We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Illustrated by Michaela Goade

 

Bibliography:

Lindstrom, Carole. 2020. WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS. Ill. by Michaela Goage. Roaring Brook Press. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN: 1250203554.

Plot Summary:

The inspiration for this book is from the different Indigenous-led movements across North America. It addresses the urgent issues of the Earth's water becoming corrupt and harmful to everyone and everything on this planet. The book is written in a beautiful lyrical voice common to Indigenous storytelling. The book uses the black snake to represent the Dakota Access Line and its movement.

Critical Analysis:

 Lindstrom’s writing is lyrical and has the essence of sitting around with an elder and hearing an old story. It speaks of the importance of water to us all “Water is the first medicine.

It affects and connects us all . . .”. It speaks to what water is to us all from the beginning of our life and throughout Earth’s history. In this book, there isn’t a typical story but it away it shows us (the people) as the characters and the plot is that the black snake is corrupting our water, and it will harm the world if nothing is done to stop the black snake.

 Michaela Goage’s illustrations add to the story and really bring it all together with beautiful illustrations of the Earth and animals. The imagery in this book ties it all together by showing the flow of all things on either and how the black snake is impacting the water all around us. The illustration of the black snake is truly amazing as it has the characteristics of a snake, yet you can tell it represents pipes. I think the illustration is what really makes this book stand out even more because it is very impactful.

 I really like how at the end of the book they added information about Water Protectors, as well as future reading ideas and a glossary.

Review Excerpt(s):

This book received The Caldecott Medal and was a #1 New York Bestseller.

"Powerful...Goade’s illustrations combine a mystical mood with the lovely fierceness of a child seeking justice." ―The New York Times

*"In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice. An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet."―starred review, Kirkus Reviews

*"Goade’s watercolor illustrations fill the spreads with streaming ribbons of water, cosmic backdrops, and lush natural landscapes.... Lindstrom’s spare, poetic text flows with the “river’s rhythm." Written in response to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, famously protested by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe―and others―these pages carry grief, but it is overshadowed by hope in what is an unapologetic call to action." ―starred review, Booklist

*"Observation is not enough, the book communicates: action is necessary... A passionate call for environmental stewardship." ―starred review, Publishers Weekly

Connections:

·         You could use this book for a variety of lessons such as:

o   Lyrical writing

o   Metaphors

o   Earth Day

o   Teaching about a specific cultural aspect of Indigenous people

·         You could also gather other books illustrated by Michaela Goade. She is an up-and-coming Indigenous illustrator. You could use her books in a variety of culture lessons as well as art depiction lessons.