picture book contains 24 pages. The PDF, which contains 13 digital pages, is designed to reflect the printed reading experience. Please do not include interior images in...

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781772600377
PRICE	$17.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 58 members

See all member reviews

Featured Reviews

Emily M, Reviewer

A short but extremely powerful book about a young girl and her grandfather. Her grandfather's language - Cree - was taken from him as a child, and now his granddaughter wants to help him reclaim it.

I don't think a book this short has ever had such an emotional effect on me. I was blinking back tears for the entire thirteen pages. It's truly disturbing that this tale was the reality for many indigenous children.

Was this review helpful?

Pilar O, Reviewer

A beautiful illustrated book. A touching, powerful short story about a little girl and her grandfather, who was taken away from his home and separated from his family as a child, whose culture and language were stolen.

It reflects the pain of Indigenous people, and makes clear that your language is much more than a bunch of words for it's part of your identity.

Was this review helpful?

Meg O, Librarian

This is an absolute must purchase for your library's children's collection! The story and the illustrations are breathtaking. A story of an irrevocable loss; the grandfather in the story explains to his granddaughter why he cannot teach her Cree and the images of how the words were stolen from him and his people are stunning and unforgettable. The story ends in hope and there is an impression of peace as the granddaughter and grandfather walk hand in hand. This story will stay with you and should be shared!

Was this review helpful?

Librarian 360748

Not set

This is a touching and wonderful book about the a little girl helping her grandfather learn to speak Cree.. His native tongue that was '"stolen" from him through the residential program that seperated Americna Indian/First nation children from their families and their culture. This book ishould be on every elementary school library shelf in this country and Canada.

Not set

Was this review helpful?

Misty H, Librarian

Amazing book! The illustrations fit this book perfectly. Beautiful. The words in the book are powerful and emotional. I will be buying this book for my Goddaughter who is Cree.

Thanks NetGalley for loaning me this book.

Was this review helpful?

Mo C, Reviewer

beautiful read

A beautifully written and illustrated book for children.

Melanie Florence has written what she knows, as a writer of Cree and Scottish heritage based in Toronto, Canada.
Melanie is the author of other children books which are certainly worth having a look at and adding to your childs collection. www.melanieflorence.com.