★“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.” Through my peoples’ veins.School Library Journal Best Books of 2020Ĭhicago Public Library Best of the Best 2020 Favorite Quote: “The river runs through our veins. A mirror book for indigenous peoples and a sliding door for others, it is a perfect mentor text for Earth Day, Indigenous Peoples month, or to explore topics of indigenous cultures and rights, stewardship, activism, environmentalism, social justice, and children using their voice to create changes. It will help children understand important environmental concerns, the connectedness of nature, and the story of Standing Rock. Additionally, there are a variety of literary elements in this appealing book perfect for teaching.
The method by which Goade utilized her artistic craft to reveal the culture, setting, plot, the power and strength of our young protagonist, and the interrelatedness of the creatures of the Earth is amazing. The illustrator fittingly uses watercolor as a medium to depict a wonder-filled variety of beautifully detailed images that are intriguing to both young and older readers. She made history as the first nonwhite woman, first indigenous woman, and the first BIPOC woman to win the Caldecott Medal (2021) ever in 83 years.The artistic technique utilized, and cultural pictorial interpretation of the story, theme, and concept is excellent. Illustrator, Michaela Goade, Sitka, of Tlingit descent, tribally enrolled with the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska was a perfect choice for this work. This story is a call for awareness, indigenous rights, social justice, and a call to action to the reader.Critical Analysis:It is easy to see how this creatively presented picture book was awarded the Caldecott Medal identifying it as a “distinguished American picture book for children”. She leads with a pro-Earth charge to “Stand with and for the water”, and “for the land.” To stand as one and courageously fight against the black snake that endangers her people. When the black snake arrives and threatens to destroy the land and poison the water, our young protagonist, a water protector, is compelled to rally her people and fight against it. Her ancestors have taught her to be a steward of the Earth.
“Water is life, “sacred”, and the “first medicine.” It is “Spirit” and nourishes us. We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom, is a magnificently illustrated story told from the point of view of a contemporary indigenous girl who reveals what she has learned from her grandmother about what (and who) water is.
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