Poster for We Are Water Protectors

We Are Water Protectors (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption -- a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. - Publisher.

Picture Book • 2020 • 40 pages • Grade 2

4.6
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
6+

This Caldecott-winning picture book introduces young children to environmental activism and Indigenous culture through a metaphorical lens. While it deals with the heavy reality of oil pipelines (represented as a 'Black Snake') threatening tribal lands and water, the book remains age-appropriate by focusing on courage and the interconnectedness of nature. It is ideal for readers aged 6-8 to discuss stewardship, tribal history, and the… Sign up for the full guide

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Is We Are Water Protectors appropriate for kids?

This Caldecott-winning picture book introduces young children to environmental activism and Indigenous culture through a metaphorical lens. While it deals with the heavy reality of oil pipelines (represented as a 'Black Snake') threatening tribal lands and water, the book… Read more — free account

Content severity in We Are Water Protectors

Sex None 0/10
Violence Mild 2/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Mild 2/10

What happens in We Are Water Protectors, moment by moment

  1. p. 5 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. p. 10 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  3. p. 14 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
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Sex and nudity in We Are Water Protectors

There is no sexual content or nudity present in this children's picture book. The story remains focused on cultural heritage and environmental advocacy without any mature romantic elements. The illustrations portray characters in appropriate traditional or modern clothing. As a picture book aimed at young children, the focus is entirely on the spiritual and physical relationship between humans and the natural world. There are no scenes involving romance, dating, or physical intimacy.

Violence and gore in We Are Water Protectors

The 'Black Snake' is a metaphorical representation of a pipeline that poses a destructive threat to the land, but there is no physical combat or gore. The imagery suggests environmental harm rather than physical violence against people. A sense of peril is created through the dark, swirling illustrations of the oil leak and the ominous presence of the pipeline. While the threat to nature is depicted as severe, no characters are physically harmed or struck. The conflict is ideological and environmental rather than…

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Language in We Are Water Protectors

The book contains no profanity or crude language. The text is written in a poetic and thoughtful style that is suitable for a primary school audience. The vocabulary focuses on themes of nature, preservation, and communal strength. Terms like 'stewardship,' 'sovereignty,' and 'prophecy' are used to elevate the tone without becoming inaccessible. There are no instances of name-calling or aggressive speech. The language remains respectful and reverent throughout the entire narrative.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in We Are Water Protectors

No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are depicted or mentioned in this book. The narrative is centered entirely on the protection of natural resources and the threat posed by industrial expansion. There is no reference to any illicit or adult substances. The focus remains on water as the 'first medicine' and the primary source of life for all creatures. Even in background illustrations, there are no depictions of characters consuming harmful substances. The content is entirely safe for the target age group of…

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Mature themes in We Are Water Protectors

Strong emphasis on environmentalism, Indigenous sovereignty, and the duty to protect the Earth for future generations. It addresses the emotional weight of seeing one's home threatened by industry. The narrative explores the concept of being a steward for the planet and the urgency of protecting water as a vital resource. Readers are introduced to the idea of communal activism and the importance of ancestral wisdom. The book uses the 'Black Snake' as a central metaphor for industrial pipelines and environmental…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is We Are Water Protectors appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests We Are Water Protectors is best for ages 6+. This Caldecott-winning picture book introduces young children to environmental activism and Indigenous culture through a metaphorical lens. While it deals with the heavy reality of oil pipelines (represented as a 'Black…

What age rating does We Are Water Protectors have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. We Are Water Protectors is published for a Picture Book audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 6+.

What reading level is We Are Water Protectors?

We Are Water Protectors is 40 pages and its reading level is Grade 2. Bontent recommends it for ages 6+.

What is We Are Water Protectors about?

This Caldecott-winning picture book introduces young children to environmental activism and Indigenous culture through a metaphorical lens. While it deals with the heavy reality of oil pipelines (represented as a 'Black Snake') threatening tribal lands and water, the book remains age-appropriate by focusing on courage…

Is there sex or nudity in We Are Water Protectors?

There is no sexual content or nudity present in this children's picture book. The story remains focused on cultural heritage and environmental advocacy without any mature romantic elements. The illustrations portray characters in appropriate traditional or…

How violent is We Are Water Protectors?

The 'Black Snake' is a metaphorical representation of a pipeline that poses a destructive threat to the land, but there is no physical combat or gore. The imagery suggests environmental harm rather than physical violence against people. A sense of peril is…

Is the language in We Are Water Protectors appropriate for kids?

The book contains no profanity or crude language. The text is written in a poetic and thoughtful style that is suitable for a primary school audience. The vocabulary focuses on themes of nature, preservation, and communal strength. Terms like 'stewardship,'…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in We Are Water Protectors?

No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are depicted or mentioned in this book. The narrative is centered entirely on the protection of natural resources and the threat posed by industrial expansion. There is no reference to any illicit or adult substances…

What mature themes appear in We Are Water Protectors?

Strong emphasis on environmentalism, Indigenous sovereignty, and the duty to protect the Earth for future generations. It addresses the emotional weight of seeing one's home threatened by industry. The narrative explores the concept of being a steward for the…

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