We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade. 2020. Published by Roaring Brook Press.

Brief summary: A young female water protector shares how important water is for not only humans but also for various creatures. She foretells how the black snake will destroy the sacred water, so rallies for her people to stand up against its poison. It is their job to protect those who cannot fight against the monster.

Comments: “In Ojibwe culture, women are the protectors of the water…” The story does not tell that the black snake is an oil pipeline. Metaphorical.  Lyrical. Beautifully illustrated.

Back pages–“More on Water Protectors, Further Reading, Glossary, and Illustrator’s Note, Pledge