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We Are Water Protectors

(Caldecott Medal Winner)

Written by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade

Roaring Brook Press

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ISBN10: 1250203554
ISBN13: 9781250203557

Hardcover

40 Pages

$17.99

CA$24.50

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Winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal
Winner of the Jane Addams Book for Younger Children Award
Winner of the Kids’ Book Choice Awards
A Selection for the ALSC Notable Children's Books List
A Selection for the ALA Rise List

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

Reviews

Praise for We Are Water Protectors

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

"This book celebrates indigenous-led movements to protect our planet's water. With gorgeous illustrations, it gives readers a sense of our connectivity."—Romper.com

"Flowing words by Carole Lindstrom and lush art by Michaela Goade appear in immaculate synchronicity on every page of We Are Water Protectors."Shelf Awareness

"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."Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This book will both educate and inspire youth."School Library Journal

"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."Booklist (starred review)

"A gorgeous and empowering picture book with an urgent environmental plea."BookPage (starred review)

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

MEDIA

Watch

We Are Water Protectors Earth Day Event with Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

Join Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade for an event celebrating the release of their book WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS.

About the author

Written by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade

Carole Lindstrom is Anishinabe/Métis and is a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. She was born and raised in Nebraska and currently makes her home in Maryland. She is the author of We Are Water Protectors and Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle. carolelindstrom.com

Michaela Goade is a Caldecotte Medal-winning illustrator and graphic designer living and working in Juneau, Alaska, where she was also raised. Forever inspired by the coastal wilds of Southeast Alaska, she works to capture its magic and honor its vibrant cultures. Michaela is from the Raven moiety and Kiks.ádi Clan from Sitka, Alaska. She is the illustrator of We Are Water Protectors, I Sang You Down from the Moon, Encounter, and Raven & the Tide Lady. michaelagoade.com

Sydney Akagi

Reading Guide

For Parents and Educators

Get the Activity Guide

Download the We Are Water Protectors projects for children to do at home and in the classroom

Download PDF

OTHER GUIDES

Reading Group Guide