We are Water Protectors

 Module 1: Book Review 1

Bibliography	Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2020). We are water protectors. First edition. Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing. ISBN 1250203554
Plot Summary	We are Water Protectors won the 2021 Caldecott Medal. In this story, a young Ojibwa girl learns the importance of water from her tribe's elders. When the “black snake” comes, she rallies her tribe to fight against it. The “black snake” is corrupting their water supply, which is harming people, animals, and their land as it travels through. This courageous girl stands up for those who cannot speak for themselves. She and her tribe are seeking protection for Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants.
Critical Analysis	We are Water Protectors is a beautifully illustrated book that will inspire children to help protect our water from harm and corruption. This picture book was written by Carole Lindstrom to feel poetic to the reader. I felt as if I could read it to a beating drum to make the words be felt by my children. This story is inspired by the Dakota Access oil pipeline that threatened the environment and water sources located on the Native lands. The illustrator, Michaela Goade, did a brilliant job in making it to where children of all ages could understand that this pipeline was dangerous. When the word snake is said their reactions are to say that snakes are scary, dangerous and not safe. Children can picture this “black snake” coming into their own land and disrupting all life around us.  The art work is beautifully done and keeps the reader captivated in following the “black snake” and trying to understand what the little girl is going to do. In the illustrations, we can see traces of the culture and feel the fear and love from the tribe as they are trying to protect Mother Earth.  This inspiring book has won several awards. It is a Caldecott Medal Winner, Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner, Kirkus Prize Finalist, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, A NYPL Best Book of the Year, A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year, A School, Library Journal Best Book of the Year and A NPR Best Book of the Year.
Review Excerpts	“Powerful…. Goade’s illustrations combine a mystical mood with the lovely fierceness of a child seeking justice.” ―The New York Times “This book will both educate and inspire youth.” ―School Library Journal
Connections	Earth Day could relate to how the Native girl is trying to keep her home safe and clean for people and animals.  Have students think of ways to make a difference in your community. Learn more about the Ojibwa culture or other local Native American Tribes. Relate it to big problems going on locally, statewide, or worldwide.  Learn about how to be a leader who makes a difference and other children in the world who are fighting for change.