We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade, and published by Roaring Brook Press, is the Winner in the Books for Younger Children category.

We Are Water Protectors empowers the reader to stand up for environmental justice and one of the most important elements for our survival – water.  The story, with its foundation taken from the 2016 Standing Rock protests in the Dakotas, takes place on Indigenous land and reminds us “we are stewards of the Earth and that together we must fight to protect our planet’s sacred water.”  Fighting against the arrival of an oil pipeline, the female main character, literally and metaphorically, stands up against the evil “black snake” calling on us all to embrace that “we are water protectors. WE STAND.”  Goade, through vibrant watercolors, communicates the clear and imminent necessity of communities standing together in solidarity for our world.  Young readers are called to respond passionately by joining the stand, pledging to become water protectors and earth stewards. 

Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Award: 2021 Winner Book for Younger Children

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