“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. (Ages 5-9)

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.