Book Review of We Are Water Protectors

Book Review of We Are Water Protectors


BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lindstrom, Carole. 2020. WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS. Ill. by Michaela Goade. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781250780997

 

PLOT SUMMARY

A young girl explains the importance of water through the eyes of an indigenous culture. She tells an ancient story of her people that forecasts the arrival in the future of a black snake that will do great harm to the water and the land. Originally, the story says that the black snake will not arrive for many years. Now though, the black snake has arrived in the form of an oil pipeline. She rallies her people to protect the land and its inhabitants against the “black snake.”  

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is targeted for elementary age students, but its message is meaningful for all ages. Carole Lindstrom’s writing is thoughtful and moving. It explains how humans are connected to the world around them- the land, the plants, the animals, and especially the water. Lindstrom’s writing is like a poem or a song that resonates with the reader.   

 

Michaela Goade’s artwork is beautiful and flows from page to page like water. The colors are bright and vivid. White space is used skillfully to enhance the colors and action happening in the pictures that reinforce the text.   

 

This book will appeal to children simply on the merits of its writing and art, but it has so much more to offer in the way of teaching. Areas of content instruction that this book can be used to introduce and/or support include social studies, ecology and environmentalism, civil rights, social justice, and other areas of activism.  

 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2021 Caldecott Medal Winner

2021 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner

Finalist for the 2020 Kirkus Prize in the Young Readers’ Literature category

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “An accessible introduction to environmental issues combined with beautiful illustrations, this book will both educate and inspire youth.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “While the text draws on specific cultural beliefs, its argument is universal: “We are stewards of the Earth.”.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*This is a book that will start excellent conversations about environmental conservation.

*There are a large number of excellent books written by indigenous people that can be used to expand awareness of multiculturalism and diversity.

*Youth activism appeals to many of our students. Books related to this area include:

Johnson, Chelsea. INTERSECTIONALLIES: WE MAKE ROOM FOR ALL. ISBN 9781948340083

Joyner, Andrew. STAND UP! SPEAK UP! ISBN 9780593301586

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