We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (Ojibwe), illustrated by Michaela Goade (Tlingit). PreK - 5th Grade. 40 pages. Roaring Brook Press, 2020. Review copy provided by my local library.
This gorgeous book, inspired by many Native-led demonstrations, urges readers to treasure and protect the Earth's most precious resource, our water. With lyrical text and stunning watercolor illustrations, this magnificent book celebrates people standing against pipelines and other threats to our planet's water. This is an important book with an urgent environmental message that's perfect for young environmentalists. It's also important representation for Native American children and families. A repeating chorus of "We stand / with our songs / and our drums. / We are still here." reminds readers that Native Nations still exist. The illustrations include a wide variety of Native people, including indigenous people with light skin and hair.
If you display or promote books about Native nations during November and all times of year, this is a book that needs to be among them. It's a book that I purchased for my personal collection and when a librarian says that, it means a lot. It'll also be on my gift lists this holiday season, for sure. Your library shelves need this book!
