Publisher's Hardcover ©2023 | -- |
Peltier, Autumn. Juvenile literature.
Peltier, Autumn.
Mandamin, Josephine Henrietta. Juvenile literature.
Mandamin, Josephine Henrietta.
Indigenous women. Biography. Juvenile literature.
Water quality. Juvenile literature.
Environmentalists. Biography. Juvenile literature.
Indigenous women.
Water quality.
Environmentalists.
PreS-Gr 3— Honoring the activism of a great aunt, a great niece, and the Indigenous women who are and have been speaking out on behalf of nibi , the word for water in Anishinaabe, this title calls on all readers to engage in this vital environmental work. Lindstrom ( We Are Water Protectors ) tells the story in poetic and powerful language in the voice of water itself. Readers are reminded of the vital role water plays in all our lives and the history of its degradation. Grandma Josephine (as she was known to many) spoke for the water and began walking miles and miles around the Great Lakes raising awareness for the protection of this precious gift. The call to action has reached to the Seventh Generation with Great-Niece Autumn Peltier, a young Anishinaabe Water Protector. Peltier has carried on the work of speaking out for the role of Indigenous people in climate discussions and has challenged world leaders to do better. Illustrations by George, who is also Anishinaabe, exquisitely capture the message of the story, especially conveying the concept of the seven generations for those in the audience unfamiliar with the future-forward planning. Back matter includes further information, suggested reading, viewing, and websites. Nibi asks at the conclusion, "What will you do for me?" VERDICT A brilliant combination of story, culture, and activism in the cause of protecting the environment. Highly recommended for all collections.— John Scott
ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)Nibi is the Anishinaabe word for "water," and nibi is the narrator of this powerful, poetic, semi-biographical call to action. It begins with a reminder of when the Anishinaabe understood the importance of water and their role in ensuring that it remains clean for the next seven generations. Then comes a time of pollution and waste. Anishnaabe elder Josephine Henrietta Mandamin, aka Grandma Josephine, recognizes the crisis and begins to organize for the protection of water. She cofounds the Mother Earth Water Walkers, who walk the perimeter of Lake Superior to draw attention to the need for an end to the destruction of clean water. Grandma Josephine's great-niece, Autumn Peltier, continues this work, speaking to world leaders and activists about the need for a collaborative global effort in preventing ecological catastrophe. The narrative tone is both gentle and firm, and the gorgeous blue-and-aqua illustrations are themselves a tribute to nibi. Pair with Lindstrom's We Are Water Protectors (2020) to reinforce the importance of environmental activism and the leadership of Indigenous peoples in this effort.
Kirkus ReviewsThe true story of a young Anishinaabe woman and her family's legacy of Native water activism.In the foreword, Anishinaabe activist Autumn Peltier explains, "In our culture, we look at water as a living being, and we're taught to treat it with the same respect we would show another human." With this ethic in mind, Lindstrom (Anishinaabe/Métis) and George (Anishinaabe) tell their story from the perspective of nibi (Anishinaabe for water) itself. Beginning with the Anishinaabe tradition of "looking seven generations into the future" to ensure that water is clean for everyone, nibi celebrates Indigenous land and water stewardship. But "over time, more people came" and polluted and mistreated water, and Native women "were forced to get louder" in the fight for water protection-including Grandma Josephine, Autumn Peltier's great-aunt. A water warrior famous for trekking around the Great Lakes with a copper water pail, Grandma Josephine inspired young Autumn to also make waves. George's rich, cartoon images reverently depict Autumn's growth as an organizer under her ancestors' guidance, honoring their intergenerational struggles. After the story concludes with an invitation to join Autumn in the fight for water rights, backmatter offers more details about Grandma Josephine and Autumn's activism. Lindstrom's latest is a moving tribute to Native women and their crucial leadership in Indigenous and water rights. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A touching ode to Indigenous activists organizing for generations of clean water. (glossary, further reading) (Informational picture book. 5-10)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)Anishinaabe/Métis author Lindstrom gives voice to nibi, or
School Library Journal Starred Review (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)
Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
From New York Times bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes a must-read companion to the powerful, award-winning picture book We Are Water Protectors . Telling the story of reall-ife water protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior celebrates Autumn Peltier and her great-aunt Josephine Mandamin, two Indigenous Rights Activists inspiring a tidal wave of change. The seventh generation is creating A sea of change. It was a soft voice, at first. Like a ripple. But with practice it grew louder. Indigenous women have long cared for the land and water, which in turn sustains all life on Earth--honoring their ancestors and providing for generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water. But then came Anishinaabe elder Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier. Featuring a foreword from water advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist Autumn Peltier herself, this stunning picture book encourages young readers to walk in the footsteps of the water warriors before them.