We Are Water Protectors

A young Indigenous girl learns from her grandmother about their people's prophecy of a black snake that threatens their water and land. Through vibrant watercolor illustrations and powerful narration, she shares her community's connection to water and their determination to protect it. The book draws direct inspiration from the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock Reservation. Author Carole Lindstrom (Ojibwe) and illustrator Michaela Goade (Tlingit and Haida) bring their Indigenous perspectives to this story of environmental activism. This picture book speaks to universal themes of environmental stewardship, community action, and the protection of natural resources. It connects traditional Indigenous prophecy with contemporary environmental challenges, offering children a framework for understanding their role in protecting the Earth's resources.

Readers appreciate the book's message about environmental protection and indigenous perspectives, with parents and teachers noting it opens discussions with children about water conservation and pipeline impacts. The watercolor illustrations receive frequent mentions in reviews for their flowing style and emotional resonance. Liked: - Age-appropriate handling of serious topics - Connection to real environmental issues - Indigenous representation and cultural elements - Quality of illustrations Disliked: - Some found it too political for young children - A few readers wanted more concrete action steps - Several mentioned it was shorter than expected Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (100+ ratings) Sample review: "Beautiful artwork and important message. My 5-year-old asks questions about protecting our water after reading this." - Goodreads reviewer "The metaphor of the black snake might be scary for very young readers" - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 The book won the prestigious 2021 Caldecott Medal, making illustrator Michaela Goade the first Indigenous artist to receive this honor 🔹 The "black snake" metaphor refers specifically to the Dakota Access Pipeline, which sparked major protests at Standing Rock Reservation in 2016-2017 🔹 Author Carole Lindstrom is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and was inspired by her own participation in the Standing Rock protests 🔹 The distinctive blue-and-white watercolor illustrations honor the Ojibwe people's traditional prophecy of the Seven Fires, which warns of threats to Mother Earth 🔹 Following the book's success, Lindstrom collaborated with several Indigenous youth groups to create water protection educational programs in schools