Week One
We Are Water Protectors
Written by: Carole Lindstrom
illustrated by: Michaela Goade
Summary:
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We Are Water Protectors is an incredible children's book that follows the Anishinaabe tribes. "In Ojibwe culture, women are the protectors of the water and men are the protectors of fire" (Lindstrom, 2020). The story is written from the point of view of a little girl who learned more about the importance of saving water and the environment through her Nokomis, or grandmother. Her ancestors spoke of the "black snake" that would poison the water which in return would destroy the Earth. The "black snake" is representative of the oil pipelines. The little girl rallies her people together to fight and protect the Earth's most important resource: water. Lindstrom and Goade convey the importance of conservation and supporting indigenous tribes through beautiful pictures and words in this story. At the end of the book, there are two pages that educate the reader about the Anishinaabe tribes and a pledge for students, which I have posted below.
Personal Opinion:
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I loved this children's book. I believe that it is so important to not only educate students on the importance of taking care of our planet, but also on different cultures. Students will be intrigued with the beautiful watercolor illustrations and the repetition seen in the text. The story repeated "We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here" throughout the story to show the significance of the Anishinaabe tribes' beliefs. The story ends with a powerful call to action which is illustrated below. The image shows that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference. Taking care of the Earth is a humanitarian issue that is close to my heart like it is to many others. Lindstrom and Goade challenge the readers to join together and fight to save the Earth alongside of the characters. I am very excited to use this book in my future classroom to create a sense of community and to show students the importance of taking care of the planet we live on.
Connection:
After reading the introduction chapter of Reading To Make A Difference: Using Literature To Help Students Speak Freely, Think Deeply, and Take Action by Lester Laminack and Katie Kelly, I was able to read We Are Water Protectors and gain a new perspective. Laminack and Kelly spoke of the idea of using "Books as Mirrors" and "Books as Windows" (Laminack & Kelly, 2019). These concepts parallel each other. A book can be used as a mirror for a child to feel "comfortable and safe" when they find similarities between themselves and the character. A story is used as a window when it allows for the student to learn about someone or something "unfamiliar to them". (Laminack & Kelly, 2019) It is important to have a mix of both of these types of books in your classroom library especially books as windows. By providing students with stories where they learn about a different culture or perspective, they are able to build empathy and understanding. When a child reads a book, they automatically try to put themselves in the main character's shoes. It is a teacher's responsibility to provide them with books where they can gain insight about different cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and beliefs. This will not only build empathy in your students, but also strengthen your classroom community.
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In the story, We Are Water Protectors, we are educated on a different culture and belief through a little girl's eyes. Those who do not identify as a Native American will be able to use this book as a window into their culture and feelings. The last few pages of the book educate the reader on the different tribes and their beliefs.
Students will be able to relate to the girl age wise and see how they can rally and help to change a big humanitarian problem. Students who identify as Native American are able to use this story as a mirror and feel represented in the storybook and your classroom.
Lastly, the introduction chapter spoke about how you can use a book to change gender stereotypes. In the story, We Are Water Protectors, the little girl is not the damsel in distress. She is the hero of the story who rises up and fights against the problem in the story. It is important to show little girls and boys that they can rise up and make a difference in the world and that gender stereotypes are simply stereotypes and can be broken.
Sources:
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Laminack, L. L., & Kelly, K. (2019). Reading to make a difference: Using literature to
help students speak freely, think deeply, and take action. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
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Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2020). We are water protectors. New York: Roaring
Brook Press.
Is this
story
Culturally Authentic?
We are Water Protectors is culturally authentic because it is written and illustrated by women who are apart of different Native American Tribes. The author is apart of the Ojibwe tribe which is where the women are Water Protectors. The author uses culturally authentic language and includes a glossary to teach the reader. More about the culture is found in the back of the book.
