How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest
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An inspiring true story about how an activist in the Amazon worked with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred lands and forests. Patricia (Paty) Gualinga grew up in her Kichwa village in the Amazon of Ecuador where mystical beings called Amazanga help protect the forest. Paty traveled away from home for school until she was called back—companies that said the government sold them property were destroying her people’s lands to look for oil. The Kichwa community worked with other Indigenous groups to bring the Ecuadorian government to the Court of Human Rights. Lyrically told and beautifully illustrated, this moving story will remind readers of the importance of nature conservation, perseverance, and standing up for your community. “A gorgeously told true story, full of lyricism, wonder, beautiful artwork, and most importantly, HOPE. Stand as Tall as the Trees makes my heart swell every time I read it. We need more stories like this—in life and in our libraries.” —Todd Mitchell, Green Earth Book Award Honor Winner and Author of The Namer of Spirits “This moving and inspirational story of Patricia Gualinga's fight for her community's Amazon rainforest is an urgent call to action to protect the wilderness, which, in the poignant words of the authors, keeps us all alive. Stand as Tall as the Trees is an ode to the power of ordinary people to affect change. Lovingly written and illustrated, it is a book that will inspire a new generation of activists.” —Lea Aschkenas, bilingual librarian and author of Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle “This picture book will capture your heart and imagination alike.” – Alda P. Dobbs, Winner of the Pura Belpré Honor Award and Author of The Other Side of the River “This gorgeous book will surely delight youngsters, but it will be on my syllabus for graduate students studying Nature Writing as well. After all, books for younger readers influence our cultural conversation about the environment. Who doesn’t remember their favorite nature-based picture book? I think we all do, because they were seared into our brains at a powerful moment. This book deserves to be one of those memorable classics, worth studying for its important story, delightful art, inclusion, and environmental ethic.” —Laura Pritchett, PhD, Director of the MFA in Nature Writing at Western Colorado University and PEN USA Award Winning Author "A true story full of wisdom and hope, this book's stunning beauty ranges from the gorgeous illustrations to the powerful messages of bravery, strength, and perseverance. Stand as Tall as the Trees is a poetic and soulful gem that offers inspiration for readers of all ages." — Bailey Cates, NYT bestselling author
Reviews with the most likes.
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“Stand as Tall as the Trees” by Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau is an inspiring true story that highlights the efforts of an Amazonian activist and her collaboration with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred lands and forests.
The protagonist, Patricia (Paty) Gualinga, was raised in her Kichwa village in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In her village, mystical beings known as Amazanga played a crucial role in safeguarding the forest. Paty left her home to pursue education but returned when she learned that companies claiming government-sanctioned land rights were destroying her people's ancestral territories in search of oil. Together with other Indigenous groups, the Kichwa community took legal action against the Ecuadorian government, seeking justice at the Court of Human Rights.
The book skillfully weaves together lyrical storytelling and beautiful illustrations, creating a captivating narrative. The soft watercolor-like illustrations add depth and charm to the story. The authors effectively convey a powerful message about the importance of nature conservation, perseverance, and standing up for one's community in a way that young children can understand.
“Stand as Tall as the Trees” is undeniably an inspiring story that resonates with readers of all ages.
ARC Via NetGalley