Students at Piney Grove and Oxendine elementary schools received a visit from award-winning author Carole Lindstrom on Tuesday.
Carole Lindstrom is the author of “Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior,” a book about two Indigenous rights activists committed to keeping their water clean and providing clean water to Indigenous people in Canada. Lindstrom is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and finds joy in telling stories that feature American Indian characters. She also is the recipient of the Caldecott Award for her book “We Are Water Protectors.”
Lindstrom could be seen signing “Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior” books Tuesday morning ahead of her presentation to students in kindergarten through grade three at Piney Grove Elementary School. She visited students at Oxendine Elementary School later in the afternoon.
“I would’ve loved these kinds of books growing up,” Lindstrom said. “Being able to be able to bring the books to the children … it just doesn’t seem real to me. This is my favorite part of being an author for sure.”
Lindstrom read the book to the children and told them they too could work to ensure access to clean water for everyone. She also spoke of her book’s namesake, the real-life Autumn Peltier, an Anishinaabe Indigenous rights advocate who fought for clean water and used her voice to make a difference at a young age.
Lindstrom said she hoped the book could inspire students to be brave, have courage and use their voice to make a positive difference in the world.
“I figured that you guys would want to read about someone your age doing big things,” she said.
Lindstrom also told students about the process of writing a book and how her book was illustrated.
“I can do this you can do this,” she said. “I promise every single one of you can do this.”
Students at both schools received copies of the book and were able to ask Lindstrom questions.
“Having an author to speak to our students provides them the opportunity to connect personally with the author, which can motivate them to read and write,” said Oxendine Elementary School Principal Dr. Sheri Herndon.
“By learning about the author's thought process and desire to research and write, students can spark their own creativity and desire to excel, even through art. They are able to learn more about issues important to them and understand how they, too, can make a difference!” Herndon said.
Piney Grove Elementary School Principal Kendra Deese said she was impressed with the presentation at her school.
“I think that she gave them another view other than writing,” she said. “I think that’s powerful that students who enjoy art could also look at a career as an illustrator.”
Piney Grove Elementary K-6 Media Specialist Natasha Bleck said the event at her school, which was made possible through networking with Angie Tally at The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, was a success. First Bank also generously purchased some books given to students at Piney Grove and Oxendine elementary schools.
“The look on our students' faces today when they had the chance to meet a ‘real author’ was simply priceless,” Bleck said.
“It gave them the chance to connect with and respond to the author in person. The author's visit today gave our students the potential to possibly one day be an author or illustrator themselves. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about an indigenous culture and the importance of raising awareness of environmental issues,” Bleck said.
Award-winning author Carole Lindstrom (middle) stands with Oxendine Elementary students Tuesday following a presentation of her book at the school.
Award-winning author Carole Lindstrom stands with Piney Grove Elementary students on Tuesday ahead of a presentation of her book at the school.
