Picture a storyteller who weaves Indigenous wisdom and environmental passion into vibrant children’s books—meet Carole Lindstrom! A proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, Lindstrom crafts stories that celebrate Native American heritage, challenge stereotypes, and inspire young readers to protect the Earth. Her New York Times bestselling book, We Are Water Protectors, has made waves, earning a Caldecott Medal and cementing her as a vital voice in children’s literature.
Born and raised in Nebraska, Lindstrom’s journey from a library-loving kid to an award-winning author is a tale of heart and purpose. Her work shines a light on Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship, driven by a mission to give Native children the representation she longed for as a child.
The Making of Carole Lindstrom
Growing up in Nebraska, Carole Lindstrom was a self-proclaimed 'library geek,' spending weekends lost in books. As an Anishinaabe/Métis woman, she rarely saw authentic portrayals of Native Americans in literature, which sparked a fire to tell her own stories. After studying at the Institute of Children’s Literature, she honed her craft, joining SCBWI and attending workshops to shape her voice. Her debut, Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle (2013), drew from her Métis roots, setting the stage for her impactful career.
Carole Lindstrom’s Unforgettable Stories
Lindstrom’s books are lyrical, bold, and deeply rooted in Indigenous values. Her breakout hit, We Are Water Protectors (2020), inspired by the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, follows a young Ojibwe girl fighting to save her people’s water from a 'black snake'—a poetic symbol of oil pipelines. Illustrated by Michaela Goade, it won the 2021 Caldecott Medal and resonates with its urgent call for environmental justice.
Her follow-up, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior (2023), celebrates real-life Indigenous activists Autumn Peltier and Josephine Mandamin, blending biography with a rallying cry for clean water. My Powerful Hair (2023) explores the spiritual significance of hair in Native cultures, offering a heartfelt ode to identity. Lindstrom’s sparse, poetic style leaves room for imagination, pairing beautifully with vibrant illustrations to create stories that sing to readers of all ages.
Why Carole Lindstrom Matters
Carole Lindstrom’s work is a beacon for Indigenous representation in children’s literature. By centering Native voices and environmental activism, she empowers young readers to see themselves as stewards of the Earth. Her books bridge cultural gaps, educating non-Native readers while uplifting Indigenous kids who rarely see their heritage celebrated. Awards like the Caldecott Medal and Jane Addams Children’s Book Award underscore her influence, but her true legacy lies in inspiring a generation to protect the planet and embrace their roots.
- Born: Nebraska, USA
- Key Works: We Are Water Protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, My Powerful Hair, Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle
- Awards: 2021 Caldecott Medal, 2021 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award
Snag We Are Water Protectors and dive into Carole Lindstrom’s lyrical world of Indigenous pride and planet-saving passion!