This interview originally appeared in the September/October 2023 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: Fall 2023, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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In Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George convey the water crisis through the true story of two remarkable activists, Josephine Henrietta Mandamin and her great-niece Autumn Peltier. 

1. Carole, what elders in your family still guide you today? 

My mom and grandma inspire me. 

2. Bridget, what water-place inspires you the most? 

My home community is on the shores of Lake Huron. It’s such a special place, and I feel the most connected to the land there. There’s a special maternal energy to the water that I’ve never felt anywhere else. 

3. Carole, how has your understanding of Indigenous water activism grown since you wrote We Are Water Protectors? 

My hope and outlook for future generations are much brighter based on the comments and feedback I’ve had about how We Are Water Protectors has touched read-ers’ lives and made them see the world in a different way. That gives me so much faith in the next generations. 

4. Bridget, Lake Superior, the location of the first Women’s Water Walk, is a magnificent place. Have you been? 

Lake Superior is the only Great Lake I haven’t visited, but I will be there soon! 

5. Carole, how can children help? 

By using their voices, like Autumn, to speak for the water and land.

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