Book Review: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

We Are Water Protectors

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lindstrom, C. (2020). We Are Water Protectors. Roaring Book Press.

Goade, M. (2020). We Are Water Protectors. by Carole Lindstrom. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9781250203557

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This inspiring book features "the connection between her (the author's) culture and the land, speaking for all the voices that cannot speak for themselves." This book emphasizes the experiences of indigenous peoples of the past, present and future specifically regarding water. The oil pipelines that threaten the water supply are referred to as the "black snake." This book teaches the reader about the important of protecting water sources as a way of practicality, but also honor and heritage to their culture. The narrator is an indigenous girl who is being taught by a mentor named Nokomis. It is very clear that Nokomis is an educator of her people inspiring them to take care of their land and water, ensuring health and life for future generations. The book portrays a young girl developing her education and conviction, becoming brave and thus a Water Protector.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is written simply and beautifully, resembling poetry or a song. There is a repeating statement, "We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here." This renews the importance of the topic, in a protest like fashion. It also restates the ownership of this topic from people of the past and current people. The book is written in different points of view, but told by the same girl. The writing is engaging and effective in teaching the reader about who the Water Protectors are and why their cause and effort is justified and so important. This book includes a substantial amount of information on water, the indigenous led movements across North America, examples of further reading and a glossary of terms.

The illustrations in this book are exquisite. The reading will need to stop to marvel at the page. The combination of the fluid, poetic writing and the beautiful illustrations is more than memorable, making it an unforgettable book. The use of color lends to the emotion that is felt in the book. The illustration are water color like with the illustrator adding aspects of floral prints and unexpected additions that make the reader want to think deeper and analyze them. The expression and emotion in the pages is palpable. This book is an amazing example of a Caldecott Medal winning book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"This book will both educate and inspire youth." - School Library Journal

Kirkus Prize Finalist

#1 New York Times Best Seller

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner

NPR Best Book of the Year

NYPL Best Books for the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

Shelf Awareness Best Books of the Year

School Library Best Books of the Year

5. CONNECTIONS

*This would be effective in teaching about indigenous people, respect for the land and the historical fight for water.

*Use as a model text for literary or artistic aspects

*Other books by Carole Lindstrom regarding the topic:

Autumn Peltier, Water Protector

 

ISBN 9781250203557