Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
“I am nibi. / I have a spirit. / I have feelings. / I remember.” The voice of water narrates a picture book about the Anishinaabe peoples’ relationship with water and the work of two Anishinaabe water activists, Grandma Josephine (Jospehine Mandamin) and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier. When water’s voice was quieted by those who “didn’t cherish me,” Grandma Josephine walked miles around the Great Lakes to draw attention to water’s plight. “I remember her touch. / The ripple.” After Grandma Josephine died, Autumn began speaking out. “Telling them that I am precious. / Telling them that without me, there would be no life.” The text flows with grace and purpose across pages featuring thoughtfully composed illustrations connected by rippling swaths of blue. The volume opens with a foreword by Autumn Peltier; end matter includes more about the efforts of Water Walker Josephine Henrietta Mandamin and Autumn Peltier, who began her activism in 2012 at age eight, along with resources for further learning. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Bridget George
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Activism and Resistance
Environmental Challenges
First/Native Nations
Ojibwe People
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
Publisher:
Roaring Brook
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781250795274
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Peltier