Summary
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people’s water, one young girl, who refers to herself as a water protector, takes a stand to defend the water. Throughout the book, the benefits of the water are mentioned, and the water protectors mention the many reasons that the water needs to be protected from the black snake. This book shows the importance of finding courage to stand up for what you believe along with the importance of community and working together.
Theme(s):
Courage, Community
Personal Response
This book highlights the resilience of indigenous natives and their efforts to save and protect the water sources throughout the world. Children may read this book and ask questions regarding the black snake and its threat to the water, which would be a great teaching point. Children may also learn to find courage when reading this book and that being bystanding is not enough in order to see change. This book also has beautiful illustrations.
Teaching Ideas
Teachers can use this book to help teach about the importance of standing up for what you believe. Students can also learn about indigenous people and the importance of preserving water and land. One activity that can be done is to read the book as a read aloud, then have students make inferences about the symbolic meaning of the black snake. Students in higher levels could be allowed to do research, while students in lower levels may need more explicit details while making their inferences.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01
