We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

 

We Are Water Protectors

written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

Caledcott Medal 

Summary:

        This stunning picture book follows an indigenous girl (Ojibwe) as she recalls her grandmother telling her about a "black snake" that will come to poison their water supply. The book focuses on the sanctity and importance of nature and remaining steadfast in our efforts to preserve the natural supply.

Justification:

        A library should add this book to its collection because it is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights a part of indigenous people's history that kids may not be familiar with. The book received the Caldecott Medal, making the author the first indigenous author to win the award. 

Illustrations:

        This is an absolutely gorgeous book. The colors are vibrant, and the brush strokes sweep off the page. Even if a young child did not quite understand the purpose of the book, I think they would find the artwork mesmerizing. There is no doubt why this book won the Caldecott Medal - it is a visually stunning and groundbreaking book. 

Accuracy:

        Since this book is directly told by a descendant of the Ojibwe tribe, it is safe to say that this is an accurate retelling of the event. I have no doubt that the author's family passed down this narrative as is told in the book.

Style and language:

        This book uses very few words, but the ones that are used pack a lot of meaning. This is a very simply written tale that even the youngest elementary kids could understand. The words on the page are mostly spoken words between the main character and her grandmother, giving younger students something to relate to, even if they may be unfamiliar with the indigenous experience.

Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2023). We are water protectors. Findaway World, LLC.