How to Read Carole Lindstrom's Books: The Recommended Path
For readers diving into Carole Lindstrom's catalog, there is no single strict chronological sequence because most of her books are standalone stories. However, there is a clear thematic and developmental path that we recommend to get the most out of her beautiful narratives.
1. Start with the Masterpiece: We Are Water Protectors (2020)
If you or your young readers are new to Lindstrom's work, start with We Are Water Protectors. Inspired by the 2016 Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, this powerful Caldecott Medal-winning picture book introduces her core themes: environmental justice, the sacredness of water, and Indigenous-led stewardship of the Earth.
2. Explore the Companion Activism: Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior (2023)
Directly after reading the lyrical call-to-arms of We Are Water Protectors, pick up Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior. This book serves as a perfect real-life companion, blending biography and activism to celebrate real-life Indigenous clean water advocates Autumn Peltier and her aunt Josephine Mandamin.
3. Learn the History: The Rose and Cuthbert Grant Connection
For a deeper dive into Lindstrom's own Métis heritage, transition to her historical works. Start with the picture book The Gift of the Great Buffalo (2025), which introduces a young Métis girl named Rose. Afterward, read the middle-grade historical novel Red River Rose (2026), which follows Rose's story during the North-West Resistance of 1885. Finally, read Cuthbert Grant: Leader of the Métis People (2020), a picture-book biography of a key Métis historical figure whom Lindstrom discovered is her ancestor.
Publication Order of Picture Books
If you prefer to read Carole Lindstrom's picture books in the exact order they were released to see her development as a writer, follow this list:
- Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle (2013) — Lindstrom's debut picture book, highlighting Métis culture and tradition.
- We Are Water Protectors (2020) — A lyrical environmental story that won the Caldecott Medal.
- Cuthbert Grant: Leader of the Métis People (2020) — A historical biography illustrated by Linus Woods.
- My Powerful Hair (2023) — A story exploring the cultural and spiritual significance of hair in Native cultures.
- Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior (2023) — A biographical tribute to clean water activists.
- The Gift of the Great Buffalo (2025) — A picture book exploring family and Métis culture, introducing the character Rose.
Publication Order of Middle-Grade Fiction & Novels
- Red River Rose (2026) — A middle-grade historical fiction novel set during the Métis resistance of 1885.
Contributions to Anthologies
In addition to her standalone books, Lindstrom has contributed short stories and poetry to multi-author collections, which are highly recommended for young readers looking for diverse voices:
- Thanku: Poems of Gratitude (2019) — Features Lindstrom's found poem, "Drops of Gratitude."
- Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids (2021) — Features Lindstrom's short story "Circles," which is set at an intertribal powwow.
What to Know Before You Start
Carole Lindstrom is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe (Anishinaabe/Métis). Her writing style is highly poetic, sparse, and relies heavily on visual storytelling in partnership with illustrators like Michaela Goade and Steph Littlebird. Many of her books contain brief glossaries or author notes in the back, explaining cultural concepts, Ojibwemowin words, or the historical events that inspired them. We highly recommend reading these back-matter notes first to provide kids with valuable context before reading the main story.