We are Water Protectors blends traditional storytelling techniques with environmental activism surrounding the events and issues of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Author Carole Lindstrom’s work centers around an Ojibwe girl who explains the depths of the situation and how readers may take action to protect the water. Young audiences will be moved by the stunning animations and thematic music. It will no doubt be a wonderful tool to bring about deeper conversations on environmental issues, the systemic obstacles faced by Indigenous peoples, and how even children can take action to protect the Earth.
Lindstrom narrates the read along and her voice resonates with a powerful assertion that individuals must join together to protect the water. The prose is matched in tone and impact with beautiful illustrations from Michaela Goade and animation that bring the action to life, creating a sense of urgency and community. A driving force behind this read-along is the music composed by Ernest Troost with Native American flutes performed by Don Markese. The heartbeat-style drumline propels the water-evoking flutes forward with a strong musical analogy on the life-giving properties of water.
We are Water Protectors is a timely and poignant read-along that inspires action on the issues surrounding oil pipelines. Author Carole Lindstrom has a clear stance on the human and environmental threats associated with the pipeline and calls upon the readers to enact change to protect the water and life. We are Water Protectors does not introduce the violence around the pipeline nor the political obstacles that have allowed the construction to continue. This allows children of younger ages to grasp the basics of the situation, however, older children would benefit from further discussion and media. The work invokes action through the repetition of the call to action for children to engage with their community on environmental issues and enact change to protect the water. Recommended. Aud. K, E, P.