Book Review: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Who protects the things that cannot speak for themselves? A young water protector narrates the responsibility that not only her people but all have to help protect our natural resources, like water, from forces that may harm, such as the Black Snake. This book also includes pages that give an explanation of the Ojibwe tradition of Water Protectors as well as the oil pipeline that is represented by the Black Snake. There is also a glossary of native terms, a note from the illustrator, and a pledge that can be signed by the reader (if it is a personal copy). 

The pages are covered in beautifully colored illustrations. The brush strokes give a sense of movement and depth to the scenes on the pages. The detail given to each page shows the connection of the narrator to her people, surroundings, and the Earth. As each generation takes on the responsibility, each time their pledge is recited the peoples illustrated become representative of that generation. The Black Snake is illustrated in a way that shows the fierceness and the danger of it without being overly abstract so that readers can make a connection to what it actually represents. This book allows for conversations at all ages of environmental factors, renewable resources, water conservation, and community service.

"Goade’s watercolor illustrations fill the spreads with streaming ribbons of water, cosmic backdrops, and lush natural landscapes, sometimes intercut by the harsh red that comes with the black snake—depicted literally, towering over people of many nations, who link hands in solidarity. Lindstrom’s spare, poetic text flows with the “river’s rhythm,” periodically stopping to beat out the refrain, “We stand / With our songs / And our drums. / We are still here.” — Ronny Khuri, Booklist Review 

Book Information:

Lindstrom, C. (2020). We are water protectors. Ill by. Michaela Goade. New York: Roaring Book Press. IBSN 9781250203557 

Book Activities:

Activity Kit from Macmillan Publishers