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WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS
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About This Book
Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption—a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . . When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people’s water, one young water protector Takes a s
Our Review
This powerful picture book delivers an urgent environmental message through the lens of Indigenous wisdom, framing water as sacred medicine that connects all living beings. When a threatening "black snake" emerges to poison the water supply, a young protagonist steps forward as a water protector, rallying her community to defend this vital resource. The narrative weaves together ecological awareness with cultural teachings, creating an accessible introduction to environmental justice for young readers. Michaela Goade's Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations flow across pages with stunning watercolor landscapes that visually embody the book's central theme.
What distinguishes this work is how it transforms complex issues of pipeline protests and water conservation into a resonant, empowering story for children. The lyrical text and vibrant artwork work in perfect harmony, making abstract concepts tangible while celebrating Indigenous leadership in environmental movements. Families seeking meaningful conversations about stewardship, activism, and respecting natural resources will find this book particularly valuable. Long after the final page, the call to protect our water lingers with quiet power, planting seeds of responsibility in the next generation of earth defenders.
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