We Are Water Protectors

An indigenous girl explains why water is sacred and that the "Black Snake" (pipelines) will destroy the earth. She takes up a rallying cry with her people to defend water and the planet.

• Fiction
• Notable Children's Books 2021, Randolph Caldecott Medal 2021 (Medal Winner)
• Age: Younger
• Format: Book
• ISBN: 9781250203557

Notes

From the 2021 Caldecott press release:  Michaela Goade’s vivid, swirling watercolors capture the sacredness of water and amplify Carole Lindstrom’s passionate call to action and celebration of Indigenous ancestry and community.

Rich symbolism and repeating floral patterns appear alongside distinctive colors and atmospheric light to tenderly frame the defiant young protagonist standing up against the real-life horrors of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“Michaela Goade’s semi-translucent color palette beautifully bathes every page with powerful illustrations,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Annisha Jeffries.