Earth Day is coming up in April, however in this day and age we need to think about our world every day. Today I get to share a new book (released today) about how indigenous people and others saved the salmon and lampreys in California. It is written by a Native American who shares her point of view and her own participation in the protests. The book is I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience by Brook M. Thompson and illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
For young readers, an inspiring story about a river, a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist.Growing up in the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Brook Thompson learned to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family. She knew that along the Klamath River in Northern California, salmon and lampreys are a needed part of life. But she also saw how these fish were in danger. People had built dams along the Klamath River, making it very hard for salmon and lampreys to live. Tribal people and their friends organized to have four of the dams removed, and they won. In I Love Salmon and Lampreys, Thompson tells this inspiring tale, and she shares how it motivated her to become a scientist. Featuring adorable illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska, as well as fun facts about salmon and lampreys, this is a stirring story about stewarding nature for the generations to come.
From Me:
This book shares Brook's story of growing up as well a bit of her Native culture. She discusses how important salmon and lampreys are to her and her family. They are the traditional food for her people. She talks about how her family fishes for them and prepares them traditionally. The book also shares about the fish. They are born in the river and swim out to the ocean and return to have their own children. Her ancestors took care of the fish, and the fish fed them. Then one year the water levels got dangerously low, and the fish began dying. Brook and other natives and other people protested to get some of the dams in California taken out so the fish could survive. They won! Brook went on to college and became an engineer and scientist and returned home to keep taking care of the salmon and lampreys.
I love how this book shares a bit of the culture of Brook's tribes. It shares the importance of nature and taking care of our environment. It also explains what a dam is and why they are built. It also shares about the protests and fight to get the dams causing the fish to die removed. It took them twenty years, but they won. At the end of the book there are fun facts about salmon and lampreys as well as a map of Klamath River including the dams that were removed. Then there is information about the book as well as the author and illustrator.
The book is written in a manner that kids will understand, and the font is OpenDyslexic so it will be easier for people with dyslexia to read. It is an informative book that shares both culture and science. I see it being used in both social studies and science classes. It is a wonderful addition to any library!
