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“We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here.“

I think this story shows a great connection for children and the ability to have courage and stand for the things you belive in for your community.

This book was written in 2020. It is a caldacautte winner. The story is shown through moving text and beautiful illustrations. It is the story of an indigenous-led movement that shows the impact of a child wanting the best for her people and community. It shows children the connection of community and courage.

“We stand like water that will not tip or break.”

I can use this story to teach my students the importance of protecting water and using it appropriately. My students will learn how to be environmentally responsible and be aware that water is a resource that is used by everyone.

This story was published in 2020 and is in the Caldecott genre. This book follows a young Indigenous girl who stands up to protect the resource of water. This book explores the spiritual and cultural significance of water in Indigenous communities. The main character warns the readers about the “black snake”—a metaphor for oil pipelines that can cause destruction by poisoning the water, harming the environment, and disrespecting sacred lands.

“The black snake is in for the fight of its life“

This book includes a story about a group of people who are fighting to keep away the “black snake“ or oil pipelines that destroy dinking water and animal habitats. This story can be used to inspire students to take a stance for environmental causes and protecting the planet that we live on.

“Now the black snake is here. Its venom burns the land. Courses through the water, making it unfit to drink“

Students could engage in discussions about what the “big black snake“ that is threatening the girl and her community. Students can also talk about important issues in their life that they feel strongly about and work to find ways to advocate for positive climate change.

We Are the Water Protectors is a lyrical, empowering story that celebrates Indigenous traditions and the vital call to protect our planet‘s water. With vibrant, flowing illustrations, it inspires children to honor nature and stand together for what matters most.
Genre: Caldecott Medal winner

Caldecott Award Winner, Published 2020. This story follows a young Chippewa girl who is struggling with how to keep her home safe from the “big black snake“ that is threatening their water supply. This is a powerful story in standing up for what is right and how your voice does matter.

“We are water protectors. We stand together in unity, fighting for what is right.“

I could use this book to teach students about different cultures and the different things they do in order to protect the environment. I could also use this book to encourage students to come up with different ideas on how they can protect the environment individually and initiatives the entire class can partake in.

“TAKE COURAGE! I must keep the black snake away from my village‘s water. I must rally my people together!”

“We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here. We are water protectors.“

“We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here.”

I could use this book with my students to teach them about the oil leak in the water, but I can also show them how communities come together and can protect our environment. It is so important to keep our communities and world safe and preserve what we have. This will teach my students to protect our resources and nature and how important that is. There are so many activities that could be done regarding this.

This is a Caldecott Award winning book published in 2020. This book would be good to used to teach students about the protection of our planet and the different ways people honor and appreciate our earth.

Published in 2020, We Are Water Protectors won the 2021 Caldecott Medal for its stunning illustrations by Michaela Goade. This book is a powerful and timely story about protecting water and the environment. With vibrant artwork and lyrical text, it inspires children to value nature, stand up for the Earth, and honor Indigenous voices and traditions.

This story is a great read for all elementary grades. Its poetic language and striking illustrations introduce students to environmental stewardship and Indigenous perspectives on caring for the Earth. Teachers can use the story to spark discussions in older grades about natural resources, community activism, and respect for cultural traditions, while also connecting to science and social studies standards on ecosystems and civic responsibility.

This is a Coldecott Award Winning book that was published in 2020. This children's book related to the oil leak and fighting the “black snake“ that is in the pipes in the water. It shows the community fighting together to help the cause and each other to fight against something that could potentially hurt them. This shows history and rallying together.

This is a strong, yet sweet book about a young girl of the Ojibwe tribe who is fighting against the oil pipeline for the protection of people's water supply. I liked this book because it talks about the values of the Ojibwe tribe in simple ways.

Caldecott award winner: (2020) This story is inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water. Told through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, it shares the story of a young Ojibwe girl who calls on her community to stand together against a “black snake” (symbolizing oil pipelines) that threatens the Earth‘s water, land, and creatures. The book emphasizes unity, respect for nature, and the responsibility to care for our planet.

“TAKE COURAGE! I must keep the black snake away / From my village's water. I must rally my people together“

“The black snake is in for the fight of its life“.

I think I would use this book around Earth Day or whenever there was class discussion on caring for nature.

I could use this book to teach students about caring for the environment and respecting natural resources. After listening to the book, students can discuss why water is important to us, share ways to protect it, and create artwork or posters. The story encourages responsibility, teamwork, and appreciation for Indigenous voices and traditions.

I liked the powerful illustrations and how the story showed the importance of protecting nature, especially water. It made me think about how we all have a responsibility to take care of the Earth.

Genre: Caldecott winner
Publication year: 2020

We Are Water Protectors is a moving story about protecting the Earth and its water. Inspired by Native traditions, it shows how people have to stand together to care for nature. With bold, beautiful pictures, the book teaches respect, responsibility, and the importance of protecting our planet‘s most precious resource.

“We are water protectors. We stand! / The black snake is in for the fight of its life.”

“TAKE COURAGE! I must keep the black snake away / From my village's water. I must rally my people together“

“Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all.”

I‘d use this in grades 2–5 during lessons on Earth Day, environmental science, or social justice. Students could create water ripple art while writing their own “protector pledges” for the environment. It‘s also a powerful anchor text for teaching figurative language and imagery.

I could use this for earth day as a lesson starter. The lyrical text and stunning artwork capture both the urgency and the hope behind the message. In the classroom, this book can spark meaningful discussions about environmental responsibility, activism, and respect for Indigenous voices.

I think this book could be used for any age group. It has great illustrations and makes students think about how we are all connected.

This is a Caldecott Medal picturebook. It was published in 2020. Michaela Goade‘s illustrations use watercolor and digital painting in sweeping, fluid strokes. The unnamed Ojibwe girl narrator is strong, determined, and rooted in tradition.

“We are stewards of The Earth.”

We Are Water Protectors is a powerful and beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the importance of protecting our environment, especially water. Inspired by Indigenous-led movements, it teaches children that they, too, have a role in caring for the Earth.

“TAKE COURAGE! I must keep the black snake away / From my village's water. I must rally my people together“

We Are Water Protectors (2020), illustrated by Michaela Goade, is a vibrant, powerful picture book inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect the Earth‘s water. With poetic text and stunning illustrations, it raises awareness about environmental justice and the sacredness of water. A moving, urgent call to honor and defend our planet.

In the classroom, I would use it during Earth Day or in science/social studies to connect literature with conservation.

This book could be used as a social studies connection to teach about Indigenous Cultures, environmental justice, and the real-life events at Standing Rock.

“We are water protectors. We stand like the drum. We ring the drum. We raise our fists. We shout.”

We Are Water Protectors (2020)
This lyrical, award-winning book emphasizes the importance of protecting Earth‘s water, inspired by Indigenous culture and activism. It highlights environmental responsibility and the power of community. In the classroom, I would use it during Earth Day or in science/social studies to connect literature with conservation.

Caldecott Medal picture book published in 2020. We Are Water Protectors tells the story of a young girl who joins her community in protecting the water from pollution and environmental harm. The book emphasizes themes of environmental stewardship, activism, and community responsibility, showing students the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting natural resources.